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.
A little letter from the heart as I read this quote. It really hit home for me. Take a look and let me know if you can relate? Would love to hear from you.❤️
Color drenching? Here’s what it is and how to nail it:
Color drenching means painting everything—walls, trim, ceiling, even woodwork—in the same color. It creates a cozy, cocoon-like vibe that’s perfect for intimate spaces.
How to Do It: - Paint everything: Walls, trim, ceiling, and doors all get the same hue. - Mix up the sheens: Use different finishes like matte for walls and semi-gloss for trim to add depth. - Add a complimentary color: This ensures that the space doesn’t feel too monotonous and adds visual interest and balance. - Consider your natural lighting: Choose your color based on the room’s natural light to decide whether to go light or dark. Both can be equally beautiful. Best Rooms for This: - Den/Office - Small Bedroom - Cozy TV Room - Dark or Small Spaces
Are you willing to give this look a try? Save this video for later!
I’m seriously loving how these bookshelves turned out. They’re like mini art galleries for my photography and design books. I ditched the idea of hanging art on the walls to let these beauties shine instead. I love beautiful books- they honestly are a constant state of inspiration so I wanted them out and accessible! Cue, the angled shelves! They give each book its own spotlight, making it easy to dive into any page that catches your eye. And I love flipping through the books and leaving them open on a new page for a rotating display of beautiful imagery.
Intentional and functional design is all about creating a balance of beauty aesthetically, but also serving a purpose. I really strive to think through every design decision this way.☺️
Designing a space tailored to your needs is all about thoughtful choices and personal touches that make it uniquely yours.
This room is a reflection of our personal style. And something that I truly stand behind… a beautiful space doesn’t have to be all custom or high-end pieces. In fact, it’s all about the balance. I invested in this well-made sofa by @mosshomeusa and saved on the well-crafted vintage chairs and travertine coffee table I scoured the internet for. This mix is what makes the space feel more soulful in my opinion.
When designing your own space, think about what truly matters to you. What elements foster a sense of warmth and connection? For us, it’s about creating a sanctuary where every detail—from the collected treasures adorning the shelves to the texture of the upholstery—speaks to our love for comfort and elegance.
I couldn’t help myself but dream up a project in SV when I was there a couple of weeks ago. The Sun Valley All-American Lodge is inspired by the rugged beauty and adventurous spirit of Sun Valley, Idaho.
Imagine waking up to the crisp mountain air and the soft rustling of aspen leaves, with sunlight filtering through windows that frame breathtaking views of the mountains (eeeek I get all excited just thinking about it). Each detail of this lodge interior-from the cozy living space to the rustic yet refined bedroom-has been crafted to evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and timeless charm.
Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline rush of horseback riding or the tranquility of fly fishing, this Sun Valley lodge is for those who cherish both adventure and serenity.
In true Sun Valley style, our interiors reflect a blend of casual sophistication and rugged elegance. Picture cozy furnishings in earthy tones, accented with touches of leather and natural materials that echo the landscape outside. Our envisioned wardrobe mirrors this effortless style-infused with classic Western attire and a contemporary twist, perfect for exploring mountain trails or enjoying a laid-back evening in town.
Drop us a comment if Sun Valley sparks your imagination, or explore more of our services on our website. Like something you see? Follow our @shop.Itk page (link in bio for more)!
Say hello to the #SoSusieHeadquarters- where work meets play in the most adorable way! Our client is a fashion influencer/blogger and needed a space that seamlessly blends work and family life. She wanted a home office that doubles as a content creation studio, where she can curate content showcasing her finds. At the same time, it needed to be a cozy hangout zone where she can unwind with her family and SS team after a busy day of shooting.
We’ve designed every corner with her personal brand in mind. From the three inviting seating areas for brainstorming sessions and family gatherings, to the console table displaying her collection of shoes, bags, and accessories-it’s all about reflecting her fun taste and personal style. This is something we pride ourselves in... when a client tells us it feels just like them.
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!
