The holidays are all about homes full of family and friends. Are you preparing your house for guests? If so, this post is for you! We’re gathering all our favorites and sharing tips for getting your guest room ready. And, as in our case, that could be your kids’ rooms that have to work for both kids and guests! Two of our three are coming home from school, and we have guests coming to stay too. Some may think there’s no way a kids room can double as a comfy, inviting room for guests — but we’re here to tell you it can serve both purposes! Follow these steps and you’ll feel ready and able to entertain guests over the holidays … like a pro.
CLOUZ HOUZ TIP: To make guests feel welcome and comfortable, it’s the simple things 😊 For example, I like to add travel-sized toiletries to nightstands in case anyone has forgotten items like toothpaste, aspirin, earplugs, charging cord, etc. Also, a carafe of water and a glass for an easy middle of the night sip is always a nice touch. Your guests will appreciate these small gestures!
image: Clouz Houz / Photography: Zee Wendell
Treat whichever room you’re designating as a “guest room” as a special retreat for your guests. Whether it’s a den with a pull out sofa or an office with a blow up mattress, you can create a cozy space for family and friends where they can relax and enjoy their time in your home. See below for some items that we think are not only comfy and inviting, but also practical and budget-friendly. Adding these will make a “5 star hotel” experience in your own home!
CLOUZ HOUZ TIP: We needed a nightstand in our daughter’s bedroom since she took her furniture with her to college. So, we turned a chair into a surface by adding a stack of books. Then we placed a small dish to collect guest’s jewelry, etc. and set out a tray to hold a glass of water or a phone.
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Water Carafe and Glass
Make everything feel special, even a late night sip of water! This water carafe and glass set is so cute. It's the perfect addition to the guest room to make visitors feel like they're truly being spoiled with simple luxuries.
I love this little tree for placing on a nightstand to make your guest's room feel festive. Add lights for a night "glow" in the room, or leave naked for a cute touch to any space. I bought two of these this year, and just ordered a couple more for the kids' rooms. They would also look sweet with ornaments.
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Flannel Sheet Set
New sheets always feel luxurious, and these are sooooooo good! They're inexpensive, but feel really nice on a cold wintery night. And, let's not forget how handsome they are as well! I got a couple of sets or the kids' rooms this year, and they love them. It's a win-win as kids and guests will love to curl in for the night!
We purchased this duvet and these shams for our daughter's room, and now I'm on a mission to get the same ones in the green colorway. The quality of the linen is really really good, and I love the relaxed yet preppy look it adds to her room. I've purchased Serena & Lily bedding over the years, and I have never been disappointed.
If you want to turn a den or TV room into a guest space, I recommend investing in a good air mattress. This particular one has rave reviews, with air-filled coils and a built-in air pump to adjust the firmness of the mattress. Add some nice sheets, a down comforter and fluffy pillows and your guests will feel spoiled all through the night!
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Sheepskin Throw
I use sheepskin throws all the time, whether they're thrown a chair or sofa or as an easy solution to put something cozy and luxurious to the floor! I placed a couple next to the bed in our daughter's bedroom where we will host guests as well. It adds just a little something extra that will feel so good when stepping out of bed in the morning!
We've had the bed in our son's bedroom for years, and I still love it as much as I did the day we got it. It's a classic style -- not too childish, yet relaxed enough to feel casual and comfortable. The natural quality of the rattan goes with many styles of bedding. It looks especially amazing with hotel-inspired bedding, with classic embroidered sheets and beautiful duvets.
I can't say enough about how much I love this floor lamp! I've used it for clients' projects as well in our home. Both our boys have them as a reading light over their beds. I really like the contemporary, cool vibe it gives to their rooms. It has a handy touch sensor for ease in the middle of the night. And, you can't beat the price for the look! It's a great dupe for a designer look.
This was a client project we had so much fun bringing to life!
And with spring right around the corner, we’re officially shifting into outdoor mode over here.
This week, we’re talking all things outdoor spaces. How to get yours ready in time for the season, simple upgrades that make a big impact, and even sharing updates on our own exterior plans (fence, patio, garden... all of it.
If you’ve been staring at your backyard thinking “we need to do something out here...” this is your sign.
I can’t believe we haven’t done New York City sooner! New York has such a specific energy (fast, layered, and full of contrast) and that really shaped this design.
Smaller spaces force you to commit to a style and make every piece count, which is something I actually love about city living. This one leans industrial but still feels comfortable and lived-in.
Lately, we’ve noticed some recurring questions come up around our work — where we’re located, how involved clients need to be, and what you’re really investing in when you hire a designer. This post is meant to offer clarity and context, not overwhelm.
And if you’re still wondering about something specific, feel free to reach out. Thoughtful questions are always welcome here:)
Unreasonable. Not practical. Not safe. Not “that’s good enough.”
Unreasonable passion.
For the way light pours into your kitchen at 4pm. For the way your sofa feels at the end of a long day. For the dining table that holds sunday dinners and hard conversations and belly laughs.
I don’t believe in designing homes that are just fine. I believe in spaces that make you feel something. That tell your story. That hold your memories. Because this life? It moves fast. Our babies grow up. Seasons change. Chapters close.
So yes... I’m going to care deeply about the tile. About the trim detail. About the way the space flows. Not because it’s “just design.” But because it’s where your life unfolds.
Eight years ago I started my design business when Derrick was unemployed. It was a leap of faith to help support our family. I had no idea where it would lead.
Then we chose to build this business together. Exciting… and terrifying. Running a design + renovation company side by side stretches you (as entrepreneurs and as husband and wife).
We started over AGAIN and moved across the country to Tennessee!
It hasn’t been easy. There have been dark days… stress, uncertainty, moments that felt lonely.
But there have also been incredible highs — clients who trust us, a team that amazes me, opportunities I never could have planned for.
And recently, as I looked back through my camera roll, I realized something…
It’s not just the big milestones that built this life.
It’s the quiet moments. The moments you don’t realize are building the life you once only dreamt of. 🤍
Little by little, the life I once dreamed about… is becoming my reality. ✨
If you’re scared to start over… believe me when I say, I totally get it.
Just do it. (Maybe it’s all those years working at Nike that has rubbed off on me) But seriously, show up each day for the life you want.
I’m here if you want to chat, just send me a DM. xx
CLOUZ HOUZ TIP: To make guests feel welcome and comfortable, it’s the simple things 😊 For example, I like to add travel-sized toiletries to nightstands in case anyone has forgotten items like toothpaste, aspirin, earplugs, charging cord, etc. Also, a carafe of water and a glass for an easy middle of the night sip is always a nice touch. Your guests will appreciate these small gestures!
