As we look ahead to warm summer months, we are dreaming of spending lazy days outside, enjoying unscheduled time with family, and hosting friends and loved ones.

If you have a waterfront home you’re certainly familiar with how popular you become once the summer months approach. And, if you are an excellent host like many of our clients are, your guests will want to stay for a while, and come back often.

In today’s post, we’re sharing our 9 must-haves to create a luxurious (and functional) vacation home guest bedroom. If you don’t have a lake or waterfront home, you can use these tips to infuse a little “vacation” vibe into your own home.

Project: Lake Geneva Dream House | Service: Construction, Full Service Furnishings & Styling

MAKE THE BED COMFORTABLE

A luxurious stay starts with a bed that feels like a dream and results in a good night’s sleep. We recommend including at least two sleeping pillows for each guest, plus an extra blanket for those who like to sleep more bundled up and some additional pillows in the closet for those who might like a more firm option. Choose sheets and blankets that are made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. These materials will help your guests stay cool and comfortable on even the hottest summer nights.

WIND DOWN WITH LOW LIGHTING

Mood lighting is one of the easiest ways to turn a bedroom into a sleeptime oasis. Consider low light alternatives to overhead lighting like lamps or sconces, and make sure to include a lamp within arm’s reach of each side of the bed so your guests can read at night as they wind down.

HAVE A FAN AVAILABLE

We recommend keeping a slim fan in the closet of your guest bedroom. This way guests have the option of keeping the windows open to enjoy the sounds of the lake, while still staying cool. We’ve found that with some of the older lake homes we’ve designed, the AC isn’t the greatest.

INCLUDE READING & WRITING MATERIALS

No lake house guest bedroom is complete without a selection of reading materials. It’s always a bonus if you can find a book or magazine that shares local history about your home or your lake.

Place a small notepad and pen or pencil in the nightstand drawer in case your guests feel inspired while they’re enjoying their stay, and need to jot anything down.

DON’T FORGET THE LUGGAGE RACK

You definitely don’t want guests putting their luggage on your bedding. Be sure to place a simple luggage rack in each bedroom so your guests have somewhere to unpack and settle in.

A PRIVATE BATHROOM

If possible, provide your guests with a private bathroom. This will make them feel much more comfortable and at home. The bathroom should be stocked with all the essentials, such as bath towels, hand towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

If your guest bedroom doesn’t have a private bathroom, we recommend including a mirror in the bedroom design so guests can take a peek at themselves before they step out into a community space.

A WELCOME BASKET

A welcome basket is a thoughtful touch to your guest bedroom set up and a surefire way to make you the host with the most. You could include a welcome note with the WiFi information, a small snack, drinks, or toiletries. Take it one step further and hang clean bathrobes in the closet and some fresh slippers for the ultimate luxury experience.

FRESH FLOWERS

Of course, fresh flowers on the nightstand are always a nice touch. And if you can easily clip something from your garden, even better!

HOOKS ARE KEY

Be sure to provide your guests with ample places to hang their wet swimsuits and towels. It’s a small detail that’s easily overlooked, but there’s nothing worse than walking into a guest bedroom to find wet clothes soaking through to your mattress or upholstered furniture.

Hosting overnight guests can be stressful, but not if you set yourself up for success by preparing a functional and luxurious guest area in your home. Next time you have guests coming to stay, you can be sure to give them the royal treatment with these tips on designing a well-appointed guest room. Then, you and your guests can sit back, relax, and have time for plenty of memory making at the lake.

Nine Must-Haves for a Luxury Vacation Home Guest Bedroom

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