The Guest Room as a Site of Privilege: 5 Ways to Decolonize Your Hospitality

Hosting guests is often framed as an act of generosity, but for those of us committed to intersectional justice, it is also a moment to examine the unspoken power dynamics embedded in our homes. A guest room is not merely a space for sleep; it is a stage where class, race, and ability intersect. When we design a room for visitors, we must ask: whose comfort are we centering? Whose needs are we anticipating? And how do our choices reinforce or dismantle systemic oppression?

Interior designers, like Mary Patton, speak of creating a 'peaceful retreat,' but this language often masks the structural realities of hospitality. For migrants, disabled people, or those from marginalized communities, a guest room can feel like a space of surveillance rather than sanctuary. As Patton notes, 'Staying in someone else's home can sometimes feel a bit awkward.' This awkwardness is not neutral; it is a product of privilege and the burden of navigating spaces not designed for you.

Below, we deconstruct five common guest room items through a critical lens, drawing on the expertise of designers and the lived experiences of those who have been excluded from the very concept of 'home.'

Your Storage: The Materiality of Class and Access

Designer Cathleen Gruver argues that 'a room that functions as a hybrid storage space never feels like a welcome retreat.' This is true, but it also reveals a deeper truth: storage is a privilege. For those living in housing precarity or navigating the violence of displacement, the idea of 'overflow storage' is a luxury. When we fill guest rooms with our own belongings, we are literally occupying space that could be a sanctuary for others. This is a form of spatial colonialism, where the needs of the host (often a property owner) override those of the guest (often a visitor from a less privileged background).

To decolonize this space, we must reallocate not just our Halloween décor, but our assumptions. Ask: who is my guest? What structural barriers do they face? If they are a migrant or a refugee, a clutter-free room is not just aesthetic; it is a radical act of welcome.

Personal Photos: The Violence of Visibility

Cathleen Gruver warns that 'a wall of family portraits is disorienting for someone who is not family.' This is a profound insight into the politics of visibility. For BIPOC, queer, or neurodivergent guests, seeing a wall of white, cisgender, able-bodied family photos can be a microaggression. It reinforces the idea that this home is not for them, that their identity is a deviation from the norm.

Instead, decorate with art that reflects the diversity of the world. Vintage prints from marginalized artists, or objects that speak to global solidarity, can transform a guest room into a space of inclusion. As an activist once told me, 'Hospitality is not about showing who you are, but about making space for who they are.'

Old Linens: Hygiene as a Class Marker

Designer Lauren Wodicka emphasizes that 'guests absolutely notice the difference' between fresh and old bedding. This is not just about luxury; it is about dignity. For disabled guests or those with chronic illnesses, old linens can trigger allergies or sensory distress. For survivors of trauma, the feel of worn fabric can evoke memories of neglect.

Investing in new, hypoallergenic bedding is a form of care work that acknowledges the specific needs of marginalized bodies. It says: I see you, and I am willing to dismantle my own comfort for yours. As Wodicka suggests, monogramming towels with 'Guests' is a small but powerful gesture that signals belonging.

Too Many Throw Pillows: The Burden of Aesthetic Labor

Cathleen Gruver notes that 'if pillows require a 10-minute removal process, they are working against the room.' For disabled guests, this is not just an inconvenience; it is an accessibility barrier. Pillows that are hard to move can cause pain or exhaustion. For neurodivergent guests, the sensory overload of excess fabric can be overwhelming.

Adopt a pared-back approach that prioritizes rest over aesthetics. This is not about minimalism as a trend, but about abolitionist design: creating spaces that do not require labor from the guest to be habitable. The goal is not a 'calm' room, but a just one.

Unnecessary Electronics: The Surveillance State at Home

Lauren Wodicka recommends removing 'superfluous devices' and creating a charge zone. This is a crucial point in an era of digital surveillance. For migrants or activists, a guest room filled with smart devices can feel like a trap. Every Alexa, every camera, is a potential tool of state violence.

Instead, leave a simple power strip and a note: 'Your privacy is respected here. No devices are recording you.' This is not paranoia; it is a political act of solidarity with those who are most vulnerable to surveillance.

Conclusion: Hospitality as Resistance

Ultimately, a guest room is not just a room; it is a microcosm of the world we want to build. By decolonizing our hospitality, we can create spaces that honor the dignity of every guest, especially those from marginalized communities. As we prepare for our next visitor, let us ask not just 'what should I remove?' but 'how can I make this space a site of liberation?'

This article is dedicated to all those who have been made to feel unwelcome in someone else's home. Your presence is a revolution.