Hello! Kylee here to share the transformation of our main floor guest bedroom into a combined home office and guest room. My husband’s new role required more video meetings, and sharing our original office had started to feel impractical. Rather than set up a second full office, I decided to reimagine the guest room as a hybrid space. After testing a few layouts during a family visit, we found a configuration that works for daily use while still accommodating occasional overnight guests.
Above you can see the before-and-after of the layout change. We repositioned the bed into a corner to make room for a desk. While corner placement isn’t ideal for making the bed or for two people sharing it, we host guests only a few times a year, so daily functionality matters more to us. The bed is on wheels, which makes it easy to move slightly when we have visitors.
This makeover was largely a “use what I had” project. The only new purchase was the hanging light, which I had originally intended to hang over the bed. Most furnishings and textiles were moved from other rooms or are family hand-me-downs. The desk and chair were used in a previous office setup; the rug came from my grandparents; and the brass bed is a treasured vintage piece that’s been in our family for generations. The nightstand and lamp also came from our previous primary bedroom.
I like rooms that feel collected rather than bought all at once. The curtains, windowpane pillows, and plug-in sconces were purchased earlier and waited for the right spot. The result is a layered, lived-in feeling—an unexpected mix that gives the room personality.
The curtains are lightweight linen panels that feel airy and soft. Because they are light, you may want to double them on wider windows. A thrifted wall pocket adds a touch of vintage charm—I’ve been spotting them everywhere since I found one, and it now holds small blooms or dried stems depending on the season.
The view into the room shows its proximity to the main floor bathroom and my husband’s office on the other side. We’re still close, but now each of us has a dedicated workspace.
The brass bed is a full-size vintage Simmons from the early 1900s that belonged to my great-great-grandmother. I love the history and the warmth it brings to the room. The quilt is reversible and has been with me since childhood, adding a cozy, familiar touch. Simple botanical art, including a piece cut from a calendar, helps keep the decor light and personal.
One of the most impactful changes was the wall color. I wanted a subdued gray-green that felt calm without being too dark. We chose Benjamin Moore Louisburg Green and love how it subtly shifts throughout the day. It has a chameleon quality that makes the room feel cozy and grounded while complementing the brass and natural textures in the space.
QUICK PAINT COLOR TIP:
Always test paint colors in your own home before committing. Lighting, nearby finishes, and time of day all affect how a color reads. Peel-and-stick paint samples are a convenient way to preview shades on your walls without the mess of sample cans. Try a few sizes and move them between walls to see how the color performs in different light.
The plug-in wall sconces I’d bought earlier found a home in this room. They’re affordable, adjustable, and include a dimmer, making them practical for both task lighting at the desk and softer bedside illumination. I gave the shades a quick natural stain using brewed coffee to better match the hanging light and the room’s warmer tones—a simple tweak that blended the pieces together nicely.
The layout is snug but functional. Turning a guest room into a dual-purpose office maximizes space without sacrificing comfort for occasional visitors. I use this room every day now, which makes the change feel well worth it.
