quantitypots

By Samantha Birch

1. Focus On Soothing Walls

Consider the colors of the walls in your guest room. Some

colors are more appropriate for a bedroom than others. Fire

Engine Red is not a soothing color that will encourage sleep

and a bright yellow might be filled with light, but it isn't

sleep-inducing. Instead, consider blue or green as the

'cool' colors and choose warm, plastic flower pot saucer neutral tints rather than

bright spring green or peacock blue.

A paint job is the quickest and cheapest way to spruce up

any room so consider upgrading any dingy or dull paint. If

the wallpaper is outdated, dirty or coming off in spots,

consider replacing it.

2. What About The Floors?

Is the carpet worn, matted or dingy? If so, consider a steam

cleaning or use area rugs to hide worn spots if the budget

won't allow replacement. If the floor is tile or wood,

remember that it might be cold to tender feet in the winter

months and consider a small rug by the side of the bed. Rugs

and carpet also decrease the noise level.

3. Find Some Storage Space

Clear out a drawer or two or make some space in the closet

where they can hang clothes because most people don't enjoy

living out of a suitcase. A very nice touch is to have a

chest or bench at the foot of the bed to allow placement of

open suitcases. And while you're planning, don't forget the

hangers! The wire ones from the cleaners are tacky, so at

least invest a couple of dollars in plastic ones which are

inexpensive and come in a rainbow of colors.

4. Access To The Bathroom

Ideally, a guest room has its own bath, but that isn't the

case in many homes. A private bath is truly the ultimate in

luxury. However, if this isn't possible, is there a

convenient bathroom nearby? Is it free of children's toys

and turtles in the bathtub?

A great way to let guests know you've been thinking about

their comfort is to have towels and washcloths on the bed

when they arrive. If they must share a bath with family

members, make certain their towels are a unique color, so

that there is no uncertainty about which towel belongs to

them.

And don't forget the elegances of outstanding hotels. You

can offer your guests such luxuries as:

* Shampoo

* Herbal soap

* Toothpaste

* Hairspray

* A small container of deodorant

* Disposable razors

With very little money, you can pile all of this bounty into

a beautiful basket or container. And consider that more

unusual items such as rosemary shampoo or lemon verbena soap

is especially thoughtful. Very often, we all forget some

vital necessity and arrive in a strange location without a

basic necessity. Waking up in the morning and realizing with

horror that you forgot your toothbrush is extremely

unpleasant - not to mention embarrassing as you take care

not to breathe on anyone.

5. Homey Touches

Sometimes the details can make all the difference in the

world. Any of the following additions to your guest room

will be much appreciated by all visiting guests.

* Alarm clock

* TV

* Radio

* Phone

* Reading lamp

* Fresh flowers or plants

* Recent magazines or books

The easiest way to create a fabulous guest room is to think

what YOU would like in a room. And the only problem with

putting your energy into creating such a welcoming and

inviting oasis is that your guests might never want to

leave!