Pallisade outdoor setting by HAY. Gozney Dome pizza oven. Landscape design by Peachy Green. Architecture by Eliza Blair Architecture. Interior design by Studio Mkn. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

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24 Versatile Pieces To Host House Guests In Style

It’s officially summer in Australia (or some version of it, if you’re based in Melbourne like us!) which hopefully means more time at home with loved ones.

Hosting overnight visitors or entertaining guests calls for practical, comfortable and versatile pieces — ideally ones that are also nice to look at!

To make it easier, we’ve rounded up our top picks to quickly elevate your dining setting, maximise space, or create an inviting guest room experience… most of which are ready to ship ASAP!

Written
by
Amelia Barnes

The home of Stephanie and Matthew Crosara. Arch Dining Chairs by ELLISON StudiosPaddle Pop Dining Table by Fenton & FentonJolly Double Rod Pendant by Coco Flip. Curtains by Europa Blinds. ‘Lukarrara Jukurrpa (Desert Fringe-Rush-Seed Dreaming)’ artwork by Pauline Napangardi Gallagher. Valse Candle Holders by Ferm Living. Evenex Sincro in Deep Grain Oak laminate by Elton Group, installed by Tres Architectural Joinery. Porcelain benchtop, installed by Slimtop. Windows by Aspect Windows. Build by Jobe Homes. Building design by DOOD Studio. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Sarah Hendriks

The home of Alison Lewis. Architecture by Mason Bright Architects. Interior design by Alison Lewis Interiors. Interior decoration by Lauren Egan. Pièrre Counter Stools by ELLISON STUDIOS. Custom kitchen island leg made by Karem WoodcraftPrestige Oak floorboards in Grey Mist from Preference Flooring. Artwork on shelf by Hayley MorcombeSoktas Coral Organic Wall Sconce. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Sarah Hendriks and Annie Portelli

The home of Gus and Storrm Balbontin. Fritz Hansen Suspence P2 Pendant by GamFratesi from CultArtwork by Kyle Hughes-Odgers. Custom table and dining chairs by Mark Tuckey Polytec Natural Oak kitchen island base. Bar stools by Tim Webber Design. Burnished concrete floors. Architecture by Kate Vernon Architects. Builder by Portside Building. Landscape design by Peachy Green. Landscaping by Core Pave. Interior decorating by Niche Interiors. Gardening by Thornbury Horticulture. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Get ready to entertain

If you’re planning on hosting Christmas day or other events this season, you’re likely in need of more seating, both indoors and out!

The HAY Palissade collection from Cult is probably the most photographed outdoor furniture on The Design Files — and for good reason. It’s easy to clean (just use a damp cloth), strong without being bulky, and elegant without being fragile.

Another great option is the Stella Teak Stacking Armchair by Jati — which can be easily stacked away to save space when not in use — and their Creswick Teak Bench is an easy way to add more seating for a backyard party.

No extra room around the dining table? Add stools to your kitchen bench to introduce more relaxed seating indoors.

Resist the urge to find a quick fix soon headed for landfill in favour of quality pieces that will suit your home and style for years to come!

Maximise space to stay over

The sad old sofa beds you know from your childhood are over.

In recent years, we’ve seen myriad products come onto the market in a variety of styles and colours — from the mid-century inspired, timber framed Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed; to the Lifely Cushie Modular Sofa Bed that lets you rearrange, expand, or shrink your setup with ease; and the plush Koala Byron Sofa Bed with hidden storage.

There’s no clunky pull out mechanics or lumpy mattresses — just aesthetically pleasing and space saving designs to offer your guests a genuinely good night’s sleep.

The home of Ash Pollard. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Lucy Feagins

The home of Lee Farrell and Will Murray Brown. Cushions by Bonnie and Neil. Rice Paper Shade by HAY. Vintage bedside tables. Bed cover and curtains from Etsy. Building design by Design by AD. Interior design by Tyler Aspen Edmonds. Build by Align Concepts. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The home of Suzy Tuxen. Artwork by Nathalie du Pasquier from The Wrong Shop. Le Corbusier Lampe de Marseille from Cult. Framed artworks by Carla Grbac and Studio HiHo. &Tradition Como SC53 Portable Table Lamp from Cult. Vintage Bentwood chair. Pendant by HAY. Interior design by Felicity Miller. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Sarah Hendriks and Annie Portelli

Writer
Amelia Barnes
11th of December 2025

Create a cosy guestroom

For those with the luxury of a spare bedroom, now is the time to make this the most inviting space possible.

A cosy, welcoming guest room comes together with four key elements: a rug, lamp, inviting bed, and armchair.

Choose pieces that are durable (think jute, timber, and machine washable fabrics), and ensure the comfort of your guests remains the top priority.

The relaxed look of the Sequoia rug by Armadillo is ideal for a holiday house, while the Miranda Queen Bed by Trit House is a sophisticated statement piece that’s sure to wow guests.

Happy hosting!

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