Christmas in Australia often comes with extra chairs around the table, wet towels draped everywhere and someone asking, “Where should I put my bag?”

If you have family or friends staying over, even for a night, a comfortable guest room makes a big difference. It does not need to be perfect or Insta ready. It just needs to feel calm, welcoming and thought about.

At this time of year it is usually too late to plan a full makeover with an interior designer, but there is still plenty you can do. Think of this Christmas as your chance to do a quick refresh now, then gather ideas so you can create your dream guest room with an expert next year.

Jennifer French and the team here at Inside Out Colour & Design work with our Sydney homeowners to design beautiful, practical spaces, and we know how important it is for guests to feel at home. Here are some easy ways to get your guest room ready for a warm Australian summer.

Start with the basics: a comfy bed and good sleep

If guests only remember one thing about their stay, it is usually how well they slept. You do not need a brand new bed, but you can make the one you have much more comfortable.

Ask yourself a few questions. Is the mattress saggy or too firm. Could a simple mattress topper help. Are the pillows flat and sad. Often a fresh set of pillows and a topper make a big difference without a huge spend.

Choose breathable cotton or linen sheets so guests stay cool on hot nights. Then think about layers. Our summer weather can flick from hot to cool quickly, so instead of one heavy quilt, try:

A light cotton or linen quilt
A thin blanket
A soft throw at the end of the bed

Guests can then add or remove layers as they need. If there is no air conditioning, a quiet pedestal or floor fan is worth its weight in gold. Position it so it moves air around the room without blasting straight onto your guests.

Layered linen, soft pillows and a light summer throw turn a simple bed into a calm, comfortable retreat your guests will love to sink into at the end of the day | Inside Out Colour & Design

Clear a little space just for them

Many spare rooms do double duty as an office, craft room, ironing station or general storage. That is real life. You do not have to empty the whole room before guests arrive, but it helps to clear just enough space so it feels like their room while they are staying, not that they have moved into your workspace.

A quick pre arrival checklist might include:

Clear one or two drawers in the dresser
Free up a section of wardrobe with 5 to 10 hangers
Tuck away office paperwork, sewing projects or craft supplies so they are out of sight
Add a hook or over the door hanger for bags and jackets

If you have space, a luggage rack or bench at the end of the bed feels very hotel like and keeps suitcases off the floor.

Then look at the bedside table. Is it covered in your books, receipts and chargers. Spend five minutes clearing it so there is room for a phone, glasses, a book and a glass of water. A simple lamp within easy reach is essential for late night reading.

A murphy bed, streamlined storage and a clear desk mean this room can work as an office most days, then quickly transform into a calm, clutter free guest space when visitors arrive | Inside Out Colour & Design

Add thoughtful touches that feel like a treat

This is where you can really make guests feel welcome. Think about the small things you need when you are away from home and try to include a few of them.

A few simple ideas:

A carafe and glass of water on the bedside table
A basket with fresh towels, a face washer and hand towel
A small bowl or tray for jewellery, keys and a watch
A full length mirror if you can fit one in

You can also create a little “in case you forgot” kit. It does not need to be fancy. Pop it in a basket or small box and include things like:

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Travel size shampoo and conditioner
Body wash and hand cream
Tissues and cotton pads
A couple of tea bags and hot chocolate sachets

Guests will often comment on these tiny details. It shows you have thought about them, which always feels special.

Clear surfaces, a tidy bedside and a chair ready for bags or books help this room feel like a welcoming little retreat that truly belongs to your guests while they stay | Inside Out Colour & Design

Make it feel like an Australian summer retreat

Guest rooms in our climate work best when they feel light, airy and relaxed. You do not need to repaint or buy all new furniture. A few styling tweaks can change the mood quickly.

Some easy updates you can do before Christmas:

Swap heavy, dark throws for lighter ones in soft blues, greens or sandy neutrals
Add a small vase of greenery from the garden or a simple pot plant
Use natural textures like a jute rug or rattan basket to add warmth without weight

Summer light can be strong, especially in the early morning. If your guests will be woken at sunrise, look at your window coverings. A basic blockout roller blind or clip on blockout lining behind existing curtains can help with sleep.

Also think about airflow and insects. Check that windows open easily, screens are intact and fans work properly. In some areas, a discreet insect repellent or plug in unit can be useful.

Soft layers, fresh white shutters and a pop of colour on the lamp and cushion give this guest room a light, breezy feel that is perfect for an Australian summer retreat | Inside Out Colour & Design

Quick DIY spruce up before guests arrive

If your spare room currently looks more like a storage unit than a sanctuary, do not stress. Focus on a few quick wins.

Declutter surfaces
Remove anything that screams “dumping ground”. Paperwork, old appliances, exercise gear and laundry baskets can be relocated temporarily. Clear, open surfaces instantly feel calmer.
Create a simple colour story
Look at what is already in the room. Maybe you have white sheets, a navy throw and timber furniture. Choose one main colour and one or two supporting colours. Add a cushion, artwork or photo frame that ties those colours together. It helps the room feel pulled together without a big overhaul.
Soften the lighting
If the only light comes from a bright ceiling fitting, add a bedside lamp with a warm globe. Soft, layered lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a basic room feel more like a boutique guest space.
Freshen with scent and sound
A gently scented candle or diffuser, used safely and lightly, can make the space feel welcoming. If your home can be noisy, leave a little note with your WiFi details so guests can play their own music or sleep sounds.

These small DIY moves are usually enough to get you comfortably through the festive season, even if the room is not quite your long term vision.

A cleared bedside, fresh flowers, a coordinated lamp and linen in one simple colour story show how a few quick tweaks can transform your guest room before visitors arrive | Inside Out Colour & Design

Use this Christmas as a test run for next year

While your guests are staying, notice how the room actually works. Do they have to climb around the bed to reach the wardrobe. Do suitcases end up blocking the door. Is the lighting too harsh at night. Does the room feel stuffy.

Make a few notes after they leave. These real life observations are gold when you are ready to plan a proper guest room design.

This is where working with an interior designer like our team here at Inside Out Colour & Design can make all the difference. Together we can:

Create a colour palette that feels calm and cohesive
Plan storage that suits both guests and everyday use
Choose window coverings for comfort, privacy and style
Select furniture that fits the room and your lifestyle

For now, keep things simple. Tidy, layer, add a few thoughtful extras and your guests will feel welcome and comfortable. Then, when Christmas is over and life slows down, you can start dreaming about the ultimate guest room and bring in an expert to help make it happen.

The Ultimate Summer Guest Room: Simple Ways To Get Ready For Christmas Visitors