How to decorate your guestroom?

You never know when someone might drop by

You have decorated your bedroom, the bathroom, and the deck, and the next project that I would like to recommend is the guest room. If you are using this room as a store room, then there is all the more reason to do something about it, according to Paige Hemmis of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and author of "The Tuff Chix Guide to Easy Home Improvement." Here are some tips on how to make your guest room ready to receive guests: Create storage with multifunctional furniture. A chest or trunk doubles as storage space and a nightstand, which is a great way to stylishly disguise linens or extra pillows.

Use room dividers to conceal boxes and equipment. Room dividers come in many colors and styles to match any room theme. They can quickly conceal exercise equipment, storage boxes and anything else that needs hiding.

Clean out the guest room closet. Donate clothing and coats and sell items such as rollerblades, sports equipment, and board games on eBay for extra cash.  (Related:  How to organize your closets) Utilize wall space with cubbies and shelves. This is a quick and simple solution to store books, CDs, DVDs, etc. It's also added space for personal touches like small plants and candles. Opt for a sofa bed or futon to increase floor space. Does the guest room double as a home office? Ditch the full or queen bed for a space-saving sofa bed or futon. (Related:  Use Feng Shui for decoration)

Shoe racks are great for shoes too! Door-hanging shoe racks are ideal for storing accessories such as belts, ties, jewelry, and socks. Attach it to the back of a guest room door for added small item storage. Try this in the bath too for easy to reach sundries. Prepare clean linens and comforter. Wash all spare sheets and towels and store them somewhere handy, such as the trunk/nightstand.  Avoid searching for matching sheets and towels at the last minute. Provide a hamper for guests to dispose of used linens. Check batteries for remotes, smoke alarms and check light bulbs. Replacing batteries in smoke alarms is something that should be done regularly to keep the entire household safe. Walk through the room to ensure that the TV remote control works, the clock is correct, and the light bulbs are fresh. This is not only considerate; but it keeps guests from searching in messy closets and cupboards during the night.

Increase under the bed storage with bed lifters. These remarkable items actually lift the bed up several inches to create great storage space. Use canvas storage totes or organizers to make the most of the area. Great for linens, electronics, air mattresses, overnight bags and anything else that lies flat. Install over the door hooks for hanging clothes. These are very inexpensive and great for hanging robes, towels or jackets. Door hooks come in many sizes and are available at home improvement, discount, and bed and bath stores.  (Related:  How to declutter) Purchase a soft-sided wardrobe closet to store bulky items. Portable wardrobe closets are ideal for larger items such as ski clothes, winter coats, and costumes. Some include cedar inserts to help protect garments. Place in basement or garage for convenient extra storage all year long. These are affordably priced and available at discount and specialty stores. Give guests the four-star treatment. Make visitors feel special by filling the guest bathroom with travel size sundries collected from previous travels. Place in a basket with cotton swabs and potpourri. If you are expecting children, how about some Spiderman decorations?