Senior style director of House Beautiful, Robert Rufino, understands the comforts of home. When someone is traveling or vacationing, a guest suite – just like a hotel room – can make or break the experience. So, when friends and family are in from out of town and make your home their temporary abode, take their stay to the next level. These tips will give them a guest suite with all the amenities of a five-star resort.
Frontgate (FG): How do you capture a sense of serenity so that guests feel right at home?
Robert Rufino (RR): When decorating a guest suite, make sure it doesn’t feel crowded or stuffy. Carefully choose the right amount of furniture so that the room is functional while also feeling comfortable and decorated. A guest room should have ample space for a guest to settle in during their stay, enhancing their ability to relax.
FG: Do any color palettes lend themselves well to a guest suite?
RR: Choosing the right paint color also contributes to the sense of serenity in your guest suite. You can go one of two ways: using all neutral tones or adding pops of color within softer palettes. If in a more tropical location, a nice touch is adding a wallpaper that evokes the feeling of the locale – a subtle palm leaf or a grass paper.
FG: How should the bed be layered?
GW: A guest bed should always have comfortable pillows, and no shortage of them. One should always use 100% cotton or linen sheets. Add a light cashmere or a cotton blanket for an extra layer of warmth, and have easily accessible extras available for guests who run cold.
FG: Resorts have a way of capturing globally inspired styles. How can hosts bring this into their guest suite?
RR: If you want to incorporate global influences in your guest suite, simple and classic elements are best. Add pieces with texture or natural elements into a space – think bamboo or wicker furniture and rattan accents. Rather than using carpet, opt for a sisal or a cotton area rug instead. These elements will add a sophisticated and well-traveled touch.
FG: Do you have special ways you like to welcome guests?
RR: Always include flowers to welcome guests. Then, take it a step further by adding an edible treat such as a bowl of fruit, some decadent chocolates or even an assortment of nuts. Try to include a card with local recommendations of what to see and do while visiting – making it extra thoughtful by adding some of your personal favorites.
FG: What essentials should hosts have on hand?
RR: Hosts should always have a flashlight and a first aid kit available for their guests. The bathroom should have toiletries one may have forgotten to pack or can’t easily travel with like mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner, luxurious soaps, bath gels and salts. Being overly prepared will make guests feel at home and cared for.
FG: General tips on hosting guests?
RR: As a rule of hosting, one should always aim to make their house guests feel at ease. Guests should feel taken care of but not bombarded. It is important to make clear to your guests that they’re always invited to go on outings and tag along for activities without there being pressure to participate or follow a certain itinerary. Sometimes guests simply want to relax.
FG: What should the guest bathroom include?
RR: A guest bathroom should have a minimal, clean design – nothing fussy. Always accessorize with extra towels, face sheets, soap and toothpaste. A great way to add luxury is to offer bath sheets rather than standard towels, a little detail that can elevate an everyday moment. And make sure to include bathrobes as they will add to the resort feel.
FG: Any finishing touches you like to include?
RR: In the guest suite, optimal lighting on each side of the bed is a must. If you’re able to incorporate one, ceiling fans are another great feature, providing guests the ability to control temperature. In addition, functional items like tissues, notebooks and pens should be included.
One should always have a carafe of water or bottled water available for guests. And providing current magazines or great book selections are always an appreciated gesture.
For more of Robert Rufino’s expert tips, check out his Holiday Tablescaping blog and follow @House Beautiful and @Frontgate on Instagram for more inspiration.
