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Create a Guest Room/Home Office Combo

Working from home is becoming more common and looks like it may be a permanent change for many of us. If you don’t have a dedicated space in your home to set up shop, you could always use your guest room.

But what if you have friends and family that come to visit, where will they go? What if the spaces were one and the same?

Here are some ideas for creating a home office/guest room combo:

Use Built-Ins

You will need to maximize space in this dual-purpose room, and built-ins are a great way to do so. Installing a built-in desk, shelving, and cabinets will help you stay organized while making the most of your space. They will allow you to hide and secure things you want to keep away from your guests but still be easily accessible for you while you’re working.

Built-ins will also help you avoid the rat’s nest of wires and cables for your computer, printer, and whatever other gadgets you need to get your work done.

home office with built-ins

Repurpose the Closet

Since your guests should not need to use the closet, you could use that space for storage or whatever else you need for work items. That way, you have quite a bit more room for a file cabinet or built-in shelves to optimize your space. 

Another idea for your closet is to take the doors off of the closet and build a small nook where you can put your desk and computer along with storage. This will allow your guests to have more space in the bedroom without feeling like they are intruding on your personal space, and you will still have a designated workstation.

Keep Productivity in Mind

Of course, you want a comfortable space for your guests, but realistically, this space will be primarily used as an office. That means you should think about what furnishings and decorations will help you be your most productive self throughout the day.

You’ll want the walls painted in a color that keeps you feeling calm throughout the day, and you’ll also want the artwork to motivate you, not cause any distractions.

It is also a good idea to invest in some durable and easy to maintain carpeting or flooring to handle your office chair and guests who are not always gentle on our flooring.

soundproofing wall board
Close-up of soundproofing wall board

Soundproofing

What is something useful for a workspace and a guest room? How about adding soundproofing to the walls. Soundproof walls will help you stay on task during your workday since they will drown out the noise in other parts of your home. The extra privacy will also be something your guests enjoy and help them get a good night’s rest.

Consider a Murphy Bed

Depending on the size of the room, it may feel constricting to have a large bed next to your desk. You could consider installing a murphy bed that can get folded away when not in use. That will make your office feel more spacious and reduce the temptation of taking a nap during your work shift.

Whether you’re in the planning phase or are ready for installation, we are here to help you.

Contact us today to create a multi-use guest/home office space in your home.

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