Design Ideas

Quick improvements that can help your home office double as a guest room

March 16, 2012

Converting your living spaces into multi-use areas is a great way to save time and money and it can make your home more welcoming to guests. With the addition of beautiful hardwood flooring, versatile furnishings and a few welcoming accents, you can instantly improve the utility and atmosphere of the room.

Your home office is your sanctuary where you can escape and get a bit of work done or relax, but when you have guests over to your home, it can sometimes become an impromptu guest room. Instead of forcing your guests to sleep on an air mattress or on a pile of couch cushions, there are a few quick improvements that can improve the aesthetics and overall versatility of the space.

Of course, before you start investing in furniture and other creature comforts, you should improve the atmosphere of the room with elegant wood flooring. Anderson Floors' Cimarron collection features intricate grain patterns of solid red oak that can add warmth and character to your living space. With your flooring in place, you can then find a few versatile furnishings that can make the office welcoming for guests.

1. A sleeper sofa. Adding a sofa to your home office is a no-brainer - there are times when you need a break from work and need to recharge your batteries, and this could be a great place to relax. However, adding a sleeper sofa or even an inexpensive futon will give your guests a cozy spot to sleep that can be set up in a pinch.

2. Door hangars. If you don't have a closet to work with in your home office, Good Housekeeping suggests installing an over-the-door hook that can mount easily behind your door. These products can be found in most home goods stores and you should also leave out a few hangars for your guests when they arrive. This will give them a chance to hang up any formal attire they may have so it doesn't get crumpled up on the floor.

3. Bathroom essentials. You never know how thorough your guests will be when they're packing, so consider putting out a selection of towels, soaps and other toiletries for their arrival. This is a wonderful way to welcome them to your home and it will help them transition into your guest room far more easily.

Converting your living spaces into multi-use areas is a great way to save time and money and it can make your home more welcoming to guests. With the addition of beautiful hardwood flooring, versatile furnishings and a few welcoming accents, you can instantly improve the utility and atmosphere of the room.