Coastal Office and Guest Room Design

Everyone has “that room” when they move: the catch-all. It’s the future guest bedroom slash office in our house and it’s time to turn it into the office and guest room of my dreams.

But, I often find myself living out those dreams inside my head. Do you ever get that way?

Maybe it’s writing an entire novel in your mind. The story just gets better and better as you go along and you’re shocked with the amount of detail you’re able to add. And the plot twist – oh the plot twist! Then you refocus your eyes to the traffic light in front of you that just turned green and you’ve already forgotten the heroine’s best friend’s dog’s name that was so integral to the story line.

Or you think up innovative businesses with clever logos and the punniest taglines and you’re already planning your outfit for your TV debut on Shark Tank.

Or… you look around your house and see it through a magical lens of how it will look when you find that one-of-a-kind armoire and perfectly coordinated mismash of throw pillows.

Anyone with me? I dream up these grandiose ideas, but I have a difficult time seeing them through to reality. They live inside my head.

So, I’ve put together a simple design board to get my ideas together and create some inspiration for how to repurpose our current pieces in the space.

Sofa by day, bed by night

This one was easy, I knew a daybed with the potential for a trundle bed was the perfect solution. It will be fun to pile on the pillows to bring color and character, too.

Cadena Daybed with Trundle
Wayfair, $320.99

Workspace

I can usually do my best work perched in bed with my laptop, dessert and Real Housewives of Orange County at the end of a long day – but sometimes you need a dedicated space to really get down to business. I’m continually striving to find more balance and set boundaries for my “work day”. There isn’t quite room for an actual desk, but I love the look and function of this fold down workspace! Quite honestly, it instantly reminded me of a table that Ty Pennington built on Trading Spaces MANY moons ago, so what’s not to love?! Plus, I can already see myself writing welcome messages to our guests on the chalkboard.

Suave Floating Desk
Wayfair, $155.99

Hidden Storage

It’s no secret that I am an avid crafter and have quite a collection of “treasures”. After misunderstanding my collection as junk back in our dating days, my dear husband and I settled on the term “treasures” [with air quotes]. This collection represents an infinite slew of potential projects, gifts and creative opportunities. I’ve pared down with every move, but there are some things I just can’t let go of. This shuttered storage cabinet is quite possibly perfect.

Noam Storage Cabinet
World Market, $649.99

Charleston Charm

If our guests are traveling to the greatest city in the world, you better believe I want them to get the full Charleston experience. Sourcing local art and accessories offers a taste of things they can only find here and let’s us support some lovely local makers. Dually, I can’t think of a better way to surround myself with inspiration when the room serves as an office!

I have been swooning over Rebecca Hoyle‘s oil paintings of every gorgeous view in Charleston!

I actually already have this piece and love it for the room! Making it at AR Workshop was such a fun girls night!

Window Coverings

The guest room is on the front of the house and gets a hefty amount of morning sun. We have wood blinds installed, but they only offer so much coverage. Functional window coverings will bring a bit more character to the space and also block out the morning sun and heat so we have happy guests around the breakfast table.

I love the double layer on these panels! They offer blackout coverage, but with a soft flowy top layer to lighten up the feel of the space.