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Apr 20, 2023

Designing a Guest Room That Feels Five

Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from

Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week, we explored ways to design a guest room fit for a five-star hotel.

A well-designed guest room is one that makes your visitors feel at home away from home—important, as it sets a stellar tone for the rest of their stay.

But when you put just a little bit of thought, from toiletries to chargers, into the space by thinking of it as a chic retreat you would want to stay in, the visit can become a five-star experience for your guests.

Here, advice from the pros on the essential accouterments needed to turn an ordinary bedroom into a hotel-worthy suite. Warning: Your guests may never want to leave.

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Create a Cozy Atmosphere

"We love tactility, so natural materials like cotton and wool are top choices. Include plush area rugs so they feel at home walking barefoot and window treatments that filter light by day and blackout by night.

"Clean, fresh bedding is a must. Cotton percale that feels like a perfect pair of favorite pajamas, with a little spritz of linen scent to elevate all senses sets a chic tone. Layer throw pillows, sleeping pillows of various firmness for variety, shams that don't make the pillow feel useless or too precious, and of course, a down-filled duvet, coverlet and throw blankets so guests can adjust to their body temperature as needed.

"The guest bedroom is always an extension of the home's interior design. But palettes that are more ethereal and soft tones like sage greens, pale pinks and layered neutrals put people immediately at ease."

—Gioi Tran, co-founder of Applegate Tran Interiors in San Francisco

Include Thoughtful Touches

"One huge way to make your guests feel comfortable is to remove the belongings that are currently in the room. You don't want your guests to feel like they’re intruding on your space while you ransack their room for your work files.

"Thoughtful amenities matter. I love to set up a basket with water bottles, a couple of snacks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, a box of tissues. I also keep fresh towels and extra pillows on hand, so guests don't have to ask. In the shower, have luxurious shampoo, conditioner and body washes at the ready. And a pair of new slippers goes the extra mile.

"Fresh flowers on the nightstand always feel so welcoming and bring warmth to the space. You could set up a little chalkboard on a stand or hang something on the wall where you can write a special welcome note to your guests.

"For an extra touch, toss the sheets in the dryer on sanitize just before making the bed to add a level of freshness they’ll appreciate."

—Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of San Diego-based Blythe Interiors

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Consider Layered Lighting

"Choose furniture that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable. Provide a comfortable seating area where guests can relax and unwind. Ensure that there is enough storage space for guests to unpack and store their belongings by helping to keep the space tidy and organized.

"A combination of lighting options can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Consider incorporating adjustable lighting fixtures, such as bedside lamps or dimmer switches, so guests can customize the lighting to their liking. Soft, warm-toned bulbs are generally more relaxing than bright, cool-toned ones.

"Enhanced technology, such as a smart TV with streaming services, a Bluetooth speaker, or a charging station with multiple ports for electronic devices will also add to the guest experience."

—Bethany Prince Associate at SHH, an architecture and interior design firm based in London

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Address Practical Needs

"The design of a guest room should address the practical needs of guests—functional elements like a desk or workspace, seating areas and convenient access to outlets for charging devices. Thoughtful touches like artwork, décor and color schemes can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere, making guests feel more connected to their surroundings.

"Ensure privacy and minimize noise. Install curtains or blinds that provide both privacy and light control. Consider using soundproofing materials or placing the room away from high-traffic areas to reduce external noise.

"Provide a small selection of books, magazines, or local travel guides for guests to enjoy during their stay. Consider including a variety of genres and reading materials that cater to different interests."

—Katie Browning and Heather Lucas of Lucas Browning Design in Los Angeles, CA

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