A Room to Relax

With space to spare, this elegant guest room treats overnighters to all the comforts of home. The spacious bedside table is a handy spot to leave a stack of books and magazines for nightly reading. A traditionally styled gilded chair beside the bed lends subtle shimmer and pleasing tension to the modern shapes of the lamp and table, not to mention one more place to relax and recreate.

 

In a niche near the door, a lace-topped dressing table with a framed mirror makes a lovely spot for a last-minute lipstick check. A writing desk at the footboard offers plenty of surface area for spreading out correspondence, work, or finds from a day's shopping excursion.

 

The grand armoire stores the contents of a suitcase or two; a pair of armchairs makes a comfortable spot for a couple to discuss the day's plans. Hues of cream, champagne, and ivory in this large space are kept from feeling bland by rendering them in a range of fascinating textures -- from the bamboo blinds to the patterned silk weaves dressing bed and windows.

 

Besides the guest room givens (a comfortable bed, a good reading lamp, and a cozy chair), it's the little extras you provide that will make a visit to your house memorable for your guests. Make them feel extra welcome by filling a basket or tray in their room with items they might need. Also, set out spare gear such as socks for chilly nights and sweaters for cool evenings.

• Alarm clock
• Carafe and water glass
• Eye mask
• Hair dryer
• Hand mirror
• Hangers
• Iron and ironing board
• Local info (map, phone book, etc.)
• Lotion
• Luggage rack or bench
• Notepads and pens
• Reading material
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Tissues

Resources: Like what you see in this story? As of 2005, the items featured in this story were available from these manufacturers. Fabric for draperies - Fielding Hazelnut-Larsen, through Cowtan & Tout, New York City; 212-647-6900. Roller shades - Pier 1 Imports; 800-245-4595; www.pier1.com. Lamp - Burts Cason, Inc.; 888-641-6859; www.burtscason.com. Bed - custom design, bedside table - custom design, Teri Thomas Interiors, Charlotte; 704-376-6038. Fabric for bed frame Sindia, fabric for upholstered chairs - Old World Weavers, New York City; 212-355-7186; www.old-world-weavers.com. Bolster fabric #HWO668Y - Hinson & Co., New York City; 212-475-4100. Books - Borders, Inc.; www.bordersstores.com. Carafe - Restoration Hardware; 888-243-9720; www.restorationhardware.com. Shower gel - L'Occitane en Provence; 888-623-2880; www.loccitane.com. Toothbrush - Caswell-Massey; 800-326-0500; www.caswellmassey.com. Hairbrush - Bath & Body Works, Inc., 800-395-1001; www.intimatebrands.com. Mirrored tray - Vagabond Vintage Furnishings, Atlanta; 404-351-6484.