There’s a lot to love about the holiday season. Long lunches, lazy afternoons, spontaneous catch-ups and, of course, having your favourite people all under one roof.
But as anyone who’s ever hosted Christmas can attest, there’s a fine line between a house full of festive cheer and a house full of people who are getting on each other’s nerves.
Because while we might love our family and friends dearly, there’s something about sharing a bathroom, negotiating sleeping quarters and finding someone else’s belongings scattered across the living room that can make even the tightest-knit family start contemplating estrangement.
And with the cost of travel and accommodation making staying with loved ones an increasingly attractive option, chances are your spare room – if you’re lucky enough to have one – is going to be in high demand this summer.
The good news? You don’t need a bigger house to be a better host. You just need to get a little smarter about how you use the space you’ve got.
The case for more space
You probably know the scenario. Your in-laws are sleeping on air mattresses; someone else has taken over the study, and the living room has become an obstacle course of overnight bags and makeshift beds.
It’s fun for approximately 24 hours. After that? Well, Tom Hanks’ living situation in Cast Away starts to sound pretty appealing.
The secret to keeping everyone happy is creating a dedicated space where guests can retreat, unwind and feel like they have a little privacy – without turning your entire home upside down.
And no, that doesn’t necessarily mean renovating or sacrificing your home office to create a permanent guest bedroom, it just means investing in the right furniture.
20th Century Studios, DreamWorks Pictures
The sofa that’s about to save your summer
Gone are the days of flimsy old futons! With customisable modular designs that can adapt to different rooms, layouts and lifestyles, Cozey’s sofas are made for homes that need to do more than one thing at a time.
With designs like the Orian and Atmosphere, which allow you to choose your configuration, colour and fabric, you can accommodate those extra guests while staying true to the aesthetic of your home.
One of the absolute best parts of owning modular furniture is that you’re not locked into one configuration forever. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment, an open-plan living area or a second lounge room that doubles as a playroom, you can choose a setup that suits your space and how you actually live.
And then, when the holidays are over, and your family has been gone just long enough for you to change your mind about never wanting to see them again, your home can go back to being yours, without a spare mattress taking up valuable cupboard space.
Orian 3-seater Queen sofa bed
$2,985
Atmosphere sleeper
$2680
Neptune 4-seater sofa bed
$3615
Orian Queen bed, 3-seater
$2095
It’s the little things…
Now that you’ve got the sleeping arrangements sorted, other little touches can make even a temporary guest space feel welcoming.
Fresh linen, extra pillows, a bedside lamp and somewhere to charge a phone are all small additions that make a big difference. A basket stocked with towels, toiletries and a bottle of water is another easy way to make guests feel at home.
And, my personal favourite touch when I have friends or family occupying my guest house? Sprawling bunches of fresh eucalyptus that not only smell incredible but also bring life and texture to the space.
Perhaps most importantly though? Give everyone permission to have a little downtime.
As much as it might feel like second nature to play the world’s greatest host, not every moment needs to be filled with activities, outings or elaborate meals. Sometimes the best part of being on holiday is having absolutely nothing to do.
The gift of breathing room
Ultimately, the best holiday memories aren’t made because you hosted the perfect lunch or had the most beautifully decorated house.
They’re made in those unplanned moments – the late-night conversations reminiscing, the afternoon naps and the board games that get far too competitive (or is that just my family?)
But enjoying all that togetherness is a lot easier when everyone has somewhere to escape to when they need a moment alone.
So before you start planning your Christmas menu or worrying about where everyone’s going to sleep, consider whether your home could benefit from a little more flexibility.
Because the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season might just be a sofa that makes room for everyone – and gives you your living room back when they leave.
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