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 Living in a resort community offers the opportunity for numerous houseguests and the best way to relax and enjoy hosting is to have a terrific guest room and accommodations. It is easy for an unused guest room to become a forgotten “catch all” room.
If you would like to make sure your guests feel completely at home during their visit this year, consider a few changes and freshen up that room. Think about some of your favorite hotels or a cozy Bed and Breakfast. It is possible to create a similar atmosphere in your guest room and your guests will appreciate the relaxing environment.
ALLURING THEMES
Consider what particular theme you would like to create for your guests to enjoy. It may be surprising how easy it is to do when you have a good direction for the room. Maybe you have always admired the cozy romantic room at a historical Bed and Breakfast while visiting the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. If purchasing new furniture will put a strain on your budget, don’t be alarmed. This inviting look can be easily achieved by taking an old dark outdated bedroom suite and painting it white. This is the beginning of a stylish shabby chic look and with the addition of grandmother’s quilt or the purchase of a new quilt, the room is on its way. Always keep in mind how important extra pillows are for creating a luxurious look and adding comfort to the bed. The choice of a vibrant blue, serene green or even a whimsical warm yellow for the walls will give the perfect background for this cottage look. A great way to accessorize is with antique porcelain items from your china cabinet or shop antique stores for a quaint vase or romantic Victorian mirror. Add sheer curtains or a valance to top off white shutters or wood blinds to control the light.
The new modern metro look is an intriguing theme, and perhaps you noticed while staying in a top-rated hotel that this uncluttered look was relaxing. There are several ways to create this theme, and if you want to try a popular do-it-yourself idea, make the upholstered headboard yourself. There are numerous Web sites such as www.about.com that give instruction for this project. You can also have a professional upholstery company design one from your selected fabric to coordinate with your comforter. Keep the look simple by using solid fabrics accented with geometrics and tailored clean lines. A color scheme such as cappuccino brown and cool aqua or maybe black and white will add a modern feel to this updated look. Bedside lamps in a sleek silver metal will be the perfect accents. This theme needs to be uncluttered and not overly accessorized. Complete the modern ambiance with a large round mirror over a simple chest. You will be adding a dramatic focal point along with a necessary item for your guest.
A fantastic idea to quickly update a boring guest room is to shop for luxurious designer sheets and buy an extra set to make window treatments or a duvet cover. Sheets are often available in stylish deep colors or dynamic designs that will create a new look that will impress your guests. Look for extra shams or throw pillows that coordinate and complete the look. Your guests will enjoy the high thread count softness and yet the look is practical and not overly expensive. Consider folding a new soft throw or fresh new blanket along the foot of the bed. If you have a spare chair that needs updating, consider a slipcover. You might even purchase an inexpensive terry robe available in “one size fits all” to hang on the back of the door.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Once you have decided on a color scheme and overall theme for the guest room, it is time to add a few items for added comfort and convenience. These are the things we all enjoy when spending time away from home. Make sure you have left space for suitcases or a convenient folding rack, which will keep luggage off the floor. Clean out the closet and leave some space for hanging items. Remember to have good lighting for reading and the quiet moments we all need before going to sleep. Provide an alarm clock to give your guests the option to awake when they choose. Leave enough space on top of furniture for your guest’s personal items and consider a lovely tray or basket for jewelry or loose change. Make sure there is an extra blanket in the room or conveniently located.
We all love to be pampered, and your guests will feel just that, if you add a few special touches that are more personal. What type of reading does this particular guest enjoy? You may have a great new novel that could be left on the bedside table or why not a couple of Hollywood gossip magazines that are always fun for a quick read. If your guests are new to the area, leave a copy of the latest issue of Hilton Head Monthly on the nightstand. Include a map and brochures of local attractions you would recommend and place these items in the room.
 QUICK LAST MINUTE IDEAS
1. Create a basket filled with special soaps, shampoo and shower gels.
2. House key tied with a bright ribbon.
3. A small bottled water or a water carafe with glass.
4. A writing tablet or stationery with pen.
5. Night-light.
6. Just a few snacks or chocolates in a pretty bowl.
7. A small box of tissues.
8. Fresh flowers in a crystal vase.
Most of us have a few memories of visits that include lumpy mattresses, flat pillows and feeling crowded into a space that was really not very inviting. Make sure your guests never have those experiences by preparing in advance for a comfortable visit and one that will be remembered fondly. Even if your guest room is not in need of a complete transformation, a few added touches can make a huge difference to your guests. Plan ahead and your guest room will have a welcoming atmosphere with little surprises that make your guests feel pampered.
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