Making the most of an apartment’s square footage can seem overwhelming. At first thought, it may seem like it can’t work. Too often spare space goes towards the ‘extras’ in a home such as winter clothes, laundry and storage but you can make the most of your space with a home office-guest room combination.
Many of the residents of Kitchener-Waterloo have compressed workweeks or telecommute. Sometimes it’s great to let work into the home, yet other moments it can feel like work takes over other elements of life. Combine a relaxing space for guests with a home office to balance the look and feel of an apartment.
A dedicated work surface is a necessity for any apartment but be sure to consider the size required. For more casual tablet or laptop users, a mobile workstation, tray or cart will work. For those with a full tower and desktop computer, a larger desk set-up may make more sense. With larger desks, have a dedicated drawer that can be used by guests for storage of small items.
For those that do a lot of hosting or have overnight guests, a daybed is a comfortable set-up that doesn’t take up too much space. With the proper cushions, this can double as a comfortable couch/workspace that lets users get away from the desk. For smaller spaces or larger offices, consider creating a guest nook with a small twin bed tucked away in the corner.
When decorating, keep a cool palette in mind. This creates an airy and cottagey retreat-like space. Use colours such as blues, silvers, greens and whites. Calming tones provide a relaxing environment both for work and guests. Cork or bulletin boards can be a great option for a spot to compile notes from work, inspiration and materials. Before guests arrive, clear off the board and display some pictures or vintage postcards.
Here’s a link round-up for some inspiration and guides to creating a home office and guest room space:
- Check out these super cute snapshots from Hoorayblog on their simple ‘guest nook’.
- Kevin and Layla at Lettered Cottage takes Home Office/Guest room to the next level
- While the Everything Room from CBC’s Steven and Chris is a bit over the top, it’s easy to get inspired by some of the show’s design tips.
- Apartment Therapy has a great practical guide to Creating a Guest Room that Also Works as a Home Office
- Of course Martha’s got the goods on being the host with the most
Local Kitchener shopping options for guest room decor and office supplies:
- Snugglers Furniture (30 Webster St. N, Waterloo)
- Schreiter’s (27 Gaukel Street, Kitchener) - pricy but worth a look for its gorgeous Canadian designed pieces
- Another’s Treasure Chest (289 Victoria St. N. Kitchener)
- St. Jacobs Furniture House (30 Benjamin Rd., Waterloo)
Work and play in Kitchener with a home base in one of Timbercreek’s bachelor, one, two and three bedroom apartment. Timbercreek Communities offers rentals in one of the most sought-out areas of Kitchener including the beautiful neighbourhood of Victoria Hills, just west of Kitchener’s lively downtown core.