better homes and gardens mirabella bedroom vanity & stool

armoire desk

Keith Scott Morton

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Home Office Work Station

When friends and relatives pay a visit, it's cause for celebration. But finding the extra space for loved ones to spend the night can be a challenge fit for a contractor. Before you make that call, stop and reconsider the rooms you already have. A home office or den can transform into stylish guest accommodations with just a few simple modifications.

guest bedroom

Keith Scott Morton

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Sleeping Area

First, choose a soft, neutral color palette that's conducive to sleep and relaxation. Here, a cream and blue color scheme, accented with small doses of black, offers a soothing, sophisticated escape. Second, select furnishings that work equally well in both settings, such as a daybed, or those that can camouflage the room's true function, such as a computer cabinet. Dress the bed with linens that coordinate with the room's palette for a more harmonious look.

bedside table

Keith Scott Morton

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Pamper Guests

Welcome your guest with a few homey details to make his or her stay more comfortable. Leave an alarm clock, telephone, pen, postcards, and a water carafe and glass on the night table. Include a microwavable two-in-one teapot cup and tea bags or a small coffeemaker so that your guest can help herself in the morning. Fresh flowers and candles add to the ambience.

multipurpose room

Keith Scott Morton

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Multipurpose Room

Think "multipurpose" when furnishing the room. Overnight guests can use either of these floor lamps as a reading light. Two end tables are easier to move than a coffee table and can double as nightstands.

ottoman chair and luggage stand

Keith Scott Morton

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Easy-to-Move Furniture

Because this is a room that's rearranged quite often, look for chairs on casters, such as Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams's Gloria Chair, which are easy to move. A foldable luggage stand can be stored in a closet when not in use. Add an ottoman for guests to sit on while putting on shoes. Pouf ottoman with nickel tacks in black leather from globalviews.com.

white armoire cabinet

Keith Scott Morton

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White Armoire Cabinet

Don't let any space go unused. The top of the armoire makes an ideal spot to display beautiful objects. A roomy armoire hides unsightly office equipment. Purchase one that's made to hold computer equipment, such as the Berkshire Road Computer Cabinet from Target (target.com), or customize a regular armoire with shelves and cubbies to suit your needs. Drill a small opening into the back panel to feed cords, and remember to add a task lamp to adequately light your recessed workspace.

black accent task lamp

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Accent Lighting

Supply those gracious touches that make guests feel special, such as extra towels, bathroom supplies, and a reading light.

white daybed settee

Keith Scott Morton

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Daybed Sleeper

A daybed uses a fraction of the space of a sleeper sofa. Position the daybed against the wall, and line the back with throw pillows in two coordinating patterns. When guests arrive, cover the throw pillows with pillow covers and pretty shams. You'll want to use a mattress pad as well, for extra padding and protection. Twin-size sheets fit the daybed, so there's no need to buy custom linens.

sisal area rug

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Sisal Area Rug

A low-pile carpet, such as this sisal Freeport Area Rug by Home Decorators Collection, is easy to maintain and makes rearranging furniture a breeze; homedecorators.com.