This is such a common request we get at salt + spruce interiors – finding ways to make certain rooms in our homes work harder to serve the evolving needs of families. Guest rooms take up valuable real estate and typically are only used a handful of times each year, so it’s a perfect place to start when creatively trying to make the best use of space within your home. In the past year, we’ve helped clients with multiple guest room ‘mashups’ – i.e. combining guest rooms with offices, home gyms, and TV rooms. So you are in good company when it comes to tackling this design project!
First off, what a great room with lots of natural light! You are very fortunate in that your guest room has ample space (and nice high ceilings) to work with. The warm greige walls and carpet also provide a neutral base, which gives you tons of opportunity to add in pops of color and warmth. Given the placement of the doors, windows and closet in this space, here’s what I believe to be the optimal layout for your new space:
The first place I would start in this room is finding the right sofa sleeper. And before you start to cringe thinking about the pokey-springy-lumpy sofa beds you grew up sleeping on, rest assured – the quality of the sofa sleeper mattresses has increased greatly in the past decade, thanks in most part to memory foam. Today’s memory foam mattresses are generally supportive, yet soft and conform to the shape of your body – so you can feel confident your guests will get a good night’s sleep when staying with you. This beautiful sleeper sectional from Crate + Barrel is compact and features a textured performance fabric as well as extra storage within the chaise.
Next, I would find a 5’ to 6’ media console that provides a beautiful focal point beneath your TV. I love how the sofa and walnut console bring warmth and depth to the neutral space. I highly recommend putting your flat-screen TV on a swing-out wall mount so you can angle it toward you while you’re watching TV, as the room doesn’t allow for the sofa to face the TV wall directly.
Lighting and artwork are next on the list. When it comes to lighting, the key to creating balance in a room is to avoid relying on a single overhead source and to spread the light around using table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and pendants. Here, I chose a large, eye-catching and architectural semi-flush ceiling light, a floor lamp next to the sofa for reading light and a table lamp on the media console. Given the large corner windows, I don’t think you would need additional lighting beyond this.
The gorgeous piece of artwork by Ahn Hee to be placed above the sofa features muted rusts, greens and blues – and ties all of the furnishings together. In fact, I started with one color concept based off this artwork and couldn’t help but add a few more because the colors are all so lovely(!!).
Lastly, the accent chair, ottoman and mirror. I think to keep this room cozy and conversational, a small-profile accent chair would add a pop of additional color in addition to extra seating. A round or oval upholstered ottoman provides plenty of soft surface to put your feet up as you lounge; and ample space for a tray so you have a place set your drinks and snacks. And a floor-length mirror upon entering the room adds dimension to a flat wall and creates the illusion of even more space.
Happy Decorating!
Here’s a shoppable link to all of the to-the-trade products featured in this post.
The sleeper sectional can be found here.
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