A home's guest suite offers the opportunity to create an enjoyable getaway for family and friends. Of course, in offering a mini vacay to visitors, it's no surprise that homeowners want their guest suite to be beautiful, practical and, all in all, the perfect place to relax and unwind.

According to Michael and Carrie Robinson, that's basically the feedback they're hearing from customers at Townehaus, their high-quality furniture and home design business in Moorestown.

"Customers want guest suites that feel like a high-end hotel room—cozy and comfortable, but still luxurious," the pair explain. "The goal is for friends and family to feel truly at home, whether they're staying for a weekend or longer."

Typically connected to the main house, guest suites are self-contained living areas featuring a bedroom, private bath, sitting area and oftentimes even a small kitchenette, giving guests access to everything they need without encroaching on household common areas.

Investing in a guest suite, whether with renovations or a brand-new addition, doesn't just bring immediate satisfaction to a homeowner—it's also a smart choice if selling the home is a possibility down the line. According to Realtor.com, homes with guest suites sell as fast as standard properties at much higher list prices.

Of course, this demand is not only based on the extra space—it's also about the love and care that's been put into it. That's where local home improvement designers, contractors and craftspeople can make a huge difference.

Peter Fricano and his team at Seashore Floors in Avalon stay ahead of trends for flooring in all areas of the home, guest suites included.

"We are noticing a trend toward natural colors and textures like browns and greens. I've also noticed floral print tiles are having a moment which ties into the more nature-inspired look," Fricano says. "The trend has been for the bedrooms to be done in hardwood with a large area rug bound under the bed and in front of the nightstands."

The Robinsons have been seeing guest suite styles shift more traditional versus a few years ago, although not fully traditional. Townehaus customers are also seeking softer, warmer neutrals and natural wood tones instead of stark whites or dark finishes.
"The goal is a calm, inviting room with finishes that still look good after real use," Carrie and Michael say. "The pieces that matter most tend to be a comfortable bed with good nightstands, solid storage, a small desk or work surface, and seating that can handle everyday use. Everything else supports those core functions.

"The overall direction is high-quality pieces that are built to last, paired with a warm, comfortable atmosphere."

This idea of high-quality comfort goes for bathrooms, too. With whole bathroom renovations in Seashore Floors' repertoire, Fricano notes larger format tiles and tiling the ceiling as popular picks for a more "spa-like" feel.

"In a guest suite, you may want to provide a bench seat and niche in the shower for the weary traveler," Fricano adds. "Many times, we can do a feature wall, floor to ceiling, on the wet wall in a glass or waterjet mosaic to give the shower extra dimension."

For those ready to transform their guest suite into a hotel-quality retreat, Fricano, the Robinsons and a variety of other local experts are ready to bring the plan to fruition. And if the plan isn't fully formed, they're ready to help with that, too.

At Seashore Floors, customers can expect personal attention and top customer service when they visit the showroom to find the perfect tile, carpet or hardwood for their guest suite. Professionals are on hand to discuss budgets to find the best fit for their needs, and samples from Seashore Floors' wide range of products can be brought home. Once the selection process is decided, Fricano personally measures the job to send an estimate for the work.

There is the same level of care and attention at Townehaus, where Michael and Carrie say the most important thing they do is listen.

"There's no one-size-fits-all approach to a guest suite, so we take time to understand what each client wants to achieve, how the room will actually be used, and what their budget allows," the pair explain.

If the need is furniture, Townehaus offers three clear levels to their customers: the go-to Coastal Living collection by Universal, Vanguard Furniture for more finish and fabric options, and fully custom pieces designed with their Amish partners that come in any wood species, stain, size and configuration.

"The common thread is quality that still feels approachable, paired with a warm, hotel-like atmosphere that makes every guest feel welcome," the Robinsons say.

Beyond furniture, the Townehaus duo can help design and coordinate the entire guest suite, from paint to wallpaper, lighting to window treatments, and everything in between. The goal, they say, is "never to create a perfect, untouchable room."

"It's to create a space that feels like a high-end hotel suite but still lives well—where family and friends can actually relax without worrying about the furniture," Michael and Carrie say. "Quality should support real life, not get in the way of it."

RESOURCES
Seashore Floors
Avalon, N.J.
(609) 967-0400
SeashoreFloorsLLC.com

Townehaus
Moorestown, N.J.
(856) 581-0378
Townehaus.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 26, Issue 3 (Fall 2026)
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