Question: Recently we moved into a three-bedroom house, and I am having difficulty making the most out of one bedroom, which is 10 feet by 10 feet 9 inches.

One wall has a floor-to-ceiling window and sliding doors to a walk-in closet. There are two windows, one at normal height and above it, a triangular window under the vaulted ceiling. Both windows have plastic vertical blinds, but I would like a window covering that is more attractive.

We have a master bedroom, another bedroom/den that is my husband's office and this one for everything else. I would like to fit the following into this room:

-- A double bed for guests

-- A place for my computer, printer and files (at least two drawers)

-- Some additional storage/shelf space

-- Lighting (there is no ceiling fixture). I'd like a comfortable chair and lamp, but this is at the bottom of my wish list.

I am willing to buy all new furniture. The floor has brown wall-to-wall carpet that can be replaced, too. I'm wondering if a wall bed would work, but there has to be enough floor space to pull the bed down. Same for a computer armoire -- the doors would have to swing open wide enough to use the computer.

Sue Greenspan
Alameda

Answer: Your dilemma about how to make this room function as both a home office and guest room is not difficult to solve when you use space-saving products.

Let's begin with your need for office space and storage. The solution to this function will flow naturally into the answer for the guest room requirement.

 

NIGHT AND DAY In this combination office/guest room, the bed folds up into the wall to clear floor space for working during the day. For window treatments, consider a wood based solution such as woven rush, matchstick, bamboo, or tortoise bamboo flat-fold shades. Source: Beryn Hammil

I've designed the room with a built-in wall unit that incorporates plenty of storage space for files, computer hardware, bookshelves and other office equipment. The unit can be designed to your specifications. With modular components, you can choose the pieces that will work best for you. Be sure to include under-shelf lighting for tasks on the desk surface. Choose a desk chair that swivels and rolls on wheels.   Now for the guest bed. I suggest using a wall unit that includes a fold-out bed (see www.murphybedcompany.com for an example). When you need the bed, it pulls down from the wall unit and opens out flat. It's one of the most practical solutions for limited floor space and only occasional use. When it's tucked away, it leaves plenty of floor space for a comfortable chair and lamp. As you can see in the floor plan, I've placed it near the window so you have daylight for reading.   To use the floor space that's now available, select a wall-hugging recliner so you can really relax in this room. Many recliners are so beautifully designed that you'll never know their secret until you lean back. I suggest that it be covered in a synthetic fabric so it won't fade from the light coming through the window. Next to your recliner should be a small table to hold a refreshment. Alongside the chair is a floor lamp for illumination at night. If possible, remove the carpeting to make the office easier to maintain and give the rolling chair a better surface. There might be wood floors under the old carpet, but if not, perhaps installing a wood floor would be a good investment. On top of the wood floor I recommend using a colorful area rug to bring interest into the room.

Paint the walls a warm color that complements the built-in unit to make this room an inviting space, even for long days of work.

Now for the window treatment on your challenging window/closet wall. Your ceiling is raked, that is, sloped, so the window coverings will have to take that into consideration.

The fold-out bed and office wall unit system will probably have a wood finish, so let's stay with natural products that complement the wood.

Flat-fold shades of woven rush, matchstick, bamboo or tortoise bamboo mounted inside the window casing and that pull up will be practical and attractive. You can even have them made with fabric trim. Pick up one of the colors from your new area rug for the trim to tie the room together visually. If you need privacy or full darkness, add white cloth or blackout backing. Make sure the window covering can be adjusted from the left side, for easy access.

When you measure the small upper window, make a template of the angles for a good fit. I also suggest that the upper window shade be fixed in place and not pull up or have a valance, and that the lower window's pull-up shade be a "waterfall" style; i.e., without valance, so it looks like a continuation of the above shade. You can also leave the upper window bare. The lower shade could even be a bottom up/top down style so you have some privacy without having to cover the entire window.

This custom designed wall unit and window treatment will be exactly what's required to make this multi-function room cozy, practical and a place to enjoy for years to come.

 

 

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