One of my plans for our new home is to create built-in beds in a room that will serve both as a quiet workspace for me and a comfortable guest room for our children or friends. The daybed arrangement pictured above is a key inspiration: I love the flexibility of two twin beds placed end to end, and drawers beneath the beds would be perfect for maximizing storage in a smaller footprint.
After downsizing to our “smaller home” a few months ago and welcoming my parents to live with us, it became clear that we would need to make thoughtful choices about how to use our space. Beyond everyday comfort and functionality, we also had to plan for occasional overnight stays from our kids and other guests, which means creating flexible, multi-purpose rooms.
In a smaller house, flexible spaces and rooms that serve double duty are often the best way to get the most out of what you have. We won’t have a dedicated room for every need, so being intentional with layout, storage and furniture selection is essential.
Everyone has different preferences and space needs, and those needs change with each season of life. I’ll share more about our layouts and plans in future posts, but right now I’m taking time to observe how our household functions and where we can improve. With four adults (my husband, my parents and myself) plus two dogs, our home is full of life—even though we’re technically “empty nesters.”
As a writer and creator for my business, The Inspired Room, I have specific requirements for spaces where I can concentrate and create. I aim to design a home that supports how we actually live, rather than chasing every trend. A calm, comfortable work area has always been central to my ability to do the work I love.
I started this business in 2007 and this is the fourth house we’ve lived in since then, so finding creative ways to work from home is second nature. Even when our kids were small I worked part-time from home, which taught me to make thoughtful use of space and time to get things done.
Although our family’s composition and routines have evolved, I still rely on “away spaces” where I can organize my thoughts, write and create without constant interruptions. Those retreat-like spots are essential for productivity and well-being in a busy household.
And I miss having my kids around, so creating cozy guest beds is something I’m excited about for the future.
What space needs does your household have? Would a double-duty daybed room work for you?
The inspiration image is featured in the book A Place to Call Home, one of my favorites.