Guest Room Tips for the Warmest of Welcomes
JENNIFER MCGUIRE
Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips. Create the Ultimate “Flex” Room Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters.
Create the Ultimate “Flex” Room
Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people – from your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break to Great Auntie Edna who’s there for the holidays to your nephew who’s in town to tour college campuses. If you expect to holiday children or multiple guests at the same time, consider investing in bunk beds or at least twin beds to offer several possible combinations of sleeping arrangements. The important thing is to plan ahead and anticipate who you may be hosting. Keep this in mind when
decorating the space as well. Selecting a neutral color palette (step away from that ruffled, hot pink comforter!) will ensure that everyone feels content in their home away from home.
Add Some Local Flavor
Showcase your local community by displaying the highlights or most popular features of your city. Display a coffee table book about its history or attractions. Framed postcards or other artwork that show the best and coolest spots around town will not only dress up the space, but also give visitors a little taste of what they might see and do during their stay. Go one step further and stock the dresser drawer with brochures or travel magazines they can browse through to gather ideas about an itinerary for their vacation.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Want to really understand what your visitors
might need? Spend a night in your guest room with suitcase in tow, and you’ll discover all sorts of little niceties that would make a difference to your guests: handy hooks for wet towels, extra blankets in the bureau, plenty of empty hangers in the closet, a convenient luggage rack, drink coasters for the nightstand, an alarm clock or even a collection of short stories for nighttime reading. Endeavoring to understand their needs from their perspective will help you play the role of the perfect host. Feel confident when you lay out the welcome mat that those who cross your threshold will enjoy the time spent in your home. Refer to these tips when preparing for overnight guests and you’ll be sure to win points as a first-rate host.
The Case for Repurposing Your Space
LAUREN OOSTERLINCK
It’s almost criminal — leaving rooms in your home underutilized. While navigating the obstacle course of life, there are a host of reasonable factors that lead to this common home-functionality transgression. Now is the ideal moment to repurpose what you have and reinvent such spaces.
A desirable feature of yesteryear, the formal dining room is now often deemed obsolete by many homeowners, who allow it to morph into an underused or wasted space. A contributing factor is the evolution of the kitchen into a multifunctional communal area. Fortunately, the size and central location of this former principal gathering room typically allow for plenty of practical new purposes.
Similarly, extra bedrooms are always useful – until they aren’t. These rooms typically boast prime real estate within a dwelling, yet unless you frequently host overnight guests, they easily befall the sin of neglect. If it’s become rare for you to have stayover visitors, the space is well worth repurposing to revive and add value to your floor plan. It’s your oyster for all sorts of possibilities!
Any of the following suggestions could inspire these rooms’ next roles. Here is a curated collection of the most actionable and relevant ways to inspire
an uplifting transformation in your dwelling’s neglected spaces.
Serious Business
Particularly with recent shifts to a work-fromhome situation, savvy homeowners have taken to the idea of repurposing their dining room into a home office. Adding a desk, shelves and a few chairs –perhaps from the dining table set – will easily convert an outdated area into a place dedicated to work or remote learning. Get creative with this project and give the room a true makeover with a bold new paint color, wallpaper and artwork throughout the reimagined space.
Child’s Play
If you have young children, consider creating a designated play area. You can maintain organization in the room by adding a colorful chest of drawers, whimsical hutch or handy bins for toys and game storage. Be sure to incorporate plenty of comfortable seating, and perhaps even a television to enhance the capabilities and fun factor.
Hobbyist Lair
Bibliophiles and audiophiles, rejoice! A dining
room or spare bedroom could be reinvented into a library or combo listening studio. Any treasured books or magazines hidden away in boxes or spread among various coffee tables throughout the house can be placed on stylish display on dramatic floor-to-ceiling shelving. An essential here is at least one ultra-cozy chair. Vinyl lovers can add a turntable and settle in for undisturbed contemplation. Further elevate this converted space by introducing an elegant bar cart or armoire bar cabinet.
Mindful Movement
Fitness-focused households might find another use for an underutilized space – and pounce on the opportunity to build out a home gym. Relocate or sell any unneeded furniture, and as a first step for those with wood flooring, try laying foam mat overtop. Double down on the quality of this transition by installing a full-length mirror. Then comes the fun part: Decide which machines, weights or other equipment would optimize the revitalized room.
Every square inch of your residence matters, so if you discover any areas that have become abandoned, focus on the primary needs and functions that best serve you and your family – and reference these tips to get the most out of your space.
NOTES
Celebrating summer with this Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé. This frosty frosé is so easy to create, perfectly icy, sweet, and so delicious!
Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bottle (750 ml) Rosé
• 2-3 cups cubed watermelon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• 1-4 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
• sugar, for the rim…and mint, for serving
1. The night before, pour the rosé between 2-3 ice cube trays and freeze overnight. See below about making popsicles.
2. In a blender, blend the watermelon, lemon juice, rosemary, and sugar or honey (if using) until mostly smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Spread a little sugar onto a shallow plate. Rim each glass in sugar, if desired.
4. In a blender, combine the frozen rosé cubes and about 1 cup watermelon rosemary juice and blend until slushy. Add additional rosé or watermelon juice to thin. Pour into your prepared glasses. Add popsicles and mint (if desired). Drink!
5. Watermelon Rosemary Popsicles: If making popsicles, use 6 cups watermelon, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbs rosemary, 3-6 tbs honey or sugar (if using). In a blender, blend the watermelon, lemon juice, rosemary, and sugar (if using) until mostly smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. Pour the mixture among 6 popsicle molds or Dixie Cups. Reserve 1 cup of the watermelon juice. Freeze 2 hours or overnight, chill the reserved watermelon juice to use for blending
HOME TRENDS: COLOR & LIGHT SUMMER DESIGN TRENDS THAT INSTANTLY BRIGHTEN A HOME
Summer is all about creating spaces that feel fresh, open, and full of energy—and in 2026, homeowners are leaning into design trends that maximize both color and light. From airy interiors to cheerful accents, these seasonal updates help homes feel brighter, more welcoming, and perfectly suited for summer living.
One of the biggest trends this season is the use of light-reflecting color palettes. Warm whites, soft sands, pale sage greens, and muted sky blues
are replacing darker tones and helping interiors feel larger and more open. These shades work especially well in living rooms and kitchens where natural light can bounce throughout the space.
At the same time, homeowners are embracing strategic pops of color to add personality without overwhelming a room. Sunny yellows, terracotta accents, and ocean-inspired blues are showing up in throw pillows, artwork, accent chairs, and decorative
accessories. These smaller updates instantly energize a home while keeping the overall look clean and balanced.
Natural light remains a major priority for buyers and designers alike. Heavy drapes are being swapped for sheer curtains and lightweight window treatments that allow sunlight to filter through freely. Mirrors are also making a comeback, helping reflect daylight and brighten darker corners of the home.
Texture plays an important role as well. Woven materials, light woods, linen fabrics, and glass décor pieces enhance the breezy, relaxed atmosphere homeowners are craving this time of year. Together, these elements create spaces that feel calm, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.
For sellers, these summer design trends can make a noticeable impact in listing photos and showings. Bright, thoughtfully styled homes tend to feel more inviting and memorable—helping buyers emotionally connect the moment they walk through the door.
$759,024 1,415 1,159 11 76 $437,500 $575,000 521 329 2,231 1,310
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a slight decrease in the average sale price, lowering to $464,477 marking a 4.9% decrease compared to May 2025. The median sales price also saw a slight decrease of 2.8%, settling at $437,500. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,415 listings, an notable increase of 12.7% from the previous year. This represents a 2.7-month supply, an increase from May 2025, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales decreased by 12.4%, totaling 521 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased to 11 days. Annual residential sales is up from year’s level, up 2.9%, totaling 2,231 sales. In opposite fashion, Kootenai Countyshowed increased price performance, with the average sale price raising to $759,024 reflecting a 11.8% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had an increase of 5.8%, reaching $575,000. Inventory in the area decreased by 8.5% to 1,159 listings. Residential closed sales saw a decrease of 0.3%, with 329 transactions recorded. The average days on the market decreased to 76 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 2.7%, totaling 1,310 transactions so far this year.
As interest rates fluctuate and the market anticipates changes throughout the year, it's crucial to consult with your