Hard-working Guest Bedrooms That Do More Than One Job

In the final part of this spare room series, how to create a multi-functional space where you can work, rest, play, read, sew and more

26 March 2015
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience writing for national magazines, newspapers and websites.
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience... More
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Spare bedrooms can be a luxury these days, so if you do have a room going begging, make sure it does more than one job. With more of us choosing to work from home, doubling up the guest bedroom as a home office has become one of the most popular multi-tasking design solutions, with fold-down beds and clever storage easing the way for both. However, there are other, perhaps less obvious ways to maximise your space – from a craft den to an at-home library – that will certainly put your spare room to task, all in a chic and stylish manner, of course…
Transitional Bedroom by Sarah Fortescue
Sarah Fortescue
Make way for a home office
One of the most obvious and practical ideas for a guest room that needs to multi-task is for it to double up as a home office. If space is tight, consider an ingenious foldaway bed that can be lowered for overnight guests and put away again when they leave. If you have slightly more room, make use of a sofa bed.

For a compact, multi-tasking space like this, stick to cool, neutral hues and unfussy patterns that will both promote a good night’s sleep and instil a clear mind for a productive day’s work.

See more ways to work a study space
Transitional Wardrobe by Chip Cordelli
Chip Cordelli
Sneak in a craft area
Budding crafters will adore this idea, which creates a dedicated and organised area for all materials and craft supplies. Make the most of an unused alcove or fitted wardrobe in a spare bedroom by fitting it out with functional racks, shelves and trunks in no-nonsense timber and metal. Then simply fill with colourful ribbons, craft papers, fabric swatches, paints and pencils.

And there’s no need for any fancy, budget-crunching door or sliding panel if you’re working with an alcove, as you can simply fit a rail and a pair of curtains to pull across when guests arrive for the night.
Eclectic Bedroom by Denizen Design
Denizen Design
Love your library
Your very own library at home might seem like a luxury, but consider working one into your guest room. Build a bespoke wall of shelves behind the bed and you can proudly show off all of your literature and reading matter in one space. Plus you get to recline on the bed for the comfiest of reading spots.

From classic novels to cookery books, encyclopedias and everything in-between, whatever you stash, one thing’s certain, your guests will never be short of bedtime reading matter…
Contemporary by XS Interiors and EX Showhouse Furniture
XS Interiors and EX Showhouse Furniture
Juggle with your job
If you fancy working from home, guest rooms can easily double up as all sorts of multi-tasking spaces, not just a conventional office set-up with desk, computer and chair.

Beauticians, holistic therapists and hairdressers can all put a spare bedroom to profitable use by setting up at home with a few pieces of equipment to suit the profession. And if you have guests on the horizon, simply fold away your treatment bed or wheel chairs into another part of the house, then set the space up for your guests.
Contemporary Bedroom by Riach Architects
Riach Architects
Design a designated den
Teenagers love their hang-outs, so why not make the most of a spare bedroom by kitting it out with all the necessary ingredients: a large, comfy sofa, gaming beanbag, TV and desk for any laptop or computer console.

When their friends stay over, you can lodge them here for the night, or clear the space when your own guests are in town. Just a quick spruce up and a change of bedding and the room can easily transform into a more grown-up staycation spot.
Eclectic Bedroom by Jino Design Ltd
Jino Design Ltd
Display your collections
A spare bedroom is a great place to house a collection – be it a gallery of prized photographs, a stockpile of vintage vases or a line-up of antique clocks.

They can be kept safely out of reach if you haven’t decided where to place them in the main areas of the house, and can add masses of colour, print and personality to an otherwise sparse space. Plus, your pieces are sure to create a talking point for all who stay.
French Country Bedroom by Kate Forman Designs Ltd
Kate Forman Designs Ltd
Relish the romance
This is my idea of heaven. If you long for a bolthole or simply a space to recline, daydream and read your novels in peace, why not go the whole hog and create your very own boudoir retreat?

Layer a day bed with ditsy floral fabrics in ivory and fondant pink, with piles of bolsters and pillows to make an afternoon’s reading as snug as possible. Finish off with a canopy of romantic drapes, old-fashioned table lamps and a cup of tea served in vintage china.

If soft florals aren’t your thing, look out for boxy or midcentury day-bed designs for a less sugary take on the idea.

Discover nine of the best reading nooks
Transitional Bedroom by Julie Kent Interiors
Julie Kent Interiors
Set up a suite
If you have the luxury of space on your side, perhaps you could design a fabulous guest room suite, complete with its own office nook and seating area, as well as a huge, comfortable bed. It goes without saying that such a gorgeous, light-filled space will be in high demand with family and friends all year round… in which case, you’d better start charging!

With multi-zone spaces that incorporate many different functions like this, plump for a pared-back palette, classic furniture and a hard-wearing wooden floor underfoot.
Contemporary Kids by Cary Bernstein Architect
Cary Bernstein Architect
Rest and play
A playroom is a godsend for households with young children, as it allows for a designated area for stashing away all the plastic toys and stacks of board games that so often pepper the house.

If you don’t have the space for both a dedicated playroom and a guest bedroom, why not weave both functions into one? A fold-down bed is a good choice for a room like this, as it leaves maximum floor space for play. Also incorporate plenty of racks, shelving, boxes and trugs to keep the toys off the floor. You never know, you might just find your friends indulging in a spot of midnight Monopoly while the rest of the household sleeps…
Traditional Wardrobe by Ardesia Design
Ardesia Design
Work in a wardrobe
As long as everything is kept as neat and tidy as possible, I’m sure your guests won’t mind sharing a room with all of those out-of-season and special-occasion clothes you simply can’t fit into your main wardrobe.

Make sure you have regular sort-outs of your growing collection of shoes, shirts, suits, coats and skirts and donate to charity all of those items you haven’t worn for years. This way, there’s sure to be a little room left for your visitors to hang up their own clobber.

TELL US…
Is your spare room a magnificent multi-tasker? If so, we’d love to see your ideas and inspiration in the Comments below.
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iagrant
some very nice ideas. The fold down bed looks great in this layout; like the craft shelves. I find the contrast of wood and dark metal simple and effective also against a neutral colour. I installed 4 shelves in an unused alcove that I repainted in my bedroom. I made 4 shelves from reclaimed wood from church pews. The wood is sold at £10/m at the reclaim yard and once stripped and cleaned looks great. Apply shelving brackets from IKEA £2 each. Very effective.
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81teddybear
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Aykut Hilmi
I managed to build a side extension on our ground floor flat to create a dinning room then to also function as a spare room when we have a guests stay over. We incorporated a feature glass wall that over looked our new garden so we could also keep an eye on our girls. I decided to keep the new room entrance as high as the original ceiling as possible to give the impression that it has always been a part of the house. I also installed a sliding panel to close off the room when privacy is needed for our guests with some of my favourite artwork. It actually gives an impression that we have a hanging of painting on the closed wall for the room when its closed. Design and build by myself.
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