8 Details Guests Always Notice in Your Home—and How to Make Them Count, According to Designers

The Entryway

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. And it’s impossible for house guests to miss your foyer or entryway. “This is a perfect place to make a bold statement,” says Cara Velten, partner at Gale Sitomer Design.

While there are many things you can do, the designer suggests color drenching, painting the room a dark hue, or even installing a unique wallpaper. “The foyer is a perfect place to do something bold while still being able to play it a bit safer in the rooms they spend the most time in, such as the living room and bedroom,” Velten says.

The Bathroom or Powder Room

If you’re expecting guests, chances are they’ll need to use the bathroom at some point. Make sure essentials like toilet paper, hand soap, and hand towels are stocked and easily accessible because having to ask for them can be awkward. 

But it’s not just lack of supplies, they’ll notice—they’ll also take note of how well the space is decorated. According to interior designer Valerie Cardozo, founder of CARV Projects in Toronto, Canada, bathrooms and powder rooms are the perfect spots for those fun design moments. “A powder room is the perfect space to go bold with wallpaper, mood lighting, or an eye-catching mirror,” Cardozo says. “And don’t forget the little luxuries: high-quality hand soap—think Aesop or Le Labo—plush hand towels, and a candle go a long way in elevating the experience.”

Your Guest Bedroom

If someone is staying at your home for an overnight visit, they might not expect a five-star hotel experience, but everyone wants to feel comfy and cozy. “Invest in making your guest bedroom just as much of a sleep sanctuary as your primary bedroom is,” says Kathy Kuo Home founder and CEO Kathy Kuo. “Swap the sheets out seasonally—cozy flannel for winter and crisp percale for spring and summer—and add a nice throw blanket and decorative pillows.” 

The designer adds that it’s also nice to have a few personal touches in the bathroom. “I think it’s fun to have a little journal on the bedside table and to tell guests it’s for them to sign, like the guestbook at an inn,” says Kuo. 

Clutter

No one has a perfect home, and that should be understood by any guests, however, if a home is overstuffed or very messy, your guests will notice, says Valerie Stafford, partner and lead designer at Rumor Designs. “Overcluttering is a common mistake that we tend to turn a blind eye to in our own homes, but it instantly sticks out to guests,” she says.

While they probably won’t see that stack of mail in your home office, it’s pretty hard to miss that pile of laundry or Peloton in your guest room. “Space planning is key, adding items that are purposeful and fit the space and removing items that don’t,” Stafford adds.

While you might not be able to clean everything up, it’s a smart idea to tidy up the spaces where you’re hosting guests. 

Furniture Arrangement

You might think visitors don’t notice when your coffee table is just a bit too close to your couch to sit down comfortably (or not bang their shins getting up), but they do, according to Velten. “Furniture arrangement is what you experience first when you enter a room,” she says. “A room can have beautiful pieces, but if they’re not arranged in a way that feels conversational, they can get lost. A big mistake we often see with clients is having all of their pieces backed up against the walls. Pulling them into the room, even by a foot, makes a room feel much more intentional.”

The Kitchen

“Let’s be real, no matter how gorgeous your living room is, the kitchen is always the place to be,” says Cardozo. “If food and drinks are part of the visit—which they most often are—your guests will naturally gravitate here. Whether it’s gathering around the island or lingering in the dining room, a well-designed space makes hosting effortless. A kitchen made not only for family living but for hosting is a great addition to any home.”

Personal Touches

Guests tend to pick up on whether your home has personal touches or if it feels like an influencer’s Pinterest board. Cardozo shares that lighting, art, and personal touches are key. “Unique lighting, statement artwork, and carefully curated accessories aren’t just décor pieces, they’re conversation starters,” she says. “Prior to hiring us, we’ve had clients tell us their home doesn’t feel like them, and that’s always something we aim to change.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to hire a designer or spend a lot of money, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your decor. “When guests visit, they should experience your story, so embrace those sentimental pieces, mementos from past travels, and quirky finds that make your space unique to you and your life,” Cardozo says.

How They Feel in Your Home

“Guests may not remember your décor details, but they’ll never forget how your home made them feel,” says Olivia Hnatyshin, interior designer and AVP creative director at Furniture.com.

She advises putting thought into small details. “A thoughtfully lit space, a welcoming entryway, and little details in private spaces make all the difference,” she says. “The way I like to achieve this is by investing in dimmable lighting everywhere—adjusted by an app on my phone—adding fancy candles to my guest bathroom, and providing beautiful, crisp hand towels.”