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The Guest Room Edit

True hospitality is an art form, and the guest room is your canvas. More than just a place to sleep, a guest room should serve as a retreat, a curated escape where visitors can unwind and feel at home. From the moment they arrive, every detail, from the soft custom wool carpet underfoot to the decorative accents, contributes to an atmosphere of warmth and quiet luxury. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate a room from a temporary stay to a cherished part of their visit.

 

The Guest Room Essentials

Beyond that first impression, a guest room is best designed around a few key essentials. Regardless of the size, a truly inviting space always has the basics: a comfortable bed that feels like a five-star hotel, discreet storage that doesn’t compromise style, and layered lighting to set the perfect mood. Adding a custom wool broadloom carpet grounds the design and instantly upgrades the space with warmth and sophistication. The key is to think of it as a complete, curated suite for your visitors. When you furnish the space with these intentional, thoughtful elements, you’re guaranteed that your guests have everything they need to feel completely at home.

Kaleen broadloom linear patterned carpet in a neutral, minimalist bedroom with an inviting design.

Styling Your Guest Room Sanctuary

Once the basic furniture and layout are in place, it’s time to focus on the soft touches that truly bring a guest room to life. These are the design elements that make the space feel deeply personal and irresistibly cozy. Here are our best tips for styling a guest room to feel like a cherished retreat.

The Foundation of Cozy Carpeting

The quickest way to make any room feel instantly warm and inviting is by layering with soft textures. Beyond plush pillows and a luxurious throw blanket, the most impactful choice you can make is what you put underfoot. A soft, welcoming wool carpet serves as the ultimate foundation, providing a sense of comfort and quiet luxury from the moment your guests step into the room. For a space that feels both modern and organic, consider a broadloom from Kaleen’s Hendo’s Hideout collection. Crafted from 100% wool, its dimensional, intersecting linear patterns and soft color palettes add a sophisticated, natural elegance to the floor, instantly transforming the room into a peaceful sanctuary.

A Dedicated Space with Additional Seating

While a bed is the primary place to relax, giving your guests another spot to unwind makes the space feel far more functional and personal. This doesn’t have to take up a lot of room; a small upholstered bench at the foot of the bed offers a place to sit while getting ready, while also adding a touch of elegance. For larger guest rooms, consider a cozy accent chair in a corner to create a quiet reading nook or a small desk with a stylish chair for a dedicated workspace. Providing these simple seating options gives your guests a retreat beyond just the bed, making their stay feel more comfortable and considered.

Curated, Thoughtful Details

The difference between a nice room and a memorable one often comes down to the small, deliberate touches. Think beyond a simple scented candle and provide a small tray on the nightstand for guests’ personal items, or a glass carafe for a refreshing water station. Thoughtful gestures, such as a stylish pad and pen, a stack of beautiful coffee table books, or a vase of fresh flowers, make the space feel designed just for their comfort. Adding a small, framed family photo is a final touch that subtly communicates that your visitors are cherished guests.

Bold patterned wool carpet from Kaleen creates an inviting bedroom with a minimalist modern decor

An Intentional, Minimalist Approach

Sometimes, the most luxurious statement is one of intentional simplicity. A minimalist design approach creates an incredibly serene and sophisticated atmosphere, allowing a space to feel uncluttered and calm. Coupled with a patterned wool carpet, like one from Hook & Beam’s Encore collection, shows how a single, powerful element can dictate a “less-is-more” attitude when it comes to styling the rest of the guest room.

Layered Lighting

While a single overhead light is functional, what really elevates a guest room is its lighting. Layering different light sources allows you to control the mood and purpose of the space, giving your guests a choice in their experience. Consider including multiple options: a beautiful bedside lamp for a soft, warm glow, a task lamp on a desk if you’ve provided a workspace, and a stylish floor lamp to brighten up a dark corner. For the ultimate convenience, add a switch for the main overhead light that is easily accessible from the bed, so guests don’t have to get up to turn it off. By offering a variety of lighting options, you provide your guests with the ultimate in comfort, allowing them to create a sanctuary ideally suited to their individual needs.

Final Touches for A Welcoming Guest Room 

Ultimately, designing a guest room is about crafting a serene and welcoming experience, not just decorating a space. Every thoughtful detail, from the additional seating to the curated accessories and layered lighting, works together to create an atmosphere of quiet luxury. But it’s the soft, welcoming carpet underfoot that sets the tone for the entire room. Choosing a luxurious wool broadloom from Kaleen instantly elevates the space, providing a soft foundation that makes guests feel cared for from the moment they arrive. Focusing on these elements makes your guests feel right at home in a space that is both beautiful and irresistibly comfortable.

 

 

Author | Caleigh Brand graduated from Georgia State University in 2020 with a double BFA in Interior Architecture and Textile Design. She has spent the past five years working in the interior design and textile industry, combining her expertise in both space planning and materials to create cohesive, impactful environments.