In South Florida, just about everybody has winter visitors. Family and friends from cold northern climes swoop down for a dose of warmth and sunshine. How to make the guest room where they’ll stay inviting and welcoming?

Take a cue from hotels: Simple amenities can go a long way toward creating a luxurious feel. “Fresh flowers in the room when your guest arrives are a simple and inexpensive thing to do,” said interior designer Eloise Kubli, owner of Collective Construction and Design in Plantation. “A good mattress is important. And linens should be luxurious.”

An overnight guest is likely to have a suitcase. “Put a luggage rack at the end of the bed,” Kubli said. “When you’re not using it, it can be tucked away in the closet.”

Speaking of closets: Clear enough space for the guest or guests to hang up clothes. No one wants to live out of a suitcase.

A CALMING DECOR

Choose a calming color for the walls. “Everything is gray now, but blue is a very soothing color too,” Kubli said.

Window shades or draperies that open and close are important. “They provide both privacy and sun control, and the shades can be motorized,” Kubli said.

ON THE FLOOR

Hard surface flooring, whether tile, marble or wood, is ubiquitous in South Florida. These materials are functional and beautiful, but they can be chilly and unyielding to step on in bare feet. “A nice area rug will feel soft underfoot when the guest gets out of bed,” Kubli said.

LIGHTING

Lighting is important. Kubli likes to hang a chandelier in the center of the ceiling. “Put it on a dimmer so the light can be bright or subtle,” she said. “I also like to have a nightlight in a guest room.”

Lamps on the nightstands are another option. “Some lamps now have charging ports in them so your guest can plug in a phone or tablet,” Kubli said.

Few guests or hosts want to be together all the time. A TV will allow the guest to withdraw and watch favorite shows. “It gives them their own space,” Kubli said.

If the room is large enough, a chair with a side table and reading lamp can be a nice touch.

DOUBLE DUTY

Not every home is large enough for a dedicated guest room. A writing desk and a sleeper sofa instead of a bed will allow the space to double as an office when no one is visiting. “Sleeper sofas now are so beautiful and comfortable,” Kubli said, adding that for homeowner willing to spend a bit more, there are sleeper sofas that emerge from wall units at the touch of a button.

Whether furnishings are plain or fancy, the most important thing about a guest room is that it makes the person staying there feel comfortable and welcome.<<<