Home Decorating Decorating Tips and Techniques Watch Designer Riche Holmes Grant Help a Couple Turn 100 Square Feet Into a Multipurpose Office and Guest Room In this episode of Home Upgrade, designer Riche Holmes Grant helps a couple turn a small spare room into a chic yet functional workspace and guest room. By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on December 7, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Can 100 square feet become the perfect office-slash-guest-room? That was the hope of homeowners Seong and Jeremy, who needed their second bedroom to serve as Jeremy's office most of the time, but be available as a guest room when people come to visit. Designer Riche Holmes Grant found ways to make the small room work for them with clever furniture that serves double duty—and tucks away easily when the room needs to shift from workspace to sleeping space. Using color in unconventional ways—such as painting a bold blue ceiling with white walls—helps the room feel fresh, and makes the all-white lighting fixture pop. Clear acrylic furnishings and accessories give Seong and Jeremy the storage they need, without giving the room a cluttered feel. Paint 01 of 21 Dark Cobalt Blue Matte Interior Paint Courtesy of Home Depot $43, homedepot.com A bold blue ceiling was the centerpiece of the room—and a real conversation starter during Jeremy's Zoom calls. 02 of 21 #52 White Flat Low Odor Interior Paint Courtesy of Home Depot $26, homedepot.com Using white on the walls helps the tucked-away Murphy bed and desk blend into the background. Ceiling 03 of 21 MOJNA - Pendant lamp shade Courtesy of Ikea $20, ikea.com This sleek, modern light fixture from IKEA is made of recycled plastic and renewable viscose—and stands out against the blue ceiling. Floor 04 of 21 Orange and yellow polygonal geometric pattern Rug Courtesy of Society6 $149, society6.com Simple artwork in a bold hue makes a statement without making the room feel too "busy." Desk Wall 05 of 21 Modern Home Office Swivel Arm Accent Chair with Wood Legs Courtesy of Overstock.com $178, overstock.com The bold-hued office desk chair has a cozy, comfy feel that makes a great guest room chair, too. 06 of 21 White Dylan-Mackie Floating Desk Courtesy of Wayfair $59, wayfair.com A floating desk makes it easy to fold away the workspace when the work day is done. 07 of 21 Acrylic Floating Shelf Courtesy of Amazon $30, amazon.com Clear floating shelves organize books and work materials—and "disappear" into the background. 08 of 21 Wall Hanging Glass Planter Bud Vase in Wood Stand Courtesy of Amazon $16, amazon.com Pretty wall planters let you add plants or flowers to the room for a bit of nature—without taking up valuable real estate. Bed Wall 09 of 21 White Gwendolene Murphy Bed Courtesy of Wayfair $1965, wayfair.com Murphy beds are ideal for multi-use spare rooms. This takes up less than 15 inches of space when it's folded up onto the wall. 10 of 21 Padova Abstract Stripes Outline 3-piece Duvet Cover Set Courtesy of Overstock.com $162, overstock.com The bold pattern on this ultra-soft bedding helps it fit in with the rest of the room's design. 11 of 21 Floating Wall Shelf Courtesy of Wayfair $108, wayfair.com A floating wall shelf with a built-in light is a perfect addition above the desk, providing a spot to stash work materials along with a recessed task light. 12 of 21 PAX Wardrobe Frame Courtesy of Ikea $85, ikea.com No closet? No problem! A sleek wardrobe has plenty of room for your guest's belongings, plus space to stash extra bedding, work files, or other essentials. 13 of 21 FARDAL Door Courtesy of Ikea $110, ikea.com High-gloss white doors help hide clutter in the wardrobe without detracting from the rest of the design. 14 of 21 KOMPLEMENT Soft closing hinge Courtesy of Ikea $20 (3-pack), ikea.com Use soft-closing hinges to give your wardrobe the feel of a high-end built-in. 15 of 21 BILLSBRO Handle Courtesy of Ikea $5 (2-pack), ikea.com Curved handles make it easier to open drawers. 16 of 21 KOMPLEMENT Clothes rod Courtesy of Ikea $10, ikea.com Keep a few empty hangers on the clothes rod for your guests to hang their clothing. 17 of 21 KOMPLEMENT Drawer Courtesy of Ikea $20, ikea.com Sleek drawers can help keep work or home essentials organized and stowed away in your room. 18 of 21 Acrylic Flower Vase Courtesy of Amazon $22, amazon.com This sleek vase makes a great home for a floral arrangement—or turn it into a container for pens and pencils, brushes, or other essential items. Window Wall 19 of 21 Caylee Wheel End Table Courtesy of Wayfair $500, wayfair.com A rolling end table made of clear acrylic "disappears" to reduce clutter in your space—and has plenty of shelves to hold your essentials. Door Wall 20 of 21 Eugene 37.52'' Console Table Courtesy of Allmodern $1136, allmodern.com Keep your furnishings in the same clear acrylic family with a simple console table. 21 of 21 Wireless Battery Operated LED Picture Light with Remote Courtesy of Amazon $35, amazon.com Avoid worrying about cord management with a battery operated lamp that can be placed over the desk or on the bedside.The light can be directed where you want it, and the included remote lets you dim the lights and program them to go on and off. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit