Think Non-Traditional
Although your guest room certainly needs a bed, your office perhaps doesn’t. So, get creative with your furniture! A sofa sleeper, Murphy bed, or futon can easily do double duty in a guest room and workspace. Likewise, if you do not have enough room for a traditional desk, try using a small table or a bookshelf as your workspace.
Convert for Improved Functionality
Unless your guest room has a closet, take into account converting it to a built-in workspace that you can close off when the visitors arrive. This is particularly useful if you don’t have a separate guest room and office. Just add a few shelves, a desk, and some good lighting, and you’re all set!
Store with Décor
One more important thing thinking in a combined guest room/office is storage. If you’re using the room as an office, you’ll need room to store all your office supplies. An effective way to do this is to invest in good-looking storage containers that can double as decoration. This way, when you’re not using the room as an office, the storage containers won’t be an eyesore for your guests.
Make it Comfortable
Although you want to make your guest room comfortable for your guests, you still need to create a space that works for you. It’s important to make sure that your guest room/office combo is a space that you feel comfortable working in. If it’s too cluttered or messy, you’ll never want to spend any time there! So take some time to declutter and organize the space until it feels like a place you can focus and be productive.
Light It Up
Another important way to combine a guest room and an office is to use natural light. Keep light sources open to help brighten dark corners and provide good light for your work sessions. This will help to make the space feel more open and airy, and it can also be good for your productivity levels. If you don’t own a lot of natural light, consider investing in some quality task lighting to help brighten things up. Your guest will also be grateful for a light and airy room to stay in!
It’s easy to turn your guest room/office combo into a functional and stylish space that you and your guests will enjoy! Who knows, you might even find that you end up using it more as an office than a guest room. Either way, it’s a great way to make the most out of a small space.
Of course, if you’ve outgrown your current rental house, it might be time to upgrade to something bigger. We have a variety of great rental listings taken care of by local Portland property managers who have your best interest in mind. Browse our listings online today!