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“A guest room should feel comfortable, calm and thoughtful rather than cluttered or busy,” says Barbara Hawthorn of Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd. She outfitted the guest quarters of a Maryland home with a bed of her own design and custom bedding fashioned by Everett Design. A bench in Clarence House fabric and a Zanotta chair through M2L offer handy perches; a painting by Shivani Dugar completes the serene retreat. Photo: Kenneth M. Wyner

Design Partners

Be My Guest

Experts share a host of ideas on how to create welcoming guest rooms

By HOME & DESIGN

Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, Ann Gottlieb Design

I always furnish guest rooms with a great mattress and soft, high-quality sheets, along with a quilt and throw blankets. Layered options let guests enjoy a preferred temperature while sleeping.

anngottliebdesign.com, 571-771-9357

Photo: Angela Newton Roy Photography

Bonnie Ammon, Bonnie Ammon Interiors

In a guest room, you can select a dramatic wallcovering or an unexpected color combination that may be too bold for more frequently used spaces in the home. Art, collected objects or small details can make the space feel intentional rather than simply “decorated.”

bonnieammoninteriors.com, 703-778-5755

Andrea Maaseide, Casa Millie

A guest room should offer good lighting and a dresser and nightstands where visitors can store clothing and belongings. Window coverings that let them control light and privacy are also important. And with so many people working remotely, a small writing desk for laptop use is always appreciated.

casamillie.com, 571-459-2136

Becky Wetzler, ASID ALLIED, Haus Interior Design, Inc.

For versatility, I like to choose nature-inspired color palettes for guest rooms. Neutral earth tones like blues, greens and warm beiges and taupes are adaptable without feeling gender- or age-specific. Fun accents like pillows, a quilt or artwork add personality and are easily changed out when needed.

hausinteriordesign.com, 240-907-7465

Photo and styling: Stylish Productions