I needed office guest room ideas fast — and I think I found the perfect solution.
Room makeovers are one of my favorite things to share. Last year I completed an entire series of makeovers — 12 rooms in 12 months — so it’s safe to say I love tackling these projects.
Recently I worked on another makeover, but this time it wasn’t in my own home. This project was part of the Invitation Homes Make It Home Show House, where a team of designers created lease-friendly rooms that feel personal while staying renter-friendly.
Below I’m sharing the before-and-after photos and practical renter-focused ideas I used to turn a compact bedroom into a dual-purpose space: a cozy guest room that also functions as a fully usable home office.
As a longtime renter I’m personally invested in making rental spaces feel like home. More people are renting for the flexibility it provides, and Invitation Homes — a national leasing company with tens of thousands of updated homes — is focused on helping renters create comfortable, stylish spaces.
The Make It Home Show House gathered several designers to create lease-friendly room solutions. I was invited to design one of the rooms, and I joined an amazing roster of designers who each tackled a different space in the house.
- Emily Henderson
- Kevin O’Gara of Thou Swell
- Erin Marshall of Live Pretty on a Penny
- Brittany Hayes of Addison’s Wonderland
- Rhoda Vickers of Southern Hospitality
Office Guest Room Ideas for Renters
The room I redesigned is small — roughly 11 by 11 feet, and a bit smaller when you account for the closet. It needed to serve two roles: a welcoming guest room and a functional home office. That constraint shaped every design decision.
I wanted this space to be genuinely comfortable for guests, not just a temporary crash spot. Instead of choosing a futon or sleeper sofa, I opted for a full-size bed to create a relaxed, hotel-like retreat when visitors stay over.
A Guest Room that Doubles as an Office
Many renters don’t have the luxury of an extra room dedicated only to guests. More often, rooms must perform double duty. I’ve lived with a guest room that also functions as a small home office, so I focused on solutions that make both uses feel intentional and comfortable.
To keep the room practical for day-to-day work, I designed a custom-built desk that fits the room’s dimensions and makes the most of the available wall space.
Built-In Desk DIY
Because the bed takes a significant footprint, the desk needed to be efficient and tailored to the remaining space. I built a minimalist desk using L-brackets, measured cuts of wood, and basic tools. The result offers a generous tabletop plus open storage cubbies underneath for books and office supplies.
This DIY is budget-friendly — the desk cost under $100 to build — and when it’s time to move, the only task is patching a few screw holes. The structure is simple, sturdy, and easy to replicate.
I also reupholstered a vintage desk chair to add pattern and personality. It’s an easy update that raises the style level of a utilitarian piece without a big investment.
Vertical Storage
When square footage is limited, go vertical. I installed a peg rail wall shelf above the desk to keep desk clutter off the surface and provide a place to hang everyday items. Peg rails are a renter-friendly storage solution: they’re lightweight, functional, and visually tidy.
Instead of building the shelf from scratch, I sourced a natural pine peg rail shelf that added warmth and saved time — a smart approach when working under a deadline or within a budget.
Making Any Room Cozier
To balance the room and create a softer atmosphere, I added a large floor mirror to reflect light and visually expand the space, plus a tall variegated plant to soften the lines between the desk and mirror. Greenery adds life without taking up much floor area.
I also made a simple curtain rod from a wooden dowel and leather straps for under $10, paired with a linen curtain for texture and privacy. Small, inexpensive upgrades like this bring warmth and a custom feel to a rental window.
Ideas for the Bed Side of the Bedroom / Office
For an economical headboard, I used a readymade wood art panel typically sold in art stores. It has depth and a clean profile and hangs easily above the bed. This gives the feel of a substantial headboard without custom carpentry — and it can be installed with nails or heavy-duty removable strips for a totally non-permanent option.
I wrote a small chalk message on the wood to add character; it’s an easy spot for a welcome note to guests. If you prefer a permanent design, a matte fixative can seal artwork or lettering so it won’t smudge.
Bedding
To make the bed feel inviting, I chose linen bedding and layered pillows for softness and texture. I included a reversible DIY pillow I made, plus a simple throw at the foot of the bed to echo the room’s color palette. The throw inspired a small, graphic piece of art that adds personality without overwhelming the space.
Lighting
Swapping a light fixture is one of the most impactful renter-friendly upgrades. I installed an unglazed clay pendant that complements the room’s earthy palette. A new fixture can be removed when you move and the original can be reinstalled, so it’s a portable upgrade you can take to the next home.
I hope this room makeover offers a few practical projects you can try in your own rental: a built-in desk that maximizes space, vertical storage with peg rails, a budget-friendly headboard solution, simple window treatments, layered bedding, and a statement light fixture that’s easy to remove when you move.
For more lease-friendly design ideas from the Make It Home Show House, explore Invitation Homes’ resources and apply the concepts above to make your rental feel like home.
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This project was created in partnership with Invitation Homes. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep this work possible.