Guest Friendly Room Makeovers

It goes without saying sometimes, that something that you loved more than life four years ago in your home, may be not so tasteful now. It is also often true that our budgets often do not allow us to make the changes we so desperately want, and even need, to make. Most of us crave change, to keep things fresh and new in an otherwise plain and run-of-the-mill living space. It is especially important during the holidays to have your home ready for both planned and last minute guests. I am here today to show you that, despite your resources, you can make the rooms your guest will need look new and beautiful again.

Let's begin with what most people see first in your home - the living room. Start small and work your way up. Clear away clutter and then sort your knick-knacks into similar groups. For instance, I have a collection of old sewing boxes, so I use them as bookends on my shelving units. I have another collection of whimsical books about cats, which I turned into the centerpiece for my coffee table, which is an old costume trunk. Next, get ready to rearrange the room, either swapping a couple of main pieces or switching everything in the room around. I had an old mirror I picked up at a junk store for just a dollar, so I leaned it on the wall atop a distressed multipurpose cabinet. I am an avid antique collector and I have scored many great deals on very good condition pieces. Some have their share of wear and tear, but distressed is in so I left the pieces as-is. A couple of quick and instant room brighteners are area rugs and light fixtures. If you spot a bright and interesting rug or a neglected pendant or chandelier, don't be afraid to snag them and give them some creative attention.

Nearly anything can be fashioned into a light fixture these days, including seafood traps, baskets, interesting wastebaskets and even pretty papers wrapped around wire and properly treated. Say you have an old but boring sofa or love seat. Most thrift stores and yard sales have an abundance of old throw pillows, fabric, ribbons and buttons. Don't be afraid to stitch n a button or two, it so simple and anyone can do it. Another common find is knit and crocheted throws, which look beautiful draped over the back of your sofa along with your newly fashioned pillows for an instant an inexpensive upgrade. If your sofa cushions seem to be sagging, simply place old bed pillows underneath the cushions to help level them back out. Many of us run out of space and are forced have guests sleep in the living areas of our home. You can have these rooms readily available for guests as well, without intruding on your everyday decor. Many ottomans have a hideaway space, many coffee tables and side tables offer drawers, and of course I have my old chest. Simply add a clean set of sheets, a blanket and a couple of small bed pillows. This way, all you have to do is pull the items right out and hand them over to your guests.

Next, try tackling another high traffic room in most homes, the kitchen and dining areas. If you need more dining chairs, don't be afraid to buy old wooden chairs to add. Mismatching your furniture is a great way to add an eclectic touch to your decor. If your table is worn or just plain ugly, cover it with a beautiful toile or striped vintage tablecloth. If you want an eye-catching and unique centerpiece, try using about three large glass cylinders in multiple sizes and filling them with just about anything from glass balls at Christmas to tiny pumpkins at Halloween and Thanksgiving to lemons, limes and oranges for a summer touch. The same touches can carry over to a central serving or bar area in your kitchen to create flow. Sometimes light fixtures in kitchen/dining areas are rather boring and common. Try picking up new colorful globes, mini shades or wrapping beads around the fixture for a quick and easy makeover.

In the kitchen, it is essential to keep the counter clutter to a minimum. Only frequently used appliances should remain on counter tops, with the others stored in a pantry or cabinet. A group of bright glass jars can make an excellent substitute for plain ugly canisters. A bowl or fresh fruit always brightens the kitchen area while adding a pleasant smell. If your major appliances are mismatched, there are now more affordable options to replacing them, such as high heat appliance paint that can even be found in matches for stainless appliances. A common but very useful kitchen idea is painting a small wall area with chalkboard or magnetic paint, to help make an organized family message center. I have a special fruit crate that I keep stocked with individually wrapped items such as energy bars, hot chocolate, single-serve packages of tea, coffee and fruit drinks, small bags of chips and an assortment of 100 calorie packs.

Now for the last frequently used area of the home, the bathroom. A guest bathroom should be uncluttered with only necessary essentials left out. Pretty old jars on a tray on the back of the toilet make an excellent place to store cotton balls, cotton swabs and nail files. A pretty basket beside the sink can hold a variety of mini soaps, lotions and a few washcloths. I always try to keep a nice candle holder with two or three different candle scents with matches underneath, so the guest has a choice of scents. A basket on the floor is a great spot to roll several guest towels in an easy to spot location. Yet another basket or container should be placed on the side of the tub to offer shampoos and bath products. Try to keep the extras such as shower curtains and rugs fairly simple and go for a big punch with a bright wall color or whimsical wallpaper. Extra touches such as terrycloth robes hung on the back of the door and a drawer for often forgotten items such as toothbrushes, razors, and feminine items will let your guest know that you thought of every little detail.

In addition to making all the rooms above guest ready, I try to keep my office area well stocked with helpful information for guests. I have simple but tasteful photo storage boxes with labels for holding items such as local maps, information booklets and attraction coupons. The bulletin board in the office also contains a list of often needed phone numbers and store hours for things such as groceries, pharmacies, salons, post offices and local restaurants. I tack up coupons from mailers as well, to help make meals on the go or while on outings a breeze.By making the rooms in your home easily accessible and familiar to guests, hosting a holiday crowd will be a breeze. This way, both you and your guests can keep your sanity and enjoy your visit.