Generally speaking, the holidays can be a time of both excitement and mild chaos, particularly if you have guests staying. However, a complete redesign of your guest room is not necessary to get it ready for the holidays.
A few simple changes are all you need to put together a welcoming and festive atmosphere in your guest room without going overboard with the décor. Minor adjustments, like using ambient lighting or cozy designs, can create a warm and inviting space that makes visitors feel at home.
Add Layers of Warmth and Texture
All you need to create a cozy design in any space is soft textures and layered fabrics, like this Coral Reef Cadence Sherpa Blanket. Plush rugs like this help anchor the space while creating instant warmth underfoot.
Also, when you mix in textured cushions and thick throws, the room feels even more comfortable. You can even experiment with warm color tones like muted gold, terracotta, or deep green to add a festive yet timeless touch.
Maintaining equilibrium while adding layers without going overboard is the key. An extra quilt folded neatly at the end or a soft blanket draped across the bed, for example, instantly gives guests a sense of care.
Upgrade the Bedding for Instant Comfort
Nothing makes a guest room feel homelier faster than fresh, soft bedding. First, swap out your light summer sheets for ones made of flannel or soft cotton, which are both warm and breathable.
You can even add a heavier comforter or a plush duvet insert to keep guests comfortable through chilly nights. Besides that, a few extra pillows in varying sizes can instantly make the bed look and feel more inviting or luxurious.
These throw pillows are probably the humblest element in the room, but they really help in tying the space together perfectly. For more evidence on the same, take a look at our blog on designer throw pillows that do more than look pretty.
Create a Welcoming Lighting Setup
Lighting can completely change the way your guest rooms look and feel. As a general rule of thumb, using soft, warm-toned lights instantly makes your guest room, or any other room, more relaxing and homey.
You can even try layering your lighting, like placing a small floor lamp in the corner for ambiance or a bedside lamp for reading. Besides that, hanging fairy lights around the curtain rod can also help create a soft glow throughout the room.
Harsh overhead lights should be avoided because they tend to make the space seem too clinical or stark. Installing dimmers instead would allow visitors to customize the lighting to their preferred level.
How Can I Make My Guest Room Feel More Like Home?
It’s the little details that actually make guests feel truly welcome. It’s not just about using the right blankets, throw pillows, or even aesthetic lighting.
It’s more about small touches like adding a vase of fresh flowers, a few of your favorite books on the nightstand, or a water jug like this Copper Hammered Pitcher Jug, within easy reach. Apart from that, make sure essentials, such as extra blankets, towels, and phone chargers, are within reach, as these thoughtful additions show care and attention.
Declutter and Add Festive Touches
Especially during the holidays, a clean environment always feels more welcoming. Before your guests arrive, take a few minutes to clean and refresh all surfaces.
Like we established, less is generally more when it comes to holiday prep, and focusing on just a few minute details can easily make the space feel more homely without overpowering it. To make the guest room feel serene and inviting, it's necessary to maintain a simple and well-balanced decor.
To that end, consider adding a neutral wreath, a pine-scented candle, or a warm throw in seasonal hues. See this blog post on the role of fabrics in creating a cozy holiday atmosphere to learn how to use fabrics to create an inviting and festive guest room.
It's not necessary to completely redesign your guest room in order to get it ready for the holidays. With just a little care and attention, it can become the perfect retreat for the season.
