When it comes to creating an overnight haven for guests, it’s all about comfort. A guest room should be a soothing space that combines the amenities of an elegant hotel with the friendly allure of a home.

Turning a boring bedroom into a beautiful, cozy retreat may seem like a costly and time-consuming endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. A guest room makeover can be as simple as replacing the duvet, adding throw pillows and new lampshades, or creating an appealing accent wall. And it can all be done in just one weekend!

Where to Start

It’s best to start with the bed, the centerpiece of the room.

Is the mattress tired and lumpy? If you wouldn’t want to sleep on it, replace it. If there’s no headboard or the existing one is seriously dated, an upgrade is in order. Consider making a statement with a colorfully quilted headboard.

Next tackle the bedding itself with the goal of creating an inviting cocoon. Make it plush, with high thread-count, 100 percent cotton sheets, a thick duvet and piles of fluffy pillows. Try arranging the pillows in layers, with the first row against the headboard being the ones used to sleep on. Consider adding Euro sham pillows for height and dimension and an eye-catching accent pillow in front. A coordinating bed skirt can complete the new look.

A guest room is a great place to experiment, so try creating an accent wall with a sunny or bold color that compliments the bedding, or textured wallpaper. Improve dull wall art with a mix of framed prints and photos. Then move on to the windows. Do the curtains and rods need updating?

If you have enough space, add a comfy chair or upholstered bench at the end of the room. A dresser can be updated easily with a coat of paint or by switching out handles.

Beyond the Furniture

Don’t forget the little things that make your guests’ stay more enjoyable. Small nightstands with reading lamps are a nice touch, especially for night owls, and be sure to stock a few magazines and quick-read books. A charging station or power strip for phones and tablets is another welcome convenience. If there are wood floors, a patterned rug could add just the right touch.

With the hotel comparison in mind, try some other thoughtful accessories, such as a basket filled with toiletries that guests may have forgotten, a small pitcher of water with a pair of drinking glasses, a scented candle or two, and a vase filled with fresh flowers.

Leave a couple of drawers empty in the dresser and make sure guests have enough space in the closet to hang clothes.

Look at your guest room makeover as an artistic challenge rather than a chore. For inspiration, check out home decor websites and magazines. Have fun and express yourself!