A New York Decorator's Rules for the Guest Room

Markham Roberts, the New York decorator who writes a column for Veranda, has set out what he believes a guest room actually needs. His lessons come from two very different rooms: an Elizabethan estate and a tween's bedroom done entirely in pink. His focus is not on show but on the comforts a visitor will notice and remember. He does allow for a butler or a footman, and even recommends one, though it is not required.

With reporting from Veranda.