On the Topic of Creating Dedicated Space for Your Overnight Guests
First, I want to say thanks for writing to me. Responding to someone who follows my work is really one of my favorite things to do! Now, let’s get right to addressing your question. You said that you now have something of an “empty nest,” and have been working on doing some remodeling to create a dedicated guest room and guest bathroom space. I think that’s a great idea! Not only will your grown “kids” still have some place to stay when they come into town, but you’re also creating an intentional, functional space that will be perfect for housing your out-of-town guests.
What Should Be in Every Guest Bathroom?
It sounds like you have a pretty good sense of what you want to do with your guest room, but if you’d like some more suggestions about how to prepare a guest room you can check out a couple of my blogs on the topic on jenniferadams.com. When it comes to setting up a guest bathroom in particular, my best general advice is not to approach this as simply a guest bathroom. Rather, try to create a space that feels more like a home-away-from-home bathroom. In other words, plan for specific items and furnishings that will make your guests feel relaxed, at ease, and truly cared-for. Be intentional to include items in the bathroom that you would appreciate finding there as a guest yourself. What might some of those essential items be? Below are several things that would be on my list, if I were furnishing your guest bathroom.
Shower Curtain and Liner
It probably goes without saying that your guest bathroom needs a shower curtain and liner; your weekend guests might like to bathe or shower at some point during their stay with you. Having a curtain and liner in place will allow for some much-appreciated bathing privacy. From a practical standpoint, this will also help to keep more water in the shower or tub area where it belongs, rather than spilling onto the bathroom floor.
Toothbrush Holder
This is one of those small touches that your guests will really appreciate; some people really don’t like to have to leave their personal toothbrush lying on a bathroom counter. If this used to be your kids’ bathroom, then chances are good that you already have a toothbrush holder in place. If so, just give the one you have a thorough cleaning. If the years of use (and possible abuse) haven’t been kind to your toothbrush holder, or if the holder just looks juvenile or dated, replace it.
Think About Storage
Toothbrushes are likely not the only things your guests will want to have a place to store during their visit. Make sure you have plenty of available counter and cabinet space for them to use. There is one thing you could leave out on the counter for your guests, though – a basket containing some basic bathroom essentials. Everyone who’s ever done much traveling has probably forgotten something or left something behind at some point. Your guests are sure to appreciate your thoughtful gesture of stocking some travel-sized toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, razor, cotton balls, etc.
Good Lighting
A bathroom is one place where you really can’t have too much light. A dark bathroom can seem a little dank, and even downright depressing. If your guest bathroom has windows, then by all means pull back the curtains and open the blinds to let in some natural light. You’ll also want to make sure that your mirrors and light fixtures are clean, and you should replace any old, dim bulbs with some bright, LED-based bulbs.
Magnifying Mirror
Speaking of mirrors, your guests are also sure to appreciate your inclusion of a magnifying mirror in the guest bathroom when it’s time for them to apply some makeup, or simply freshen up. Magnifying mirrors also come in really handy for those who have to struggle with putting in or taking out their contact lenses.
Provide Fresh Towels and Bathroom Linens
Don’t be like some people who just stick their worn-out towels in the guest bathroom. No guest enjoys drying off with old, thin, or (gasp!) stained towels after their bath. Show your guests that you really care about them by throwing out your old bathroom linens and buying some fresh, new towels, hand towels, and washcloths for them to use.
Luxury Bathrobes
And if you want to take your guests’ experience while staying with you to the next level, consider investing in a couple of plush bathrobes to hang near the shower or on the back of the bathroom door. You may not be running a 5-star hotel, but there’s no reason you can’t give your guests a 5-star experience by providing some luxury bathrobes. There aren’t many things more relaxing than slipping into a plush, soft bathrobe while you’re getting ready, or after the end of a long day.
Not sure where to shop for the perfect bathrobe? Well, look no further than our Essentials Collection at Jennifer Adams! Our bathrobes are lightweight, comfortable, buttery soft, and quick-drying, and they’re absolutely perfect for pampering.
Turn Your Guest Room and Guest Bathroom into Truly Welcoming Spaces
Now, go and have some fun with it! Put your personal touch on it, and you can create some guest room and guest bathroom spaces that are truly welcoming for your visitors. I wish you all the best in your efforts, and please let me know how it goes. I’d love to see some pictures when you’re finished, too!
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