Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts

How to design the perfect guest bedroom

When you have guests staying in your home it’s important to make them feel comfortable and welcome. If you have the space, a dedicated guest bedroom is a perfect way to ensure that you always have a suitable space to make visitors feel at home. Decorating and furnishing a guest room should be simple if you follow a few basic rules of thumb.

The key to an effective guest bedroom is simplicity. Too much clutter will make a guest feel like they are intruding on your personal space. In terms of furniture a comfortable bed, and pair of side tables and a wardrobe or set of drawers for clothes is all that’s really required. You may also wish to install a television, but this isn’t essential.

There’s nothing more likely to leave a bad impression on your guests than an uncomfortable bed. Make sure you’ve invested in a top-quality mattress. A really luxurious choice, such as memory foam or latex, will really wow your houseguests. Specialist sleep experts, Silentnight in the UK have a range of quality beds and mattresses to suit your needs. The only downside is that they may never want to leave!



Super comfy mattresses by Silentnight.

When it comes to decorating it’s always advisable to stick to a neutral colour. Your guest room may entertain a variety of guests over the years, and anything too bright, dark or garish could be quite off-putting, and make it difficult for your guests to relax. Stick to light colours and simple patterns, if you’re wallpapering.

To really make your guests feel welcome consider buying a small toiletries set. If there’s an appropriate space then a mirror will also complement this nicely, but remember the rule about clutter. If your guest room is only small, stick to the essentials – a bed and some storage space.

Similarly, it’s important to think about the size of the bed in the room. A double or larger is obviously ideal, but if it’s going to be so large as to overwhelm the rest of the room then it might be better to stick to a single.

Overall the best approach to furnishing a guest room is to imagine the things you’d like to see if you were staying with somebody else. We all need a few home comforts to be able to truly relax. Follow your instincts and your hospitality will be the envy of the neighbourhood.

Here are some more tips - and things that I always appreciate when staying as a guest.


• A water glass and carafe (or easy access to a sink for drinking water).  I really like to hydrate before bed, and while I try to bring my water bottle with me everywhere, I always appreciate a glass.

• Maps, books, or brochures with local information.  Even if I'm there to visit you, it's fun to learn a little bit about the town where I'm staying.

• An extra blanket - lightweight and heavy.  During the day I'm typically cold, but for some reason at night I get warm.  It's important your guests are able to choose from a light blanket or a heavy blanket.

• A small fan, especially if it's summer.

• A spot other than the bed to unpack.  Putting suitcases on the bed is a big no-no.  Think of what those suitcase wheels have been though! A folding luggage rack or trunk serves this purpose well.

• Extra pillows.  I always need atleast 2 pillows.  If I have a stuffy nose, 3.

• Bedside table with a lamp, even if it's small.

Thoughtful Extras:

• A clock with easy to set alarm.

• Easy access to outlets for charging phones, laptops, etc.

Here are some examples of great guest bedrooms - from grand to modest.



2 images above via BHG



3 images above via marthastewart.com

 Have you decorated a guest room recently? Please leave your tips in the comments!

disclosure: This post brought to you by Silentnight.co.uk
You have read this article entertaining / guest bedroom / hostng guests / mosquito net / poster bed / small guest bedrooms / tapestry headboard / white bedroom with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-design-perfect-guest-bedroom.html. Thanks!

Celebrating the 4th in style!

This is a guest post I did for my good friends over at Bae - a fab home decor boutique in SF. Visit their blog at Bae Home & Design


You don’t need to clear out your local Hobby Lobby of everything with a star or a stripe this month to give your home or 4th of July celebration a patriotic sparkle, you can show your pride this Independence Day in a less is more approach with style, sophistication, and a little bit of fun.

The opening of The Pledge of Allegiance in a bold modern graphic print is a great way to show some spirit.

via eighteen25 download art here.


What is more decadent than cheesecake? Individual jar servings make it special, strawberries and blueberries make it festive.

via The Tomkat Studio Recipe: My Baking Addiction
 

Show up to the cookout in this chic and pretty sweetheart dress.

Available at Anthropologie.


Bae's SkLo float vessels would look great anywhere in your home or party. Cluster a grouping of them around some candles to create a colorful glow. See more

 

This patriotic throw pillow is so cute you can use it year round.

 Via The Stir, available on Etsy.


You can also decorate with your own accessories. Group together any red, white, and blue items you already have around your home to get that patriotic feel.

Via The Examiner

Have a happy, stylish 4th of July!
You have read this article 4th of July / blue / cookout / entertaining / holiday decorating / patriotic / quilts / red / seasonal decorating / white with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2012/07/celebrating-4th-in-style.html. Thanks!

I'm off to DC to attend Mochatini's awesome tabletop decor design camp!

So what else but tabletop inspiration for today's post?





1., 2. Elle Decor 3. Pinterest 4., 5., 6. Rue Magazine
You have read this article decorating tips / entertaining / seasonal decor / tabletop styling with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-off-to-dc-to-attend-mochatini-awesome.html. Thanks!

In the DC area next Wednesday? Then you must come to this chic, fun event (and say hi to me and Manvi from Mochatini!)

Manvi of the FABULOUS Mochatini blog is putting on a great event. Manvi's passion for tablescape decor has inspired her to share all her know-how by way of an awesome party and tabletop styling evening.

The tablescape design camp and champagne party will be held at the Mitchell Gold Bob Willams showroom in DC on June 29 (6 - 8: 30pm). Registration is $30.

I would love to see some of you there - so if you can make it be sure to find me and say hi!

It's easy to register - just click Event Registration



There will also be lovely goodies from Hello Cupcake! and MacaronCafe.com (from NYC and available online) to sweeten your camp experience. A portion of proceeds will go towards providing meals to the homeless via Miriam’s Kitchen.
I hope to see you there!
You have read this article design event / entertaining / tabletop styling / Washington DC with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2011/06/in-dc-area-next-wednesday-then-you-must.html. Thanks!

A variety of delectable dining rooms

It's been awhile since I've posted some dining rooms. I've picked a handful of beautiful spaces in all different decorating styles, so hopefully atleast one strikes your fancy...

Love the table and mix n' match chairs in this Scandinavian beauty...
via Design Interiør


The salon-style wall and dark paint job makes this vintage-industrial dining room feel luxe.
via Scandinavian Chic

A beautiful country dining room
via Elle Decor

I'm a big modern retro fan, but I don't know if I could go this all-out modern retro...
via Alice in Designland

A cheery and bright vintage dining room
via Creamy Life

Even though this is an open floor plan layout, the dining room is still visually divided from the living room.
via Alice in Designland

A calm and serene dining room.
via House & Home

Which do you like best?
You have read this article decorating with maps / dining room / entertaining / industrial furniture / mix and match chairs / modern retro / modern vintage / open floor plan / Scandinavian decor with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2011/03/a-variety-of-delectable-dining-rooms.html. Thanks!
Since I featured West Elm's fab new look yesterday, I thought it'd be a good time to showcase West Elm creative director's home.




Unfortunately those are all I have!
What do you think of her style as compared to West Elm's new style, which I featured yesterday.
as seen on Country Living

Below are some random pretty images, also from Country Living.

What do you think of the wallpaper? Too much?



A sweet little bedside montage. Some great must haves for a guest's bedside table.
You have read this article bedside table / entertaining / guests / house tour / nautical decor / rustic bedroom / salon style wall / wallpaper / white interiors / wide plank hardwood floors with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2011/01/since-i-featured-west-elms-fab-new-look.html. Thanks!

A familiar home decorating favorite gets an AMAZING makeover

Um...did I miss this or is this a new look for West Elm for the New Year? The styling in the Jan. 2011 No. 1 issue is so fresh and different. love?....YES. I really like the indie style, mid-century modern nod, rustic and eclectic touch they've introduced. So up my alley. What do you think?

Click on a photo for a larger version (it's worth it to see these details)

I adore every chair in this room!





Isn't this the cutest cork and ceramic coffee set?


yummy






Do you like their new look?

See more at West Elm.
You have read this article curtains / dutch retro / eclectic / entertaining / indie home decor / makeover / mid-century modern / modern retro / natural / neutral color palette / salon style wall / vases / west elm with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2011/01/a-familiar-home-decorating-favorite.html. Thanks!

You will LOVE this stuff...

I just discovered this adorable online store, Bombay Duck. If I could register for a house warming party, I think this might be it. If I had a house. Here are some of my favs...

these are tooooo pretty!



really cute shoe boxes


pretty glass knobs


vintage tea accessories!

adorable cupcake shaped trinket boxes


love the flower drawer pulls!
Check out all the goodies on Bombay Duck.
You have read this article bombay duck / door knobs / drawer pulls / entertaining / home accessories / home decor / kitchen accessories / shopping / storage boxes / vintage decorating with the title entertaining. You can bookmark this page URL https://bellashabby.blogspot.com/2010/03/you-will-love-this-stuff.html. Thanks!