It feels like summer is flying by, and I’m trying to slow down and savor this season. We’ve refreshed the guest room with bright, summery bedding, and it’s been wonderful to welcome family and friends again. After a quieter 2020, having the space in use feels especially nice.
When I was a child I used to imagine having a house with a guest room, imagining how I would make the bed and prepare the room for visitors. It may have been an unusual childhood dream, but decorating and creating comfortable spaces has always been something I love.
This summer has felt closer to normal with more gatherings and visits. Of course, “normal” for our family over the last couple of years has meant lots of moving: kids moving in and out, and us making room as needed. Between Courtney’s moves, Kylee and her husband’s recent move in and upcoming move out, and our son Luke going to college then returning home and now moving again, we’ve done a lot of rearranging.
It has required flexibility — shifting furniture, reorganizing rooms, and adjusting routines — but the extra time with our children at home has been worth it. Even though I love a settled home, these transitions have given us unexpected, meaningful time together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about this next season. We were only empty nesters briefly in 2019, so we never had a chance to truly settle into that stage. Now that it seems more likely we’ll be empty nesters for a longer period, I’m planning small changes and thoughtful rearrangements that can remain in place.
One fun upgrade we made was a new mattress for the guest bed — and we absolutely love it. We chose a non-toxic mattress that feels supportive and comfortable, recommended by Courtney. It arrived compact and was easy to unbox and set up. I also replaced aging pillows with two down-alternative pillows, and the difference is immediate: guests now sleep on cozy, fluffy bedding instead of flat pillows.
I’ve been intentionally decluttering the house, keeping only the things we use and love. Fresh, comfortable bedding is one of those small investments that makes a room feel cared for and welcoming.
Soft pillows, a supportive mattress, and pretty linens really change the feel of the guest room. Our dog Jack seems to think it’s his room — he loves lounging on the bed — but when guests are expected we keep him out so visitors have the space to themselves.
I recently picked up new summer bedding to lighten the room. The blue-and-white sheet set pairs well with a white-and-red dotted comforter that reverses to a floral print like the shams, and a white waffle-knit lightweight blanket adds texture. These layers let the room feel fresh, airy, and ready for warm-weather guests.
For now, the guest room will stay arranged to welcome family over the next few weeks, but it may not be permanent. Once Luke moves into his new place, I have a few ideas for repurposing rooms and swapping furniture to better fit our evolving needs. I’ll share updates as plans develop.
I’ll leave you with one last photo of Jack — his expressions are so human sometimes I can’t help but laugh. He adds personality and warmth to our home, even if he occasionally claims the guest bed.
Thank you to the mattress and pillow company for gifting the mattress and pillows used in our guest room refresh.
If you’re refreshing a guest room this season, focus on comfort and simple updates: a supportive mattress, soft pillows, breathable sheets, and a couple of decorative layers to make the space inviting. Small changes can create a welcoming retreat for visitors and give your home a refreshed, summer-ready feel.