After I finished reorganizing our hall bathroom, I went ahead and took a few extra steps to make that room feel more “finished.”

Since we’d already done all the major work in there, like painting and adding the bead board, all it really needed was a few touches to make it more inviting for guests to use.

After all, it’s the guest bathroom, and we’d like to make any potential guests feel as welcome as possible.

Here’s a few steps to making a bathroom a little more inviting.

1. I added a basket filled with soap, shampoo, lotion, and other toiletry items. We collect them from hotels whenever we travel (most come from Wyatt’s work trips). That way, we don’t have to scramble to find them when somebody comes over to stay. And I used only bottles that fit our color scheme in there, so it just looks nice, too.

2. Forget about the idea of “fancy guest towels” (who has 11 towel categories, anyway, right?) and just place clean, soft, unstained towels in there. When a guest washes their hands, they aren’t going to automatically know which towels you prefer them to use or not use. There’s no sense having a “special” “just-for-looks” towel that you’d be upset if someone used.

–Bonus tip: Don’t use all white towels. While those can feel luxurious, when it comes to removing make-up, a colored or dark towel will make guests feel less self-conscious about leaving a stain on the towel. Plus, it’s a fun way to add in fun pops of color!

3. Air freshener should be accessible, because let’s face it–sometimes stinky things happen in the bathroom, and it’s just nicer for everyone if there’s a little bottle of good-smelling stuff in there, right? Get one in a color or style that isn’t too big or ugly, (think something fancier than a big ol’ bottle of Lysol) and tuck it behind the towels  to save your guests some potential embarrassment.

4. This one’s a no brainer, but keep it clean. No one wants to use a shower that isn’t clean or a toilet with stains or a sink covered in hair.

5. Use a liner in the trash can. As a woman, trust me, it’s just better. It won’t hurt the look of a fancy bathroom that much, and sometimes functionality trumps fanciness anyway.

6. Cotton balls and Q-tips are one item that provides functionality and aesthetics. Put some in a pretty glass container, or even just a simple mason jar and your guests will think it looks simple, stylish… and helpful.

7. Don’t forget to have fun. Feel free to add a few elements that show you don’t take yourself, or your bathroom, too seriously. We picked up this giant egg timer on a whim at Kohl’s one day and have probably had more comments on it than any other single piece of decor in our house. Be creative!

Now you tell me..how do you make you home, and especially the bathroom, feel more inviting to guests? I’d love to hear your best tips!