Remodeling the Guest Bath

Overnight guests will appreciate having a private, dedicated space in your home to serve as their home away from home.  If your guest bath is in need of a makeover, your primary objective should be to create a welcoming space that meets the needs of your visitors.  Since the guest bathroom won’t see everyday use, go practical and save your splurge money on a luxury master bath or powder room remodel.

A Bathroom Remodel with Guests in Mind

Guest Bath Basics

To create a space with comfortable accommodations, think of a three-star hotel suite.  Your guests won’t need more than the basic fixtures; a sink, toilet, and shower or shower/bath combination will meet their needs.   The overall design and color scheme should flow nicely from the guest bedroom into the bathroom.   When deciding on a new look for the guest bath, focus on comfort, make the design soothing, and select materials that are classic, yet affordable and easy to maintain.  Incorporate these essentials in the design to complete your guests’ “hotel suite” bath:

• counter space for your guest’s toiletries
• a good-sized mirror
• sufficient lighting - both general and task lighting at minimum
• a powerful shower head (a hand-held shower head or massage shower head would be a nice touch)
• a bathroom fan to draw out moisture and provide good ventilation
• plenty of towel bar space for drying wet towels
• hooks to hang clothes or a robe on while showering
• easily accessible storage for towels and bathroom supplies, like toilet paper and tissues
• a hamper for dirty linens and clothing

Providing the Extras

With the basic layout, fixtures and fittings selected for your guest bath remodel, think about offering your visitors “the extras.”  Going the extra mile will make your guests feel pampered and special.  Incorporate items you would expect to find in a hotel room to accommodate travelers.  Provide your guests some of these comforts that they may have forgotten or intentionally left at home:

• soft, thick towels
• a fluffy, white robe
• extra toiletries - stock a basket with miniature bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, a razor, body lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, chap stick, etc.
• a blow dryer (buy an extra just for your guest bath)
• bottled water
• a coffee station with a coffee maker, gourmet coffee, mugs, creamer, sugar packets and stirrers
• specialty hand soap and lotion in beautiful dispenser bottles
• a fragrant candle (and some matches)

Consider these additions or accommodations in the guest suite:

• a luggage stand
• drawer/closet space
• extra hangers
• iron/ironing board 

After you’ve gone out of your way to make them feel welcome, be prepared for your guests to stay an extra day or two and return for another visit.  Hopefully, their guest bathroom and suite will be as comfortable and welcoming as yours!

Next, we’ll cover tips and strategies for remodeling the family bath.

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