How to Organize a Guest Room

A joy-sparking guest room can soothe even the most travel-weary visitor, no matter how many flight delays or how long the drive. Creating a welcoming, tranquil and private space will make them instantly feel at home — and ready to enjoy the time you’ll spend together.

We asked two of our certified KonMari consultants, Alichia Pretorius (Journey to Joy, Johannesburg, South Africa) and Nancy Eaton (Inspired Living, Newport Beach, California), to share their best advice on how to create a joy-sparking guest room.

Whether you’re decorating and organizing a guest room for the first time or need help with an existing room that’s begun to feel cluttered, these tips will help. Use this guide to prepare your home for holiday season visitors or any time you’re looking forward to a loved one’s visit.

This article is part one of our Fall Tidying Challenge, a month-long series to help you use the KonMari Method™ to prepare for seasonal visitors, end-of-year travels, and more — all while keeping your space tidy and cozy.

01. Consider Your Ideal Guest Room Experience

Before you start organizing or purchasing guest room decor or supplies, our consultants suggest you take some time to consider what would make you feel most at home when traveling.

“A clever way to think about this: Consider all the little things you miss when you are away from home,” says Alichia. “Things like a bedside light, snacks to enjoy and somewhere to easily open a suitcase. A small bench or chair can work just fine if you cannot invest in a luggage rack. People often strive for beautiful guest rooms, which is okay, but make sure the guest room is functional, too.”

Nancy also recommends a comfortable chair for reading or relaxing if you have room. This allows guests to take breaks and spend some time alone during the day.

02. Stock Thoughtfully

Here are a few goods and items Alichia and Nancy suggest putting in your guest room. Remember, these are what they call “nice to haves,” not requirements — stock your space in a way that sparks joy for you and your guests!

• A card or note with house details, including the wifi password, a good book or magazine, and perhaps a set of spare keys, so they can move about freely

• Plenty of matching hangers for both shirts and dresses and pants and skirts

• A basket for laundry (see here, here, or here)

• Extra toilet paper, a tissue box, etc.

• A joy-sparking scent. Fresh cut flowers, Japanese incense or a hand-poured candle “can really set the mood and provide relief from freezing temperatures,” says Alichia. Nancy likes spraying sheets with a linen spray to give the room a fresh, welcoming feeling

• A water carafe and glass and/or an electric tea kettle and assorted teas

• In the colder months: an electric blanket, hot water bottle, a cozy down comforter

• Different types of firm or soft pillows or a bathrobe for each guest

• A white noise machine for light sleepers

03. Make It Multi-Functional

Even if you have frequent visitors, your guest room will be vacant for much of the year. How can you set up your guest room so it sparks joy for you when not in use? Many of us also use our guest room as a home office, which works just fine, so long as everything has a proper place — and you leave room for guests’ possessions, too.

“Most of us need to make use of our guest rooms when we don’t have loved ones visiting,” says Alichia. “The trick is to keep drawer and closet space under control, so you don’t have to rush in and de-clutter before your guests come to stay. Your guests will likely appreciate some storage space for their belongings, so keep one or two drawers open at all times.”

Pretorius also encourages people to get creative with their guest room decor. “You can maximize storage space with innovative, multi functional furniture,” she says. “If your guest room doubles as an office space, you can create privacy for guests by using a room divider. A daybed is a good investment if you need an extra bed for guests that you can use for extra seating during the day.”

04. Remember What They Forgot

No matter how organized our travel bag is, we all forget an essential item occasionally. Spark unexpected joy by anticipating the unexpected. “A client that we had entertained overnight guests a lot, so we created an “In case you forgot” lidded basket, which we stored under the sink in the guest room bathroom,” says Nancy. “It included everything you would have in your travel bag. She loved it, and so did her guests.”

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Designing the perfect guest room is a process. When a loved one visits, ask them what sparked joy about their stay. You’ll discover what matters most to guests and what you might add to the room to make it more welcoming next time. Above all, remember that guests come to spend time with you! Enjoy this special time together.

How to Create a Joy-Sparking Entryway

The entryway is often the first part of the home someone sees, whether it’s you or a loved one returning from a long day of work or a long-awaited guest. It’s also one of the most challenging places to keep tidy, especially during blustery weather. What does anyone do with all those muddy rainboots?

Two of our certified KonMari consultants, Alichia Pretorius (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Nancy Eaton ( Newport Beach, California), are back to talk about how to make an entryway feel both welcoming and functional — yes, even in a small apartment! 

This article is part two of our Fall Tidying Challenge, a month-long series to help you use the KonMari Method™ to prepare for seasonal visitors, end-of-year travels and more — all while keeping your space tidy and cozy.

01 | Treat Any Entryway with Gratitude

When organizing an entryway, one of the most common mistakes Alichia sees clients make is overlooking it entirely. “[Clients] sometimes see their entry area as too small to use, so they don’t use it at all. However, the main goal [of an entryway] is to make a killer first impression, and you won’t be able to achieve that if it feels cold and empty.” On the flip side, some people overcrowd the space, usually because there’s insufficient storage. 

The KonMari Method™ solution? Give everything a home! 

“Install a wall-mounted hook rack for your bags and coats,” Alichia says. “If you have enough space, place a console table with a catchall dish for keys. You can use a storage bench or, in smaller spaces, baskets for storing shoes. And don’t forget an umbrella stand!” 

02 | Make Space for Everyone’s Needs

Because everyone will use the entryway, including guests, both Nancy and Alichia recommend spending time visualizing the needs of each person who will step into the house. 

“For families with small children, it helps to have low cabinets and hooks so they can become self-reliant,” says Nancy. “Designating each child a basket — and labeling it! —  will cut down on all the searching when in a hurry to leave the house.” If space allows, Alichia likes to include a place to sit, so loved ones or house guests can easily put on and take off shoes.

03 | Plan for Stormy Weather

You may already have a doormat in place, but during the fall and winter, Alichia recommends doubling up. “Invest in two separate doormats at every one of your exterior doors, so you can place one outside and one inside. A rugged one with bristles is ideal.”  She also recommends storing a broom or handheld vacuum cleaner near the front door and keeping spare towels within reach. 

Tidy Tip: Nancy recommends a heavier-duty solution for winter footwear: a boot tray to help contain melting snow. She suggests lining with rocks, so shoes air-dry more quickly. 

04 | Add Joy-Sparking Touches

An entryway serves a practical purpose, but it’s also a place of refuge — from winter storms or simply a long day of work or school. Adding special touches can set a relaxing, serene mood. “Several of my clients have hung a favorite quote in their entryway to greet them as they return home,” Nancy says. “It’s a reset of the day. It reminds them they are home, safe, and loved.” 

“The most important element of a welcoming entryway is the atmosphere you create,” says Alicia. “How do you want your guests to feel when they arrive in your home? Adding some greenery or a beautiful home fragrance can set the tone for the visit.” Nancy agrees. “Especially when entertaining, having a non-toxic, soy candle burning with your favorite scent can be a game-changer as your guests arrive.”

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Every room in a house adds up to a joy-sparking home — and the entryway is no exception. By taking the time to tidy, you’ll ensure that everyone who walks through your front door will sense the warmth of your space and feel instantly welcome. What could be better on a cold, windy night? 

CASA Celebration of Children at VEA Newport Beach Nets Nearly $1.5 Mil

Nancy Eaton, Karen Jordan (Event Chairs)

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County held their annual CASA Celebration of Children on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, at VEA Newport Beach.

This year’s gala celebration included 267 guests who were there to support CASA’s mission of serving abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Orange County with a trained and supported volunteer advocate.

The gala netted more than $1,463,000 and serves as the highest netting fundraiser in the organization’s 37 year history.

This beautiful and colorful evening was chaired by two longtime CASA supporters, Nancy Eaton (2021 Advocate of the Year Honoree) and Karen Jordan (CASA Board Member).

Guests arrived at a vibrant and beautifully transformed for a cocktail reception featuring a silent auction with 67 silent auction items including 5 “Chef Table” experiences to bid on.

Guests were welcomed into a ballroom that was gorgeously decorated by the team at Elite OC Productions. Regan Phillips, CASA CEO, offered remarks in season with back-to-school that this year’s gala spotlights the challenges that youth in foster care experience with their education and the difference that a CASA volunteer can make.

Best Storage Solutions for Your Closet

An organized closet not only allows one to breathe a sigh of relief once the project is completed, but we also want it to be visually appealing that you can’t take your eyes off of the magnificent work of art! I believe an organized closet not only helps you find your items easier, but it helps you “dress for success” with easily accessible items. 

Below are some of my favorite closet organizational products. All of the products below can be found at one of the best home organizational stores, The Container Store.

Need an elevated solution that displays your shoes in an oh-so-chic way? The Drop-Front Box Shoe Cases are stackable and clear to find your shoes of any size with ease. Fan of flats or flip flops? The compact Heeled Shoe Box is another very classic option to display in your closet.

Drop-Front Box Shoe Cases from The Container Store

Have an affinity for handbags, clutches, and wallets? There is nothing better than a clean and simple display of your favorites like the Acrylic Purse Hanger, the Acrylic 4-Section Purse Storage Organizer, and the fabulous stackable Acrylic 3-Compartment Clutch & Small Purse Organizer. With these lux organizing solutions, you won’t be late to another dinner party due to scrambling for your lost clutch!

4-Section Purse Storage Organizer from The Container Store

Last but not least, hangers. I love a closet with uniform hangers, as it is not only appealing to the eye but breathes a sense of calmness into the space. Marie Kondo Bamboo Non-Slip Hangers are an absolute must for your closets. All of my clients rave about these as they fit, don’t slip, and look so beautiful once swapped out for their current mismatched hangers.

Marie Kondo Bamboo Non-Slip Hangers

As Laetitia Casta once said, “Real beauty is to be true to oneself. That's what makes me feel good.” At Inspired Living by Nancy Eaton, we inspire and encourage you to live true to yourself and own your life! Learn more about how we can transform your closet into the masterpiece you truly deserve. Schedule your consultation today.

With Love,
Nancy

Decluttering Your Mind, Home & Life

“Life truly begins only after you have put your house in order.”

— Marie Kondo

Have you ever experienced a day where you looked around your house and felt utterly overwhelmed? That sinking feeling of where to start and how did you acquire so many things? I’m here to tell you, you aren’t alone! About 66% of Americans say a cluttered home makes them anxious and stressed, and you don’t need to fall into that percentage. At Inspired Living by Nancy Eaton, our team’s goal is to work with you so you see that organized spaces are not only achievable but transformative, internally and externally! Let us show you how.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Step One - How Did You Get Here and What Are Your Goals?

Clutter happens, it’s okay. We want to take the overwhelm off of your hands and mind. Think about your space and on your first call we start to put your vision together. Let’s start with, who are you and how do you want your space to reflect that? Also, how do you want your space to function? Our team will learn all about you and your goals so we can create the space you truly deserve. 

Step Two - If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!

You deserve a space that is clutter-free, one that is not only visually appealing but mentally freeing! Ask yourself, how do I want to feel once this is done and how can our team level up your space so you feel at peace and refreshed! Our promise to you is we will help you bridge the gap so you feel empowered and ready to cease any day with a clear head. We are in this together.

Step Three - Let’s Reclaim Your Space and Life!

Our team uses different approaches to accomplish true “Inspired Living.” One of them is founded on the KonMari Method®, for which Nancy is a KonMari Certified Consultant Platinum level, designed and developed by Marie Kondo. This is a category method centered on choosing what you love and discarding those things that no longer spark joy. Beyond a passion for transforming your physical space, Nancy is a Landmark Education graduate with over 30 years of transformational education experience. With a passion for true transformation, inside and out, we have nothing but determination to make you feel truly inspired, powerful, and loving the life you live as well as the home you live in!

Are you ready to reclaim your space and life? Start your transformational journey and book a free consultation today!