Creating a hybrid room perfect for an office and overnight guests
A hidden purpose
Story by Sheila Paz + Photos by Mike Ritterbeck
Find inspiration in the 2024 LOCAL Life Idea House
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dive into the diverse rooms of the 2024 LOCAL Life Idea House, our exclusive peek into The Charles, the newest waterfront condominium at Hilton Head Plantation. Throughout the year we’ll showcase transformative room makeovers, offering practical decorating tips and ideas. Each feature aims to inspire your next home refresh, adding a personal flair to your living spaces. For more information about The Charles, email sales@thecharleshhi.com.
In today’s rapidly changing world, where remote work and flexible schedules are becoming the norm, homeowners are increasingly seeking innovative ways to make the most of their living spaces. One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the Murphy bed, which offers a clever and space-saving solution for creating multi-functional rooms. For instance, take this homeowner who wanted a home office that could transform into an additional guest room. Signature Closets of the Low Country stepped in with an ingenious idea — incorporating Murphy beds that, when stowed away, blend into the room as a cabinet. Here are three practical tips to guide you in creating the perfect hybrid room.
1. Before making your bed
Before integrating a Murphy bed into your living space, select a room that can accommodate both the bed and its multifunctional purpose. Consider what you’ll do with the existing furniture when the Murphy bed is in use. Once you’ve settled on a room, pay close attention to the finer details, including the thickness of the mattress. Signature Closets recommends a 14-inch-deep mattress – it provides comfort for guests while remaining easily concealable within the wall. In the case of this room, the homeowner chose twin beds (painted in Sherwin Williams Hale Navy) to offer versatility, catering to both children and adult guests and allowing for adaptable sleeping arrangements.
2. To spruce or not to spruce?
Striking the perfect decor balance in a hybrid room requires planning. Begin by considering the items that will need to be moved to make way for the Murphy bed and ease of relocating the furniture. Given that this space serves as an office during the day, the homeowner kept the decor minimal. This approach creates a serene and distraction-free environment, ideal for maintaining focus and productivity.
3. Add a splash of style
Don’t forget to contemplate the space revealed when the Murphy beds are unfolded. Elevate the room’s aesthetics by considering an accent wall or stylish wallpaper, like this wallpaper from Lowcountry Linens. The Murphy bed marries functionality with style, showcasing the synergy that occurs when practical furniture meets the needs of contemporary living. Embrace this dual-purpose design and elevate your lifestyle with this ingenious solution.
Pro tip
When designing a versatile multi-purpose room, incorporate furniture sliders into your plan. These nifty tools make moving furniture a breeze, protecting your floors and sparing your muscles from strain.
