Stay for the Holidays and beyond

In today’s world, many people have returned to the office, yet plenty still work from home. That freedom means a family member can visit and stay longer, carrying their work with them wherever they go. Whether their home is in the icy Finger Lakes of northern New York or in balmy Key West, geography no longer sets the limits. The world has opened up to long visits and extended stays with family. For homeowners, this shift has reshaped how rooms are designed. What was once only an office now needs to embrace dual purposes, becoming both a welcoming bedroom and a functional workspace. The days of one guest room and one office are fading. Family members are staying longer, enjoying more time together, and no longer rushing home to meet office demands. The transformation feels less like a compromise and more like an embrace. The guest room extends its arms, offering comfort and utility at the same time, inviting loved ones to settle in, and feel both productive and at ease. Let’s peek into the guest bedroom of a Lily model to see how a guest room can welcome family to stay for the holidays and beyond somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Stationary side panels
The room called for height, texture, and warmth. To achieve this, stationary side panels were placed on either side of the arch window, guiding the eye upward and highlighting the window wall. The panels, in crisp white, are accented with a stripe of navy blue that ties them seamlessly to the rest of the interior. With navy and white recurring throughout the design, the panels become both a visual anchor and a harmonious extension of the space.

  •  One Desk
This room is well suited for an extended stay. One desk was placed directly in front of the window, giving the person working plenty of natural light and the chance to look outside during breaks from their dual-monitor remote job. A file cabinet was kept beside the desk, serving a new purpose as a charging station for extra computers and iPads. The arrangement balance’s function and comfort, making the space practical for work while still inviting for longer visits.

  •  Bedside table
A second filing cabinet found new purpose as a bedside table. This solution worked beautifully, allowing space for a large lamp that now provides light both to the desk and to the left side of the bed. The arrangement adds function and balance, blending work and comfort seamlessly within the room.

  •  Queen bed
The homeowner needed a queen bed for the space, and it fit perfectly. While the layout didn’t allow room for an additional side table, a simple standing lamp beside the bed gives plenty of light at night, keeping things cozy without clutter. The bed sits on a metal frame, so we added a white bed skirt to give it a finished look. The skirt complements the rest of the bedding, and everything was chosen to be fully washable for convenience.

  •  Headboard
The headboard was a special find online, and it really stands out. It’s the Nathan James Harlow headboard, designed to mount directly to the wall. Metal brackets hold it in place, while faux leather straps give it a distinctive look. The style has a masculine edge with a vintage twist, yet it feels perfectly at home in this Florida space. Beyond its charm, it’s also practical. It is a soft, cushy spot to lean back while watching something on the iPad in bed.

  •  Bedding
I always begin with white bedding, the sheets and pillowcases, as the foundation. White is universally seen as the cleanest color, and guests love that fresh, crisp feeling. A little vinegar in the wash not only brightens the whites but also amplifies the scent of your detergent, so when guests pull back the covers, they’re greeted with an inviting freshness. The sleeping pillows, dressed in crisp white cases, are propped neatly against the headboard. To add color and disguise the basics, we layered navy Euro pillows in front. Two white queen shams follow, keeping the look balanced and bright. Finally, accent pillows that echo the palm-print quilt at the foot of the bed complete the arrangement. Against the white backdrop, every layer pops, creating a guest space that feels both welcoming and beautifully put together.

  •  Art over bed
The artwork above the bed is a striking print by Gene Rizzo titled “Heads Up.” It features a lively collection of birds native to Florida, bringing a touch of the outdoors into the room. The palette is rich in navy and white, accented by pops of red and hints of pink, adding both vibrancy and balance to the space.

  •  Large mirrors
We hung two large mirrors on the wall opposite the bed, each framed in dark, heavy wood that feels rich and slightly masculine. They fill the wall beautifully, bouncing light around the room and creating the illusion of more space. The mirrors make the wall seem farther away, which in turn makes the whole room feel larger and more open. They’re also practical, perfect for doing your hair or makeup if the bathroom is busy or steamy. In most guest rooms you’d expect a TV across from the bed, but that’s no longer a necessity since most guests prefer streaming on their iPads or phones.

  •  Build out the closet
The only way to create clothing space for an extended-stay guest was to build out the closet. In this case, we added a dresser stack along with some hanging space and extra storage. Since there’s no need, and no room, for a separate dresser in the bedroom, this solution makes the most of the layout. Every square inch of the room has been used thoughtfully and efficiently.

  •  Permanent botanicals
On the desk, we placed a bouquet of red roses that will always look fresh. The rich red ties beautifully into the artwork above the bed while adding a soft touch of femininity to the room. To complement that, we added a gathering basket filled with heather, bringing in a natural element that feels fresh and inviting. Even if the greenery is faux, it’s comforting to have a hint of nature in the space, it makes the room feel more alive and welcoming.Call Ruth your full service decorator at: 352-804-2056
or Contact Us

Before and After Pics Below