Creating a Multi-Function Room: Guest Room and Office

Life is hectic. We're forced to multitask just to keep up. If you can handle juggling two projects, your extra bedroom can, too. Let one area serve double duty as a guest bedroom and a home office. The room can satisfy both objectives well, but the primary use will help narrow the most appropriate furniture choices.

If it's mostly an office...
• Use a parquet wood floor protector, so your office chair can still roll around.
• Create a sleek slipcover for the bed out of pleather or corduroy. Use large toss pillows to "fake out" a sofa during the day.
• Let the closet in this room house office supplies.
• Invest in a sleeper sofa.

Modern sleepers are indistinguishable from sofas when closed. Full to queen-sized innerspring mattresses are easy to pull out, and pretty comfy for overnight guests. The Phoenix Leather Sleeper from Rooms 2 Go is a rich contemporary option: brandy distressed leather, brass nailhead trim, hand-sewn baseball stitching, and hardwood frame and feet. Their tufted Avenue Sleeper is an elegant choice, too. Sleek Microfiber Plush upholstery in pastel shades is both classic and hip.

If it's mostly an additional bedroom...
• Use a TV ceiling bracket. It will save space and put the screen in a better viewing position when the bed is folded out.
• Use a computer armoire to keep components private.
• Let the closet in this room house linens and toiletries.
• Invest in a Murphy bed or daybed.

Daybeds aren't just for the kids' sleepovers. New models are definitely more stylish and substantial. A backless, chaise lounge inspired form with curved arms is most contemporary. Mixed compositions - for example, burnished pine plus elaborate wrought ironwork - complement a variety of room styles.

Embrace a pale, monochromatic color scheme that's soothing for both work and play. Stick to solid, tone-on-tone, and small scale patterns. Though large tossed florals look sweet in the bedroom, they're a little too precious for a double-duty space. Color blocked trimmings (silver office supplies, hardware, and photo frames) help tie it together.

Cubes and chests can triple as seating, storage, and end tables. Storage trunks are indispensable. Not only can you keep an extra set of sheets and pillows near the sofa, but they can serve as a makeshift dresser for visitors' clothes. Wendy Wetherington of Rooms 2 Go notes, "Storage ottomans provide a great space for files in guest rooms-slash-offices. They're available in leather and microfiber upholstery to match the sleeper sofas, with leather being the current most popular choice."

Wall-mounted accessories make the best use of the room. Try stainless steel hanging pockets, wall sconces, and floating shelves. Long, skinny art and mirrors also save space. Thoughtful art choices help warm the room.

Add a stereo system and a vase of tiger lilies, and your new multipurpose room is ready.