The importance of a guest bedroom is (very) often overlooked. It usually receives little to no design attention in terms of color, character and comfort. It's the dumping ground for the desk you just can't let yourself get rid of (its still standing, right?!), an ages old bedspread, and a bedside table that's missing a counterpart. These bedrooms feel hallow and a little cold. We have all slept in a guest bedroom like this, and if you have one like this- you know who you are!

A good and proper host offers the best of everything to their guest. It's quite a nice thing to do when you offer up your home, feed a person and entertain them free of charge. And, its quite another thing when you do this with style and grace- two aspects a lot of people fall short of in the overnight hosting department.

The goal is to create a guest suite, not merely a guest bedroom. A space so wonderful that it rivals a fine hotel, a space your guests wouldn't mind living in full time. The intention is not to outdo your guest's normal digs, but to provide for them a home away from home. A space that is truly comfortable and full of details that illustrate hospitality and, most importantly, thoughtfulness.

In short, make the guest bedroom as wonderful as your own (or, in case you have neglected even your own sleeping quarters, as wonderful as you would like your room to be!). Here are tips for executing The Ultimate Guest Bedroom:

The Room: Blend the suite with the rest of the home. Incorporate your home's colors and use architectural details (window casing, mouldings, etc.). The furnishings should coordinate, never a mish mash of leftovers and never "matchy-matchy" (in other words, no 5-piece sets!). This is a picky thing, but ensure the door is hung correctly and there isn't a huge gap at the bottom- sound travels through gaps just as air does. Also, a lock on the door- especially if you have children, can do a lot to ease a guest while dressing and grooming in someone else's home.

The Closet: Don't fill the closet with stuff you have no room for. The guest room closet should have an assortment of empty hangers, a luggage rack if space permits, an extra blanket, a throw blanket, two extra pillows, and a hanging cedar block. If you must use the guest closet for storage, ensure it's organized, tidy and boxed up. Also, if you live in a warm climate- provide a fan. If you live in an arid climate- provide a humidifier.

The Lighting: Put the overhead lighting or other ambient lighting on dimmers (such as a pair of lamps). Provide bedside reading sconces on individual switches or a reading lamp and cozy chair.

The Bedding: Use the same quality (or better!) bedding as you do for your own room. Coordinating high quality natural fiber sheets are a must. Thread count, card and twist of the fibers are all equally important. Provide pillows- but not a truckload. Two back shams or Euros (oversized squares) and two sleeping pillows are all you really need. Put down sleeping pillows on the bed and down alternatives in the closet, in case a guest has allergies. Make sure the mattress is in good shape and comfortable enough to get a good nights sleep (testing it out once in awhile is a good idea!).

The Personal Touches: Stock reading material such as current magazines your guests might enjoy, your favorite books or a selection of current best sellers. Stock a few pencils and some notepaper. Stock bottles of water to prevent your guest from stumbling towards the kitchen or bathroom if they need a drink in the middle of the night. Provide a tasteful alarm clock- preferably a travel size (not the tech-y looking black-box sort). Stock earplugs in case of commotion, for whatever reason (lawn mower, crying baby, surround sound from the family room, plumbing noise- you are accustomed to your noise, but guests aren't!). Put fresh flowers in a bud vase or small vessel at the bedside. Ensure blackout liner is used in the drapery backing.

Media: If you're going to provide a television, provide a TV you would be happy to watch- don't ditch the old goliath in this room. I am a fan of small to medium flat screens since you can literally put them anywhere due to their slim profile and multiple mounting options (wall mounted, extending arm mounts, on top of the dresser, etc.). Provide a DVD player, too. Stock a few of your favorite movies, some classics and a few new releases. If there are special instructions for how to work the media or the remote, print it out and have it laminated for guest reference. Media is nice to provide since everyone has different sleeping and waking habits- early risers have something to do until the rest of your house wakes up, and night owls can quietly watch while everyone else goes to sleep. There is seldom anything worse than being the only one wide-awake in a house that isn't yours!

The Icing (for especially savvy hosts): Monogram your linens and towels. Provide stationary with your estate name and or family crest. Obtain four bedding palettes, one for each season (by the way, its okay to store the guest linens in the guest closet!). Prior to your guest arriving, create a gift box filled with little things you know they will love- a fancy bar soap, a pair of house slippers, a small candle, a map or guidebook of your area...and don't forget to enclose a note wishing them a wonderful stay! Lastly, have on hand basic toiletries that one may forget to pack. Stash this "Just In Case" basket in the closet and let your guests know they are welcome to the contents should they need them.

As a host, you will receive rave reviews for years to come. Your friends and family will look forward to visiting, and, most importantly, guests will feel welcome and comfortable in your home. That is the ultimate goal of hospitable entertaining.