Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? With the rise of remote work, more and more people are transforming their guest rooms into multifunctional spaces that serve as an office by day and a cozy guest retreat by night.
But let’s face it—finding the perfect balance between style and function isn’t always easy. So, we’ve curated a list of 20 jaw-dropping ideas from around the world that will turn your ordinary spare room into a trendsetting space.
Gather your inspiration as we break down the global designs that make any office guest room an Insta-worthy haven.
1. Scandinavian Minimalism: Less is More
Step into the world of Scandinavian minimalism, where simplicity meets functionality. Known for its clean lines and serene atmosphere, this style focuses on understated elegance.
Think neutral color palettes, wooden accents, and plenty of natural light. The goal is to create a clutter-free environment that feels both spacious and welcoming, making it perfect for an office guest room combination.
Remember, less is more—so focus on quality over quantity when selecting furniture and decor pieces.
2. Japanese Zen: Embrace Tranquility
Transport your guests to a haven of tranquility with Japanese Zen-inspired design. This theme embraces natural elements and a calming vibe that’s ideal for both rest and productivity.
Essential features include tatami mats, sliding doors, and plenty of plants. The focus is on balance and harmony, a perfect setting for meditation or a relaxing workspace.
Keep the decorations few and meaningful, allowing for peace and concentration—a true retreat for the mind and body.
3. Industrial Chic: Urban Edge
Bring an edgy urban flair into your guest room with an industrial chic design. This style is all about embracing raw materials like exposed brick, metal accents, and vintage furniture.
Perfect for city dwellers or loft lovers, industrial chic offers a cozy yet stylish environment that encourages creativity.
Incorporate a metal desk or a vintage lamp to complete the look, providing a unique atmosphere that stands out from the traditional.
4. Bohemian Bliss: Artistic Freedom
For those with a free spirit, a Bohemian-inspired guest room provides a relaxed and eclectic vibe. Bold patterns, colorful textiles, and a variety of textures create a cheerful and artistic environment.
Embrace the freedom to mix and match, using travel souvenirs and handmade crafts to personalize your space.
This style not only offers a comfortable retreat but also sparks creativity, making it a perfect dual-purpose room for guests and remote work.
5. Coastal Retreat: Beachy Vibes
If you’re longing for that vacation feel, a coastal-themed office guest room can bring the beach to you. Soft colors like blue, white, and sand create a light and breezy environment.
Incorporate elements like driftwood, sea glass, and nautical decor to make the space refreshing and welcoming.
A great choice for those who want to feel the waves whenever they’re working or hosting guests—let the ocean inspire your daily routine.
6. French Country: Rustic Elegance
Embrace the charm of the French countryside with a design that celebrates rustic elegance. This style is all about distressed furniture, soft hues, and vintage flair.
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with floral prints, wrought iron details, and wooden beams.
Perfect for those who appreciate history and romance, French Country design offers a sweet escape that will make anyone feel at home.
7. Moroccan Magic: Opulent Details
Let your guest room shimmer with the exotic allure of Moroccan design. Rich colors, intricate patterns, and opulent details bring an air of mystique and luxury.
The key is layered textiles, ornate lanterns, and vibrant rugs that capture attention and stimulate the senses.
Ideal for creating a sumptuous yet functional space that feels like a faraway escape—perfect for impressing guests and productive work sessions.
8. Mid-Century Modern: Timeless Appeal
The hallmark of Mid-century Modern design is its timeless appeal, offering clean silhouettes and functional beauty. Think sleek lines, bold colors, and innovative uses of materials.
Incorporate statement furniture like a vintage office chair or iconic Eames lounge for the perfect blend of style and usability.
This design provides refined elegance that never goes out of style, serving as a chic backdrop for any task or gathering.
9. Farmhouse Chic: Cozy & Welcoming
For a welcoming ambiance, embrace farmhouse chic, a style that combines rustic warmth with modern comforts. Barn-style doors, shiplap walls, and knitted throws come together to create a homey feel.
Imagine a space where your guests feel like they’re in the countryside, even if they’re in the city.
This approach is all about warmth and hospitality, with practical spaces that serve dual purposes seamlessly.
10. Art Deco Glamour: Vintage Sophistication
Revel in the roaring twenties with an Art Deco-inspired guest room, where vintage sophistication takes the spotlight. Gleaming metallic finishes, geometric patterns, and plush textiles define this lavish style.
Add a touch of glamour with velvet upholstery and mirrored surfaces.
Perfect for making an impression, this style showcases opulence and refinement that will turn any space into a vintage wonderland.
11. Eclectic Bazaar: Mix & Match
For those who love to collect, an eclectic bazaar style offers endless possibilities. It’s a celebration of diversity, where different patterns, colors, and eras coexist harmoniously.
Display treasures from your travels and blend them with modern pieces.
This approach creates a dynamic, interesting atmosphere that invites exploration and conversation, making it ideal for both work and leisure.
12. The Timeless Charm of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
Capture the essence of New York City with a chic setup inspired by ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. Use a soft color palette of turquoise and cream reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style.
Focus on elegant furnishings like a vintage writing desk and a classic armchair for a sophisticated look. Add artwork or posters with a nod to the film to keep the theme alive.
This design is perfect for those who love a blend of elegance and urban modernity, creating an inviting space for both work and relaxation.
13. Embodying Zen with ‘The Last Samurai’
For the peace seekers, reflect the tranquility of ‘The Last Samurai’. Incorporate elements such as shoji screens and tatami mats to create a calm atmosphere.
Use earthy tones and minimalist decor to achieve a serene balance. A simple bonsai plant can bring life and color to the space.
This room design supports mindfulness practices, ideal for a workspace that doubles as a retreat from the modern world.
14. The Eclectic Appeal of ‘Harry Potter’
Step into a magical realm with a ‘Harry Potter’-inspired design. Think mysterious dark woods, vintage accessories, and cozy reading nooks.
Incorporate bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes and magical knick-knacks for an enchanting vibe. Candles and a faux fireplace can complete this magical setting.
This is the perfect fit for those who enjoy the whimsical and the wonderful, a work environment filled with curiosity and inspiration.
15. A Room with a ‘Star Wars’ Galaxy Vibe
Travel to a galaxy far, far away with a ‘Star Wars’-themed room. Use futuristic elements like sleek furnishings and metallic finishes.
Add ambient LED lighting to mimic the glow of a starship interior. Art pieces featuring iconic starships or planets can serve as focal points.
Ideal for tech enthusiasts, this design combines sci-fi flair with an invigorating, creative edge.
16. Vintage Cool from ‘Mad Men’
Bring the ‘Mad Men’ era into your home office with a mid-century modern twist. Opt for rich woods and sharp lines in your furniture.
Incorporate elements like geometric patterns and vintage typewriters to capture the sophisticated 1960s agency aesthetic.
This theme not only pays homage to retro culture but also creates a cozy, stylish working environment.
17. Retro Futurism with ‘Back to the Future’
Infuse some whimsy into your workspace with a ‘Back to the Future’ vibe. Retro furnishings with futuristic touches set the tone.
Use neon signs and clocks to emphasize the time-travel theme. Bright colors and bold patterns disrupt the mundane.
This room is perfect for dreamers and innovators who appreciate a playful yet purposeful design.
18. Revitalizing with ‘The Great Gatsby’
Luxuriate in the opulence reminiscent of ‘The Great Gatsby’. Opt for art deco detailing and luxe materials like velvet and gold.
Striking chandeliers or elegant wall sconces help set a glamorous mood. This is about bringing 1920s flair to life.
Perfect for those who enjoy a touch of decadence with their day-to-day living, merging productivity with glamour.
19. Nostalgia from ‘Stranger Things’
Create a nostalgic oasis with elements drawn from ‘Stranger Things’. Think vintage posters, dark woods, and textured fabrics.
Emphasize a 1980s feel with plaid patterns and lava lamps. String lights add a touch of whimsy and wonder.
This design is for those who love a mix of quirky and comfortable, offering a unique throwback setting.
20. Elegant Minimalism from ‘Inception’
Engage with intellectual minimalism taking cues from ‘Inception’. Sleek lines and minimalist color schemes dominate the space.
Incorporating modern art pieces or sculptural elements adds depth. Neutral tones create a canvas for focus and creativity.
Ideal for those who appreciate a clean aesthetic, perfect for unlocking the mind’s potential.
Combining an office and guest room requires smart solutions. Consider foldable furniture, multifunctional storage, and light control to easily switch between uses.
Create zones with rugs or partitions to maintain a clear separation of spaces, ensuring guests feel welcome and work productivity isn’t hindered.
