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.
We spent the week soaking up the island sun at The Mauna Kea. The resort, the beach, the pace... it’s all magic. We had never been and I have to say, its my new fave. Hawaii has a way of completely resetting me. I feel like a different person here-calm, clear, more in tune with myself and what matters.
Things we did that I’m telling all my friends!!
Head to the Waimea Farmer’s Market if you there on a Saturday. They open at 7:30 so arrive early for good parking, it gets busy! Try the breakfast burrito or banana pancakes. Buy the fresh fruit.
Ziplining with Kohala Zipline & Canopy Tours. Even papa went and loved it! Beware if you are afraid of heights- the slat bridges were the hardest to cross.
Check out the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort. The architecture is amazing.
Snorkel at 49 Black Sand Beach. Go early, popular spot. 🙂
Order a Mai Tai at the Manta restaurant at the Mauna Kea - I have never had one like it. The frothy topping is over the top deeeeelish.
Go to the Lava Lava Beach Club for a sunset dinner. Tables on the beach are so cute- a dreamy setting and fun for kids with cornhole games and more. Order the Coconut Shrimp and Kev Lime pie!
Save for later if you are planning a trip to this magical island. I’m already dreaming about going back!
Last week, our entire family, 15 of us, came together in Hawaii to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday. It was the first time in over eight years that we’ve all spent more than a single day together.
When we moved to Bend, we needed space, physically and emotionally. We’d been through some big, life-altering family challenges, and even though we used to do everything together, distance felt necessary. At the time, I told myself, It’s just a 3.5-hour drive, but life has a way of making visits harder than they should be. And sometimes… I just didn’t want to make the drive.
But last week? Those old reasons for space started to fade. We laughed until our cheeks hurt, played pickleball in the Hawaiian sun, cooked meals together, stayed up late playing cards, and told the same old stories that somehow never get old.
The highlight for me was watching my dad, absolutely beaming. Laughing, teasing his grandkids, looking around at his family with pride. His joy is something I will hold onto forever.
Family isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s messy, complicated, and hard to navigate. But being together almost always feels better than being apart.
So take the trip. Try the new thing, even at 80. Watch the sunset together. Share the wine and the stories. Make the memories you’ll carry long after the bags are unpacked.
Mom and Dad, thank you for showing us what family really means, and for giving us this week we’ll carry for the rest of our lives.
And because there’s more to this story than I can fit here, I’m sharing a deeper, more personal reflection in Sunday’s subscriber email. Please tell me you’re subscribed—you won’t want to miss it. 🤍
We always come back to these. Our tried-and-true paint colors we reach for time and time again—because they just work. Whether you’re updating a guest bath, picking a cabinet color, or planning a full remodel, these are the shades that make every room feel considered and timeless.
Save this post so you have the names handy next time you’re at the paint counter.
Did you know we have a free paint guide? It’s filled with our most-used hues, finish tips, and designer notes. Comment ‘ME’ and I’ll DM you the link to sign up for our newsletter and get it sent to your inbox, totally complimentary.
Comment ‘BAHAMA’ and we’ll send you everything to get the look🐚 There’s so many good pieces rounded up in this one!!
Not gonna lie... Harbour Island has long been at the top of my dream destination list (maybe even the #1 spot). I love the vibe! One day I will go and experience it for myself! Have you been?
Fun fact: before I started my design biz, I was (very briefly) an India Hicks ambassador😂 I used to host trunk shows at our house and totally fell in love with the layered, collected island aesthetic she does so well. This look was a little love letter to that era-and honestly, I still haven’t gotten over it.
Café curtains are the move when you want to make a guest room feel instantly cozier and charming... Without doing a full refresh.
We had these custom made through @pepperhome and couldn’t recommend them more. The process is super clear (even when it comes to measuring!), and the quality is so good.
Here are the exact details we used for ours: • Fabric: Flour • Style: Pinch Pleat • Width per panel: 25” • Placement: Double paneling to open fully on each side of the window
It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, especially in guest spaces where you want softness and privacy without losing light.
Also works beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms... Or any space that needs some personality or even to hide open storage like we did in our pantry!!
Save this if you got Understated Eclectic on our style quiz !
This one’s often misunderstood, so let’s break it down.
It’s bold, but not loud. Curated, but not distracting. Timeless, but not afraid of a little risk.
If you love a bold palette, sculptural shapes, unexpected art pairings, or playful contrast... this is probably your vibe. You like a good statement, but it’s gotta feel grounded.
Comment ‘ME’ and I’ll send you a link to shop 100+ finds that bring this look home.
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!
