Notwithstanding their prevalence, office/guest room combinations show their own unique set of difficulties.
Should you design a functional home office that meets all of your professional needs, or should you let potential visitors' comforts dictate how the space is laid out?
Don't worry; you're not alone in having difficulty making both spaces work together. It's a common problem, and most people prefer to focus on one solution over the other. It doesn't have to be that way; in fact, having a stylish and functional office that also provides your visitors with all the comforts of home is simple.
Having a room that serves two functions in your home is the best thing ever. With the growing popularity of remote work, including a home office necessitates the use of creative space management techniques. And many people make good use of their space by having a guest room that provides two functions.
Check out these easy ideas for a home office guest room to get there quickly!
How to Design a Functional Guest Room/Office Combo
One of the best aspects of the guest room office combo is the ability to have guests stay while still using some of the best home office design ideas. This is especially useful if you live in a smaller house or apartment without a designated guest room.
You can create a stylish and functional space that will make both you and your guests feel right at home with a few strategic design choices.
1- Furniture with two uses
No matter how big (or small) your room is, it's crucial to keep in mind that there is a finite amount of space. You must have dual-purpose furniture in any home office/guest room, so opt for a daybed or sleeper sofa rather than a queen-size bed. To avoid having guests feel like they are sleeping in an office building, choose a small desk that can also serve as a table.
2- Vanity that also serves as a workspace
Keep the design of the guest room/office combination consistent. One method for accomplishing this is to work from a vanity station when guests aren't present. Visitors won't notice the difference if you select a vanity table that matches the room's overall design.
3. Limit the amount of office-style furniture you use
Nobody wants a corporate vibe in their guest room. Select furniture that is both to create a chic and useful workspace in your guest room. The stuffy cubicle feeling will be eliminated by using items like chrome, colored velvet upholstery, and abstract art to create a lux environment.
4- Versatile items
Any piece of furniture that doesn't serve two purposes should be adaptable. Use fashionable lateral filing cabinets rather than vertical metal ones, for instance, to try and appease the feng shui of the room for your guests. Additionally, you are not restricted to using standard office chairs. Any seat that is cozy and complements the decor of the room will do; just make sure it is the proper height for your desk.
5- Make use of creative storage methods
There will always be clues that the room has multiple uses, regardless of how versatile your furniture is. There are inventive storage options that can help. To store all of your extra office supplies, including cords, note and legal pads, pens and pencils, and so forth, place your tabletop desk up against the wall and tuck wire racks underneath it. In bookcases, store your Wi-Fi router and reading materials suitable for visitors. Suspicious items like printer/fax combos (and their reams of paper) and linens (and those plush pillows from your mother-in-law) can be hid on closet shelves and in dresser drawers.
Your visitors will appreciate the concession even though it takes a little more work to get your documents out of the closet than from the printer stand next to your desk.
6- The difference is made by the artwork and décor
Any guest space that also serves as a home office needs to strike a balance between friendliness and professionalism. If there is too much of either, the room will feel either too chaotic or too cold. Utilizing decor to create a curated ambiance in the space is one of the best ways to prevent this. To add color and interest to the room without overcrowding it, hang a few pieces of art. Additionally, plants and flowers are always a warm addition to any room of the house.
7- A great lighting strategy is crucial
It can be difficult to choose the ideal lighting setup for your guest room home office. Make sure the area has adequate lighting for your needs while not being overly bright or overwhelming. A good general rule is to combine accent lighting with task lighting, such as table or floor lamps, and desk lamps for task lighting. Install a dimmer switch as well to expand your options and aid in establishing the ideal ambiance for your visitors.
