One Extra Room, Twice the Function

Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Projects

When your extra room serves as your home office and guest room, here's how to make the most of the space.

It seems that these days everyone has a dedicated space for work, whether it's a computer desk station or a full-fledged home office complete with bookcases, printer station and file cabinet. These home offices are often located in an extra room or a second or third bedroom in the home.

Here are a few ways that you can make for a more inviting experience for your guests in what is -- on most days -- your home office:


1. Make use of your closet. Turn the guest room closet into an office. When guests arrive, simply close the closet doors or curtain to hide it from sight. Easy as pie.

2. Have a real piece of furniture for sleeping. An airbed does not make for a comfortable night's sleep. I've slept on one, and I'm sure you have too -- they're great if you're going to camp out on someone's living room floor or trailer, or if you're a teenager. But in a grown-up's guest room, I wouldn't expect to see an airbed. Try to choose a piece of furniture that is as perfect for laying on and thinking through a work problem as it is for guests to snuggle up in.


3. Add built-ins. In the photo above left, the homeowner used built-in furniture and painted it the same color as the walls to make it seamlessly disappear into the background when guest arrive. A very clever solution for an extra room!

4. Separate the sleep space. In a larger extra room, you can add a curtain track to the ceiling and place a wall of curtains between your office and guest space. An added bonus is that it's a very inexpensive fix and easy to install.

On the right above, Martha Stewart Living editor Sarah Humphreys installed a similar curtain to hide her kitchen in her small space. The same can apply to your guest room/office. Check out the Martha Stewart DIY project here.


5. Create the bedroom experience. Think about what is important to you in your master bedroom or when sleeping away from home. Does bright light bother you? Add curtains to help block out morning light. Do you need somewhere to place a glass of water and a book? Make sure your guests have a proper nightstand with a reading lamp. Does it get very cold at night? Stock up on an extra comforter or blanket. You don't have to keep these items in the room all year, but keep them handy for easy use. You can even bring in decor right before guests arrive. For example, repurpose a lamp or table from another room, or use a storage ottoman, like in the House to Home image above.

6. Decorate the walls with artwork, not to-do lists. Writing things on an oversized calendar might seem helpful to you when you're working, but it's not a relaxing sight for your guests. Pictures pinned to a corkboard do not count as artwork. Allow a wall or two for some real framed artwork or paintings. You don't need to invest in anything expensive, maybe a few prints from Etsy, but the theme should be calming. Relaxing artwork will also be beneficial for you to look at while you're working during the week. Surround yourself and your guests with a visual "ahhhhhh."

For more ideas on your home office:
- Home Office of the Future?
- 5 Things You Can D0 (Today!) to Organize Your Home Office
-Find home office furniture
-And browse these Home Office Design & Remodeling Ideas

 

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