But useful advice and tips from a top designer can make the two-in-one area optimal, from the storage facilities and layout to the furnishings and objects.
Many who work from home, and occasionally host overnight guests, probably would prefer a separate room for each function. The problem is, most have only one extra room.
So, they have to combine home office and a guest room into one space. Here, US interior designer Gabriela Gargano gives tips on how to design and decorate a room which works equally well as a guest room and as a functional workspace.
Begin with requirements for the office
Ask yourself questions such as what type of storage do I need for the office? Is it filing cabinets or bookcases? Do you need space for a printer and other technology? Having a good grasp of the functionality you require will allow you to design space.
Play around with different layouts
Ideally, the bed should face the room’s entrance, so guests have a warm welcome into the space. However, if your room has an unusual layout, it’s worth exploring other options. As they say, measure twice, cut (or design) once. It can be helpful to use painters’ tape to create your floor plan and make sure there’s enough space for each piece to function properly and have a nice flow.
Get creative with multifunctional pieces
If you don’t have room for night stands and a dresser, you could instead use a low chest of drawers as a night stand. Consider small side tables with wall-mounted light fittings. Storage platform beds are another great option when space is limited and keep things looking tidy.
Hidden storage for your office
Consider furnishings offering closed or hidden storage. A roll-top desk, bookcases with doors or wall-mounted cabinets can all provide functional storage while allowing you to hide items when your guests arrive. Consider splitting a wardrobe between office storage and a hanging space for guests.
Add multiple lighting sources
We typically gravitate toward soft, warm lighting for a bedroom and brighter light for an office. Selecting a variety of lighting sources for a multifunctional room is key. Perhaps include recessed lighting and a centre light fitting so that you have bright, functional light when the room serves as an office or moodier lighting when it’s a bedroom. Floor lamps are also a great way to add style and varied light.
Choose top-quality bedding/accessories
Luxurious bedding and a cosy rug can help turn any room into a chic oasis. When creating a budget for your office/guest room, be sure to allocate enough for high-quality bedding, pillows and a mattress. Adding a beautiful blanket creates depth and texture. A soft rug under a bed is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also helps separate the bedroom from the office.
Pick a unified colour/material palette
It’s important to make the room feel like a holistic space, instead of a bedroom and an office squished into one room. To do so, gather your ideas on one page to make sure together they make sense. For example, if you’re leaning toward a walnut desk with mid-century details, be sure to include some of those elements in the bedroom furnishings – perhaps the bed frame is also walnut, or incorporate vintage lamps for the side tables. We highly recommend planning the full space before purchasing any items, just in case your vision or layout changes along the way.
Details to make your guests feel at home
Small details, such as providing a charging cable, a glass for water and the wi-fi password, are examples of things that make guests feel comfortable. Thoughtful gestures such as those go a long way to making you guests feel welcome in your home.