My essentials-
Wall decorations. Stick with a theme for every wall and you'll do good here. My brother is a good example of this. He's got tropical related stuff up in my bathroom, like a Captain Morgan mirror (Spencer's Gifts), Hawaiian looking bandanas, lighthouse print, that sort of thing. Also, a giant white-ish poster or blank sheet for friends to sign is a bonus.
Beyond that, I like a lot of lights rigged up to one power strip. That way you can keep the lights on and just nudge the power strip's power when you want them on or off. It's a great, cheap couch trick to pull on guests.
Great audio is a definite must, even if it means going with a smaller TV or other sacrifices to your home entertainment. If you have to go with a cheaper stereo, at least go with a flashy one. I've got a cheap little Wal-Mart stereo in my bedroom, but it has one of the coolest designs, so it works all right in a pinch. Be careful about having your friends hook up your electronics for you. I had a very nice speaker system that was screwed all to hell because a friend thought he knew more about speakers than he actually did. Go with a pro if you can, and if you can't, get a general idea from friends on who can set up a decent speaker system and ask to hear and see what they've done before.
A small fish tank is fun but not really necessary. If you can get a tank with two or three really cool fish and a bottom feeder to keep it clean, that's enough to start some conversations.
Mini-bar - Doesn't need to be anything fancy (I just use a milk crate), but keep variety on hand. I like to keep at all times a bottle of Malibu, Glynfidditch scotch (butchered the spelling), vodka, tequila, and gin. Keep your mixers in the fridge. Save your empty bottles, set candles on them, and light those suckers on fire every once in a while. Mix up the colors, and you've got great cheap decorations.
Generic bathroom spray is a given, but keep some incense in there too if your bathroom is small.
As far as beds and bedding go, if you can swing it, get a double pillow-topped mattress and a strong, sturdy bedframe. I don't like headboards. Go with solid color bedding. And for pillows, get one luxurious nice one for any female guests, but only use it when they're around.
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