MARK CUTLER STYLE GUIDE: Creating The Perfect Guest Room

One of my greatest pleasures is having friends and family come and visit, but since I am from Australia, they tend to come from far away and stay for a long time. For extended visits it's especially important to create a space that will make them feel comfortable, and will be a memorable part of their trip. To ensure that happens, this is my checklist.

PERFECT GUEST ROOM CHECKLIST

• Pillow Top A bed needs to be soft and plush; this feather bed from Williams-Sonoma Home is just the trick
  
  


• Percale Sheets They are crisp and perfect; these from Restoration Hardware are among my favorites


• A Nice Throw It's a great addition to create a homey feel; these are made from bamboo and soy fiber-good for the environment-and still as soft and luxurious as cashmere

• The Tray This sugar cane piece from Crate and Barrel is just the right size and has a cool, natural look
  


• Toiletries In case my guests forget to pack them, I like to leave a travel size kit of bath essentials


• Reading Material I like to include local magazines and a guide book to the area to give them a sense of the place


• Fresh Flowers That's a must, but in these very cool West Elm vases they always make a statement
  
  


• Towels Don't forget these; Frette towels are some of my favorites
  
  


• Water Carafe Who can resist this carafe from Waterworks ?
  
  

• The Start To me, this Baker piece is the ultimate bedside table
  
  


• Swing Arm Lamps I love to use swing arm lamps; it leaves the bedside table clear, and makes reading in bed easier
  
  


• Bose iPod Dock It's easy to use and allows your guests to bring along their own soundtrack, or you can welcome them with a “shuffle” of your favorite playlist
  
  

Mark Cutler
Interior Designer,
MarkCutlerDesign.com