Design Challenge – Re-Doing the Guest Room Part I
Here is my current challenge: re-do my work/guest room so that it is both a functional workspace and a comfortable place for guests.
As daunting as this is for me (and it is daunting–this room has been a headache for me since we moved in seven years ago), I’m excited. Because nothing floats my boat more than a good room re-do–I’m getting a little tingly just thinking about it.
This room has a history. When we first moved in, I decorated it solely with guests in mind and it was fairly comfortable. When I started making jewelry, however, I needed a space where I could work and it didn’t make sense to devote a whole room to a purpose (guests) that was really only used maybe 6 weeks of the entire year. I should add that when I have guests they usually stay for a week or more since Mick’s relatives travel from England. It’s important to me that they have a comfortable space that will suit them for more than a weekend visit.
Mick has been doing some work with the lighting/wiring in the room so I have to warn you–while it’s usually pretty messy, it’s not usually this messy. That said, let’s start with a few photos of the space in it’s current state:
This is the corner of the room that houses my jeweler’s bench. It’s a little nook that fits the bench perfectly, and it’s easily hidden with a curtain (which is not shown).
This small sofa has a pull out bed, which is only semi-convenient. It’s fine for singles, but when couples come we have to pull out the aero-bed, which I hate. And by hate, I mean I hate sleeping on them, and I feel bad making my guests do it.
This is the closet. About a year ago, I ordered custom cabinetry which has helped to cut down clutter in the rest of the space, but has become completely disorganized and full of things I never use.
Now for a Little Inspiration
I’m pretty sure what color scheme I’m going to use in the room. I’m thinking a variation of this:
(photo credit: HGTV.com, Designer: Ammie Kim)
My thought is to paint the wall that the bed sits against a very saturated blue/teal color. It’s also a jewelry studio, after all, and I loves me some jewel tones.
That said, these three color schemes are also appealing:
(photo credit: HGTV.com, Designer: Nicole Sassaman)
(photo credit: HGTV.com, Designer: Ammie Kim)
(photo credit: HGTV.com, Designer: Andreas Charalambous)
Feel free to post your preferences in the comments section–who knows, you might be a guest at my house one of these days and you’ll have to stay in this room!
I love the the fourth and fifth photo. the bed with the lot of pillows is always my favorite place for rest. And in fourth photo, the great window sight. It is fabulous. Nicole Sassaman sounds like great designer.
The 30th!!!! WOW!!! Good luck!!! That’s a big bite to take. Though Mick seems super helpful (or is he a good faker?). I can’t wait to see the end results.
I love the first photo – that is one of my favorite color schemes. We are almost done with redoing the main bath, and we went for a retro surfer theme. We all love it! We are replacing the mirror, and doing a few other small things, and then we are done – at least with that room. Kate and I will come visit you when your room is done (and maybe we’ll bring the boys too!)
Good question about the murphy bed. I did give it some serious thought but instead we bought a trundle bed like the one we have in Oregon. The main reason is that Mick’s mum often travels with a friend and it’s awkward for them to share the same bed. A trundle bed will address that issue as well as the issue of couples. The trundle bed will be more of a daybed usually, but when couples come it easily becomes a king-size bed. Also, a trundle bed is more portable than a built in murphy bed (which is what I was thinking of doing).
Thanks for the other ideas–you’re so right, I know a designer would be able to help, but as usual I’m rushed with this. Mick’s aunt and uncle are coming on the 30th and I want it finished by then.
I LOVE the colors you’re thinking of very appropriate for your location as well.
Have you give any thought to a Murphy Bed? That would give you WAY more space to work when you don’t have guests, but a bigger real bed when you do.
I would also suggest a trip to your closest IKEA for organizational and storage solutions. You have a good start with your closet, now you just need to carry it through to the rest of the room.
I totally agree. Having a whole room just for guests is a little crazy when you have such limited space to work with. That’s why I like IKEA so much. They have a ton of multi-purpose furniture and gallery ideas.
I hear you’re having guests over the winter holidays, so I’m guessing you want to be done by then. Are you painting yourself? Going to have any help?
I also wouldn’t rule out a designer. I know you love to do it yourself, but a good designer can take your ideas and needs and give you things you wouldn’t even have thought of yourself. I learned that when having our floors done (and I’m the same as you with design). Having the floor designer come and do a spin on my idea gave me a product I wouldn’t have thought of and love.
I’m excited for you. I wish I could come and help!