One of my plans for our new home is to build a fitted bed—or two—into a room that will serve both as a quiet workspace for me and a welcoming sleeping area for our children or overnight guests. The daybed pictured above is one of my main inspirations. I love the flexibility of having two twins end to end and the practical storage provided by drawers beneath the beds. This layout makes the most of limited square footage while offering comfort and usefulness.
After we downsized a few months ago and invited my parents to move in, it became clear that we’d need to rethink how we use our home. With less space than before, intentional planning is essential: choosing furniture that pulls double duty, creating flexible rooms, and carving out private corners for work and rest. Those decisions help us live comfortably every day while making room for occasional visitors.
In a smaller house, flexible spaces are often the smartest solution. We can’t dedicate a separate room to every purpose, so designing for multiple uses becomes a priority. A well-designed daybed or built-in bed gives us a comfortable place to sleep and a neat storage system that eliminates clutter, so the room can function smoothly as both office and guest space.
Every household has different needs, and those needs shift with time. I’ll share more about our layout and plans in future posts, but for now I’m taking time to observe how we live in this house and what adjustments will help us most. With four adults and two dogs at home much of the time, our day-to-day life is lively, even though we’re technically “empty nesters.” That reality shapes how I plan the rooms.
As a writer and creative entrepreneur, my work requires quiet, organization, and a place to focus. Since starting The Inspired Room in 2007—this is the fourth house we’ve lived in since then—I’ve learned to be pragmatic about design. My best environments are those that reflect real life rather than chasing every trend, and that include zones where I can retreat to think, write, and create.
I’ve always balanced home life and work, even before my blog became a full-time business. Early on I worked part-time from home while our children were little, so I developed a knack for carving out productive moments and spaces amid family bustle. That experience influences how I plan now: creating a functional “away” space inside our home where I can concentrate, yet remain connected to family life.
Cozy guest beds are also a priority because I miss having our kids stay with us. A built-in daybed with storage will give us a welcoming spot for overnight guests without sacrificing daily function. It’s a practical, comfortable solution that supports both family visits and my need for a focused workspace.
What do you need from the rooms in your home? Could a multi-purpose daybed or built-in bedroom solve one of your space challenges?
The inspiration photo appears in the book A Place to Call Home, one of my favorites.