Easy ways to transform your home office into a guest room

<br>One of the great things about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.countryliving.com/holidays-lp/holiday-special-2008">the holidays</a> is spending time with friends and family that we don&#39;t always get to see. But finding the extra space for overnight guests can be a challenge. Before you call a contractor, reconsider the rooms you already have. A home office or den can transform into stylish guest accommodations with just a few simple modifications.<br><br>OVERALL STRATEGY<br><ul> <li>Choose a soft, neutral color palette that&#39;s conducive to sleep and relaxation. (Here we used soft blue and cream with black accents for a soothing, sophisticated feel.)</li> <li>Select furnishings that work equally well in both settings, such as a daybed, or those that can camouflage the room&#39;s true function, such as a computer cabinet.</li> <li>Supply those gracious touches -- extra towels, bathroom supplies, and reading material -- that make guests feel special.</li> </ul> <br><img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/8vuSaULcs2ip/photos/e8f0c8eb218d1efa2f07bfbb041be0a8/mr_2214f809ed38ea.jpg?ug_____DHoFc.JR3" width="313" align="middle" height="400"><br>1. DESK: A roomy armoire can be used as a work space that is easily hidden when guests arrive. Purchase <a rel="nofollow" title="Computer Armoires" href="http://www.homedecorators.com/Furniture/Home_Office/Computer_Armoires/?link=emb&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">one that&#39;s made to hold computer equipment</a>, 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 <a rel="nofollow" title="Task Lamps" href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/category/category_collections_gallery.jsp?navSrc=leftNav&amp;navAction=jump&amp;navCount=1&amp;categoryId=cat960015?link=emb&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">task lamp</a> to adequately light your recessed workspace.<br><br><img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/8vuSaULcs2ip/photos/7891720ce7752fbcd9b540735c4e4317/mr_f1331a9ececf59.jpg?ug_____D_5KpMVGF" width="313" align="middle" height="400"><br>2.  TABLES: Two <a rel="nofollow" title="End Tables" href="http://www.target.com/End-Tables-Living-Room-Furniture/b/ref=nav_t_spc_8_18/179-7114761-6070144?ie=UTF8&amp;node=3527881?link=emb&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">end tables</a> are easier to move than a coffee table and can double as nightstands.<br><br>3.  LIGHTING: <a rel="nofollow" title="Floor Lamps" href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/lighting/10731/?link=emb&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">Floor lamps</a> placed at either end of the sofa or daybed can be used as reading lights for overnight guests.<br><br><img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/8vuSaULcs2ip/photos/ee29a6c831e2a9623aede34e51a77ad9/mr_b3841a9ececf59.jpg?ug_____DQf2NdfaK" width="313" align="middle" height="400"><br>4.  BED:  A <a rel="nofollow" title="Daybed" href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=949&amp;f=24303&amp;q=daybed&amp;fromLocation=Search&amp;DIMID=400001&amp;SearchPage=1?link=emb&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">daybed</a> uses a fraction of the space of a sleeper sofa.  During the day, position the daybed against the wall and line the back with <a rel="nofollow" title="Throw Pillows" href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/pillows/home-accessories/?link=emb&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">throw pillows</a>.  At night, dress it up with pillowcases, twin-sized sheets, and pretty shams.<br><br>Read more tips on <a rel="nofollow" title="Creating a Dual-Purpose Room" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/how-to-get-the-look/home-office-guest-bedroom-0807?link=emb&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">Creating a Dual-Purpose Room</a>.<br><br><br><strong>Related Links:</strong><br><br><a rel="nofollow" title="Dining Room Makeover" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/dining-room-makeover-0206?link=rel&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">Dining Room Makeover</a><br>A $250 table found on eBay and a few DIY projects completed this thrifty transformation.<br><br><a rel="nofollow" title="Internet &amp; Mail Order Decorating" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/mail-order-remodel-0505?link=rel&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">Internet &amp; Mail-Order Decorating</a><br>Is it possible to furnish a house using only mail-order catalogs and websites? The answer is a resounding &quot;Yes!&quot;<br><br><a rel="nofollow" title="Cute &amp; Crafty Storage Projects" href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/storage-solutions-craft-projects-0108?link=rel&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">Cute &amp; Crafty Storage Solutions</a><br>Make your own sewing kit, craft project station, or conceal electronic cords.<br><br><a rel="nofollow" title="Alternatives to Attic Solutions" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/questions-answers/storage-solutions?link=rel&amp;dom=yah_life&amp;src=syn&amp;con=blog_countryliving&amp;mag=clg">Alternatives to Attic Storage</a><br>Country Living&#39;s expert explains which items should be stored in the home and how to find space.<br><br><a rel="nofollow" title="Order Country Living" href="https://subscribe.hearstmags.com/subscribe/splits/countryliving/clg_yah_lif">Limited Time Offer - Order Country Living &amp; Save up to 81%</a><br><br>Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.