What's Cooking, Lake Norman?

Guest bedroom

Originally uploaded by Chenxi Wang

If you live far away from your family, you may benefit from the use of a guest bedroom in your home.

My parents lived about 10 hours away when we had our first child, so that room was all but a necessity for us. I wanted the room to be warm and comfortable for my parents or guests so I did some research on how to make the most of your guest bedroom.

The wall colors should be neutral, of course.  Not everyone has the same reactions to colors, but bold colors typically can make a person feel antsy, and dark colors can have the effect of making one feel morose.  Better to stick with a warm neutral and accessorize with colors.

Furniture that your guest bedroom has is also important.  The bed, is of course, key.  Some people opt for a futon, as it saves space, but I prefer comfort over space.   A nightstand is another essential piece of furniture, as guests need to have a place to put jewelry and other personal items.

Accessories to help your guests feel more at home are important, too.  I like having an alarm clock available, if for no other reason than to let me know the time.  In that vein, a wall clock would perform the same function, but your guests may enjoy the option of setting the alarm to get an early start on their days as well.  Perhaps the most important accessory is a reading light!  I have to read every night before I go to bed, so this is a necessity! 

Because I keep my home colder than some, I like to have extra blankets within easy reach for my guests.  That way, they don’t have to ask you for every little thing to make them comfortable.  I also provide extra pillows for my guests.  I also try to clear out the closet for my guests so they will have plenty of space for their clothing to hang.

To gild the lily, you can provide miniature bottles of toiletries, books and magazines, a mirror and a small television.  But beware: your guests may never want to leave!