How to Design a Guest Room That Feels Like Home

In Carmel, hosting friends and family is more than tradition—it’s a treasured part of the coastal lifestyle. Whether your home serves as a primary residence or a second retreat, designing a guest room that balances comfort and style will leave a lasting impression on your visitors. But more than that, it enhances the home’s overall appeal and function, especially in a high-end market where thoughtful spaces make a difference.

So, how can you create a guest room that feels personal and polished without overstepping into clutter or excess?

Comfort is the cornerstone of any great guest room. While design aesthetics are important, your visitors will remember how the space made them feel above all else.

• A quality mattress with fresh, supportive bedding
• Soft, breathable linens in neutral or calming tones
• Extra pillows and blankets for customizable comfort
• Blackout curtains or shades to help regulate sleep

Neutral palettes—think muted greens, gentle taupes, and soft whites—work especially well in Carmel homes, echoing the natural serenity of the surrounding landscape.

Guest rooms should feel complete but not crowded. Choose furniture that suits the size and scale of the room while providing the essentials your guests need.

• A well-sized bed (queen or full is ideal unless space allows for a king)
• A bedside table with a reading lamp
• A dresser or a small chest of drawers
• Luggage stand or bench for convenience

Skip oversized furniture or bold pieces that overwhelm the room. A curated, airy layout allows guests to move comfortably and settle in with ease.

The best guest rooms feel intuitive—everything your visitor might need should be within arm’s reach or easy to locate. These thoughtful additions demonstrate care and attention to detail.

• A full-length mirror
• USB ports or easily accessible outlets
• Reading materials or a short welcome note
• A pitcher of water or bottled options
• A tray with snacks or local treats

These touches don't just add comfort—they create a sense of hospitality that reflects the elegance of your home.

In a place like Carmel, where the coast meets the forest and art is part of daily life, it’s tempting to lean heavily into theme-based design. But restraint is key. Incorporate subtle nods to the local area without overpowering the space.

• Artwork from local galleries or photography of the coastline
• Woven textures or reclaimed wood accents to echo the natural landscape
• Scented candles or diffusers with coastal-inspired fragrances

Avoid going overboard with seashells or anchor motifs—these can feel cliché rather than curated.

You want your guest room to reflect your home’s overall aesthetic while also feeling neutral enough for any visitor to enjoy. Aim for a design that mirrors the rest of your interior but with a slightly simplified palette.

Stick with colors and materials that flow with your home’s other rooms—especially important in Carmel’s open-plan and often multi-level homes.

The space should feel lived-in but not personal in a way that excludes your guest.

Your guest room should offer places for visitors to unpack, hang garments, and feel temporarily at home. Even a few small additions can make a big difference.

• A small closet with extra hangers
• A drawer or two cleared for use
• Hooks for jackets or robes
• Storage baskets for accessories or toiletries

Make sure the room is free from clutter or storage overflow from other parts of the house—your guests should feel welcomed, not like they're borrowing a storage room.

Lighting sets the tone in any space, but in a guest room, versatility is key. Guests may have different routines and preferences, so provide a mix of lighting options.

• Overhead ambient light on a dimmer switch
• Bedside lamps for evening reading
• Natural light access during the day
• Nightlight or soft floor lamp for nighttime navigation

Many homeowners forget about lighting entirely when designing guest spaces, even though it’s one of the most impactful elements of comfort.

If your guest room includes an en suite or dedicated bath, make sure it’s just as polished as the sleeping area. Cleanliness and quality matter here more than design statements.

• Fresh, plush towels in neutral colors
• A selection of toiletries and basic items like a toothbrush or razor
• Extra toilet paper and tissue within view
• A non-slip bath mat and clear counter space

Even if guests are sharing a bathroom, a few additions in the guest room—like a robe or small toiletry kit—can provide extra ease.

Designing a guest room that feels like home takes more than a keen eye—it takes a deep understanding of how comfort, beauty, and functionality work together. Katy Harrison specializes in helping homeowners in Carmel make design choices that not only enhance lifestyle but also add value to their property.

Whether you're preparing to host guests or positioning your home for sale, Katy offers expert guidance on creating elevated spaces with wide appeal. From architectural consultation to staging recommendations, her insight can transform every room, including the guest suite, into a feature buyers and visitors remember.

Reach out to Katy Harrison today to learn how thoughtful design can enhance both the experience and the investment of your Carmel home.