When you’re house-hunting, your first consideration is often the number of bedrooms you need. A master bedroom and rooms for the kids are the givens.

But what about our guests?  Where do we put them? Quite often they end up in the kids rooms or on the sofa.  In a perfect world we would all have a luxurious guest room, a smaller version of the master.  But until that happens, why not use what we have and a little creativity?

Try This at Home –

• Use an odd space, the angle under a steep roof, for instance, as a niche for built-in daybeds.
• A remote corner in a family room.
• A niche that is oddly placed.

There is something inherently cozy and private about these architecturally unique “found” spaces.

These guest beds were built in a space once intended for a computer in our upstairs family room.

• Heavy curtains were added for privacy — they can be drawn closed to block out light.
• A reading light — for the guest who likes to read late into the night.
• A space under the bed for suitcases — and any other items your guest might have.
• A shelf — a place for a clock and personal items to be stored.

Look around your home for inspiration. This about a small space. Once you find your space, find one element you love, such as a painting, fabric, or bedspread and draw from that to create your small space.

A small little niche can still feel rich with thoughtful accessories — such as a shelf, lamp, cozy blankets, and a place to store their suitcase.  Your tiny space can become the perfect little cozy guest haven.