The Guest List: On Building Guesthouse with Jordan Perry

I’m beyond excited for you all to get to know Jordan a little more. Another friendship sponsored by the Corner app and one I’m forever grateful for. Jordan and I share a deep love for interiors and thoughtful places, which is why I’m so excited for you to read more about her and the beautiful work she’s doing at Guesthouseca.

Quick—who is Jordan Perry? How did you get started with Guesthouse?

Hi! I’m Jordan Perry, the founder of Guest House.I’m an interior designer and passionate creative. The name Guest House comes from my love of hosting, Friendsgivings, girls’ nights, Galentines, you name it, and if I’m being totally transparent, manifesting a future where I’m rich enough to have an actual guest house in my backyard instead of just a guest room.

Guest House started in San Francisco as a vintage furniture reselling business. It grew from filling up my living room, to a cute studio loft in Berkeley, to a 3,000-square-foot warehouse. Then, I designed a living room in a New York City apartment that went viral and completely shifted my career.

So to answer your question, Guest House is now an interior design studio, but it’s also a reflection of how I got here: through hosting and building the most amazing community, experimenting, saying yes before I felt fully ready, and letting the business evolve as I did.

How would you define your taste in three words?

Intentional, minimal, vintage.

What are some of your favorite pieces you’ve found while sourcing?

1. Lounge Chairs by Don Chadwick for Herman Miller, 1974.

2. Mario Bellini ‘Il Colonnato’ Black Oval Dining Table for Cassina

3. Original TOGO by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset

What are some mistakes you’ve made in business, and what advice do you have?

The biggest mistake I made early on was taking on too much overhead too fast. On paper, it looked like success. I did about $250k in sales my first year, but in reality, it put me on a hamster wheel I couldn’t step off of. I was working 10+ hours every day, weekends included. I burned out quickly, and everything else in my life suffered because of it: my mental and physical health, my relationships, my overall happiness. I was not ok, even though from the outside it looked like I was “doing well.”

Another mistake was hiring help before I really understood what I needed support with or how to lead someone effectively. Without clear systems or defined roles, it actually added more stress instead of relieving it.

My biggest piece of advice is to pay attention to how your business fits into your life, not just how much money it’s making. Revenue doesn’t matter if it costs you your health and/or happiness. Build intentionally, stay lean longer than you think you need to, and don’t be afraid to recalibrate when something isn’t working.

Your thoughts on the importance of Just starting!

I honestly think this might be my love language. I love encouraging my friends and family to just start, whether that’s a creative project, a business idea, or even a hobby they’ve been talking themselves out of. The best part is watching their confidence and excitement grow over time.

Something people don’t talk about enough is that you’ll never have all the answers. Even if you go to school for it, even if you do all the “right” prep. You figure things out by doing. Every year, my systems get better, my eye for design sharpens, my confidence grows, and everything evolves because I’m in it. Nothing can improve if you don’t start.

The only real requirement is obsession. You have to care deeply about what you’re building and be willing to make sacrifices, including money, time, and mental space. But if you’re willing to commit to that, starting is the most important part. Everything else comes later.

Can you share your favorite project so far?

That’s such a hard question because every project has been so different, both stylistically and in the relationships I’ve built with my clients. They all hold a special place in my heart. The amount of trust people put in me, especially within my first couple of years of designing homes, truly meant everything. I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am without those early clients taking a chance on me.

If I had to pick one, the Maxwell Residence in LA stands out. I was used to working primarily with apartments, and this was the first house I got to decorate, which felt like a big milestone.

I was also able to really play with color in the bedroom and bathroom, which was both exciting and creatively fulfilling for me. On top of that, I got to include a piece by my talented friend J. Brian from the Bay, which made the project feel even more personal. It was one of those projects that reminded me why I love doing this in the first place!

Where are you now, and where do you provide your services/ how do we get in contact with you?

I currently live in Austin, TX, and provide services all over the US, mainly in NYC and CA. You can get in contact with me by filling out the design inquiry form on my website!

Jordan, thank you so much for taking the time to chat and share more about you and the incredible work you’re doing. I’m so grateful our paths crossed and that we share such a deep love for design and thoughtful spaces. Couldn’t be more proud of all you’re building—and yes, I’ll absolutely be calling you for my next home.

This also marks the second installment of my Guest List series — where I introduce you to some of my favorite people I’ve met online (and honestly, people you need in your life). Do yourself a favor, hit follow on Jordan, and thank me later.