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Two Hens Styling & Design

Mother-Daughter Duo Create a Cozy Guest Room

Article by Maria Dinoia and Shifay Cheung

Photography by Provided

Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle

Two Hens Styling & Design originally began as Two Hens and a Dresser a few years ago when the mother-daughter team Julie Peyton and Michaela Barrett rented a booth in an antique shop on the square in Columbia, Tennessee. They sourced furniture and decorative goods from flea markets, estate sales and even offered some handcrafted pieces for a curated farmhouse look. While they absolutely loved doing it, their college pursuits—Michaela's undergraduate and Julie's graduate degree—limited their time. They subsequently closed the booth, knowing in their hearts it wasn't the end.

Fast forward to today, and at the urging of friends and family, Julie and Michaela officially launched a home staging and design business and tweaked their name to Two Hens Styling & Design. They both have a love and eye for home styling and design, and Julie had previous professional experience as a home stylist and new build design consultant. They are passionate about the art of "home" and devote themselves to helping clients find their own style.

Five things to have in your guest room to make guests feel welcome:

• Pillows with a variety of firmness

• Lamps for reading in bed

• Throw blanket for napping and lounging 

• A chair so they can sit and put on shoes, etc. 

• Layered bedding (makes a room feel cozy!)

  • Michaela Barrett and Julie Peyton
  • Carved wood lamp with white shade, $425, Sanctuary South, 158 Front St. (Westhaven), Franklin
  • Linen blend pillows and throws, $45-$130, Sanctuary South, 158 Front St. (Westhaven), Franklin
  • Carved wooden tray, $52, Sanctuary South, 158 Front St. (Westhaven), Franklin; Hand-painted cross candle, $35
  • Made in Portugal textured throw; $39.99, TJMaxx.com
  • Wooden vanity desk, $143.89, Overstock.com
  • 7-by-10-foot unique loom Chimera rug, $129, Rugs.com