When visitors come this season, go the extra mile to make them feel welcome. Rue Living Inspirer and interior designer Ron Marvin weighs in on guest-bedroom essentials.

Bedside Lamps
“I recently stayed in a guest room that didn’t have them. Don’t rely on one overhead light fixture. They are generally too bright. And it’s difficult to navigate a room if the switch is far from the bed.”

Storage
“Try to have an empty dresser so guests can unpack if they’d like. Plenty of hooks in the closet, as well as empty hangers. A nice luggage rack is most helpful.”

Treats
“Bake your guests your favorite cookies or pick up a local specialty and leave it waiting in their room for them. Salted caramels from the farmers’ market? Chocolates from the artisan shop? Be creative. Tailor it to your visitors.”

Have tips of your own to share? Tweet us at @ruelala.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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Ron Marvin Design is a New York City–based interior-design firm. Traditional Home magazine recently named him one of their Top 20 New Traditionals, showcasing him in the launch of their new online magazine, Trad Home. Ron’s work has also been featured in Lonny Magazine and The New York Times. His New York and San Francisco homes have been shown in Metropolitan Home magazine and on the HGTV show “Small Space, Big Style.” Prior to opening his firm, Ron worked for over 12 years in the visual merchandising departments at Gap, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Hold Everything, and Williams-Sonoma Home.