A Summer Welcome: Designing Guest Rooms That Feel Like Retreats (Copy)

There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about summer in New England. The air feels lighter, time stretches a little longer, and your home naturally becomes a gathering place. Whether you’re hosting out-of-town family or weekend friends, a thoughtfully designed guest room brings a sense of romance to the quiet moments of life.

At bee designe, we believe guest spaces shouldn’t feel like afterthoughts. They should feel like small sanctuaries—designed with the same care and subtlety as the rest of your home. It’s less about being styled and more about being intentional. A breeze catching sheer curtains, the softness of well-washed linens, a light scent in the air—it’s these gestures that linger.

Start with Light

The foundation of a summer guest space begins with light—both in color and sensation. Let the room breathe. Opt for soft, tonal layers like warm ivory, sun-faded taupe, or weathered sand. These tones catch natural light with grace, giving the space an airy openness that feels like an exhale.

Hints of color are welcome but should feel organic. Think sea glass blues, linen whites, soft laurel, or even the gentlest touch of rose. These accents soften the space while keeping the palette calm and welcoming—never jarring, always grounded.

A Subtle Nod to the Coast

Blue belongs in a New England summer, but it doesn’t need to shout. Skip coastal motifs and instead lean into nuance: a faded chambray pillow, a striped throw reminiscent of vintage beach umbrellas, or a glazed ceramic lamp in dusty indigo.

Use these references sparingly, balancing them with sculptural lighting or antique-inspired wood tones. A single piece of abstract art, a cane bedframe, or a whitewashed chandelier offers quiet presence without overwhelming the mood. The idea is to evoke the coast—not to imitate it.

Texture Is Everything

Guest rooms come alive through texture. Natural materials like unpolished wood, linen, woven seagrass, and clay bring depth and dimension to otherwise neutral spaces. A jute rug grounds the room. A rattan bench at the foot of the bed or a vintage cane chair adds tactile warmth. Even a soft wool throw or sheer drapery can change the feeling of a space.

Wallpaper, when chosen with restraint, becomes a whisper of personality. Think grasscloth in warm sand, a soft pinstripe in muted gray, or hand-painted florals that feel more Paris than preppy. Whether you wrap the room or apply it behind a headboard, the effect is one of quiet intimacy.

Thoughtful Touches Make the Difference

The magic of a guest room lies in the details—simple, considered, and "lived in". A bedside carafe with a glass. A stack of books that feel well-loved. A single bud vase with a seasonal bloom. These gestures say “you’re welcome here” without words.

Layer the bed generously with cotton sheets, a textured coverlet, and a blanket at the foot for cooler nights. Place a robe on a hook. Set a woven basket with towels or soft slippers nearby. Think less hotel, more home—but elevated

Final Notes

Guest rooms aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about how someone feels in the space. Welcomed. Relaxed. Cared for. Whether it’s the light through the window, the way the sheets fall, or the soft hush of textures and tones, every element works together to create a pause.

Even if you’re not by the water, you can channel that coastal ease. It’s not about a theme—it’s about the feeling. And the feeling we aim for is simple: soft, lived-in luxury that quietly says, you’re home.

bee designe with clients in Boston, Cape Cod, Florida, and beyond to design homes that feel layered, lived-in, and emotionally resonant. Whether you’re preparing a space for summer guests or envisioning something entirely new, we’d be honored to help you shape a home that tells your story.