Today, more and more homeowners are including hotel-style rooms and suites in their home design and it’s a trend that’s expected to last a long time.
If a family member or friend is visiting for a night or forever, there are ways to make space in your home that’s welcoming and relaxing for all. Whether the space is an in-law suite, granny flat, ADU, apartment, or guest room/suite, the amenities in a nice hotel room are the same amenities your guests will appreciate:
Sound proofing—Let’s face it, no one wants to hear footsteps from people walking overhead, garbage trucks picking up trash in the wee hours of the morning, or noises coming from a hallway or room next door. Sound proofing is key for everyone in the house.
Comfy bed—A not-too-soft, not-too-hard bed with non-scratchy sheets, extra blankets and pillows, and bedside tables with table lamps are the basics for any bedroom.
Kitchenette—A small refrigerator and stovetop, coffee pot, toaster, microwave, basic utensils, plates, bowls, pots, and pans go a long way to helping guests help themselves. There are Airbnb kitchen-essentials checklists online that are very helpful for setting up a kitchenette. If you prefer your guests to eat all their meals with you, at least have a coffee maker with packets of coffee, tea, and water in their room so they can enjoy a late night or early morning cup of coffee. In addition to a medium-/large-sized garbage can, have at least one recycling bin. If items need to be recycled separately, like plastic and paper, be sure to have bins for each one that are labeled.
Private bathroom—Lots of towels, a clothes hamper, a hand mirror, a full-length mirror, good lighting, and a nightlight will all be appreciated.
Living area—Whether your family/guest suite is a single room or several rooms, a couch, tables, a television, throws, and lamps (even if there’s overhead lighting) are always welcomed. Consider a smart TV which has a guest mode, allowing guests to log into their own streaming accounts.
Work area—A desk with chair, a universal charger for cell phones, and your home wi-fi code in a conspicuous spot is helpful to nearly everyone.
Storage—Having an empty closet and empty cabinetry will help your guests store their stuff so items are organized and not scattered throughout the room.
It’s easier and less expensive to incorporate a home suite within your initial home plan than adding it later. Keep in mind that when your family/guest suite isn’t occupied, it may double as a short-term rental to generate income (check your local zoning regulations). Your Home Suite could become a Home Sweet Deal.
