Creating a Welcoming Guest Bathroom
October is National Kitchen and Bath Month, and with that in mind, Red Couch Interiors would like to focus on a frequently overlooked room in the house … the guest bathroom or powder room. It’s easy to think of ways to create a warm and welcoming environment in the kitchen or guest bedroom in our homes; we stock the fridge and make sure there are fresh sheets on the bed. But most guests will inevitably use the powder room at some point, and overnight guests will likely begin and end their day in the bathroom. So here are 4 things to consider when designing, decorating, and supplying a guest bathroom.
1.Be thoughtful in your design choices.
Make sure to provide adequate lighting and a substantial mirror as most guests will want to check their hair, and overnight guests will need to shave or apply make-up. Allow for ample storage, whether that means a vanity with drawers and cupboards, or the use of baskets to hold supplies such as towels and washcloths. Include a trash bin for convenience and window coverings for privacy as well as aesthetic value. Just as you would in any other room of your home, choose a beautiful paint color and hang interesting or thematic artwork on the walls.
2. Be attentive to the specific needs of the guests you are hosting.
If you know that families with small children will be using your bathroom, it is good to provide thoughtful touches that will make it easier on both the parents and the children. A small stool will allow little ones to wash their hands with greater ease. A few children’s books in a basket or some baby wipes on the countertop will be appreciated. On the other hand, if you are hosting a ladies’ book club, some fresh flowers or a lighted candle will send the message that you have thought ahead and are glad to have them in your home.
3. Make sure you have an ample supply of the “necessities.”
Even if your guests have packed their own toiletries for a weekend stay, it is still helpful to make sure you have plenty of soap, toilet paper, and towels on hand, in addition to those extra things that make a difference, like sanitary supplies or extra toothbrushes. Supplying a first aid kit or a plunger will help avoid potentially awkward situations. Guests will feel less intrusive if they don’t have to ask for specific items, and your role as host will be less stressful, as well.
4. Keep in mind those unexpected, creative touches that lend personal warmth.
With the vast variety of soaps that are available, it’s fun to rotate scents according to the season, perhaps choosing something floral in the summer or peppermint for the holidays. Keep a stash of magazines in a basket, providing options for both genders, such as Sports Illustrated and Good Housekeeping. Overnight guests might appreciate finding a small note in the morning, or a bath toy for small children. Ultimately, the goal is to make your guests feel welcome while also expressing your unique personality, so be creative and challenge yourself to think of new ways to improve your skills as a host.
