Turn your old kids room into a craft & guest space in 6 steps
Written by Milan Jara on 7th Jun 2025
With the kids all grown up and off to explore the world, the feeling can be described as nothing short of bittersweet. But don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect way to help you embrace this new chapter, put yourself first and make the most of this exciting new living situation.
Craft room by day, guest room by night
From bittersweet to sweet; from empty nest to creative nest, let us take you through six simple but solid steps to transforming your child’s old bedroom into a creative retreat or office space by day and a cozy guest room by night.
- Step 1: Clear out the room and reimagine the space
- Step 2: Refreshing the wall and ceilings
- Step 3: Freshen up the floors
- Step 4: Brighten things up with new lighting
- Step 5: Fitting out the furniture!
- Step 6: Finish the room with some personal touches
Pro tip before you get started: Before making a start on your room transformation or move anything in, spend time thinking about and planning the layout. Sketching out a basic floor plan (either on paper or using a free online room planner) can help you see how everything will fit together. This extra step will save you time and frustration later, especially when arranging furniture or installing fixtures.
Step 1: Clear out the room and reimagine the space
Begin by completely emptying out the room by removing old furniture, toys, wall art, and anything else that doesn’t align with your vision for the new space. Often, this is the hardest and most emotional step as it may feel nostalgic, but creating a blank canvas will give you the mental and physical space you need to reimagine the room with fresh purpose.
Once the room is empty, take a moment to visualize how the space will serve your needs and tick all of the boxes for its multiple purposes.
A good way to go about this is to think in zones. One area can be dedicated to crafting with shelving and storage that’s reserved for art supplies and equipment, another section can be for office supplies. The crafting desk can double as an office workspace/study nook, which is ideal for if you have plans of turning your hobby into a business.
Make sure the space doubles as a comfortable and well functioning guest room by adding some storage in the form of a wardrobe, cupboard and shelves, plus a spot to retreat to where your guests can sit and relax. It’s important to pay attention to the little things, like a spot for your guests to put their contact lenses, a glass of water and some snacks when they turn-in for the night.
There are lots of great options when it comes to furniture for a multi-use space. Take a look at the Compato Revolving Office Murphy Bed from Expand Furniture for a great example. This innovative and impressive piece features a hidden guest bed that folds seamlessly into the wall behind a revolving bookcase, keeping your shelving and storage on hand at all times. Better yet, it has a drop-down table that serves as a handy craft bench, work desk or a convenient place for guest use when the bed’s tucked away.
Step 2: Refreshing the wall and ceilings
Once the room is cleared and cleaned, it’s time to give the walls and ceiling a fresh look and thoughtful upgrade. This can be achieved by using decorative wall panels and ceiling tiles for your room transformation due to them being an easy-to-install and affordable option that combines aesthetics and functionality, and the style or design options are almost endless.
When designing a multi-purpose room, it’s all about finding the right balance by choosing materials, textures and colors that reflect your personal style while also catering to the different purposes and functions of the room.
Soft, muted tones like sage green, warm taupe, or smoky/dusty blue can inspire creativity and create a calming atmosphere that’s ideal for sleeping.* For crafting, choose wall panels with easy-to-clean surfaces that can handle a little mess. Lastly, don’t overlook acoustics. Wall and ceiling panels with sound-absorbing properties reduce distractions during work, provide a quiet space at night for guests, and they help to contain noise which creates a more quiet house outside of the room.
*Source: www.kanikadesign.com/blog/color-psychology-in-interior-design
Wood slat wall panels are a great example. They’re available in natural tones add warmth and a modern touch, while also offering acoustic benefits of reducing and containing noise* - keeping the rest of the house a bit more quiet while you’re crafting away, and for quiet guest stays.
*Source: www.decorativeceilingtiles.net/blog/improve-the-sound-quality-of-your-room/
Step 3: Freshen up the floors
Upgrading to low-maintenance, stylish flooring can make a world of difference as it’s important to that it’s not only easy to keep clean so that you have an enjoyable crafting space, but it also helps to make sure that you’re guests don’t trip over anything if they get up during the night.
Options like vinyl plank or laminate flooring are budget-friendly, highly durable and they’re usually designed to mimic the appearance of genuine materials that bring warmth and comfort to the space without the upkeep of real wood.
Modern flooring options are usually water-resistant and easy to clean, making them a great choice for both crafting and everyday use, especially when you quickly need to clean up and get the room ready for guests.
To define each area and add a touch of coziness, layer in a few washable area rugs. One can go under the bed, another by the desk, and perhaps a smaller one in your crafting zone. Rugs don’t just soften the look and feel of the room, but they can also help absorb sound, contributing to a quieter, more peaceful room to retreat to.
Pro Tip: Choose lighter-toned flooring like oak, ash, or whitewashed styles to make the room appear larger, brighter and more inviting.
Step 4: Brighten things up with new lighting
Lighting can have a dramatic impact on the room's functionality and mood. Layering different types of lighting is key to making a space that can adapt to multiple uses.
Start with the main lighting, such as a pendant that has ambient lighting and then fill in the gaps from there.
The next step is to incorporate task lighting, such as a desk lamp that can be adjusted to put a spotlight on your crafting. Lamps are always a great choice and they can be placed in several spots around the room to not only look great but add some extra lighting, such as a night lamp next to the bed so that guests won’t have to navigate through any crafting suppliers or equipment in the dark.
Finally, add accent lighting like wall sconces or a bedside lighting that doesn’t look out of place when the beds are packed away. This will make sure that your guests will have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making them feel right at home.
Pro Tip: Take some control over the light to make it work for your space while helping to reduce your energy bill:
Whenever possible, incorporate natural light as it reveals the true colors of what you’re working on, reduces eye strain, and fosters fresh thinking, which is all ideal for crafting*. Natural light in a guest room will add a sense of space and create a calm, welcoming atmosphere*. Options like sheer curtains or adjustable blinds allow you to have some control over the brightness throughout the day. Mirrors can be strategically placed to reflect daylight deeper into the room, making the space feel larger and more open.
Sources:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352154619300208
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132322005509
Step 5: Fitting out the furniture!
For a multipurpose room, functional, multipurpose furniture is crucial, and we’ve got some great ideas!
- Fold-out beds or Murphy beds can save space when not hosting guests, offering comfort when needed and clearing floor space when not.
- A desk with drawers or built-in shelving supports office use, keeps your crafting supplies organized, and reduces clutter (physically, but importantly: visually).
- Storage ottomans, crafting carts, or modular cabinets can neatly store art materials, fabrics or office supplies while doubling as extra seating or workspace.
Look for furniture in neutral tones, soft greys, or natural wood finishes to create a unified aesthetic that transitions easily from work to relaxation. You might also consider convertible furniture, such as an expandable table that for crafting projects but folds down when not in use, helping to make the most of the room’s footprint.
Pro Tip: Don't forget wall-mounted solutions like fold-down desks or floating shelves, which free up floor space while keeping essential items accessible.
Step 6: Finish the room with some personal touches
Once the big pieces are in place, it’s time to add some of your own personality to the space. This is when you turn a functional space into one that actually still feels like a home and inviting enough to welcome your friends and family for an overnight stay.
Start with artwork that’s not just great to look at, but sparks creativity for crafting and creates an enjoyable space for guests. Framed prints, canvas paintings, or even some shelving to showcase your own crafts and some other loved artifacts. Incorporate soft textiles such as plush throw pillows, cozy blankets, and seat cushions in colors that compliment the rest of the room, add warmth and comfort.
When it comes to organization, choose decorative storage options like woven baskets, fabric bins, or stackable boxes that blend seamlessly with your design theme, so that you can quickly pack away any equipment and transform your craft room into a guest suite with ease. Don’t forget to leave some extra storage and space for your guests gear too.
To make the space adaptable and comfortable throughout the day, install curtains or blinds that offer both natural light control and in some cases, a bit of privacy. Sheer panels allow sunlight to filter through for daytime brightness, while blackout curtains can be drawn for quiet guest stays or focused work hours.
Finally, consider adding some plants to bring life to the room. Even a small succulent on the desk or a hanging planter in the corner can have a big impact on the aesthetics and mood of the room.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re stitching a masterpiece, taking care of business on a conference call or welcoming weekend guests, these six steps will allow your newly transformed room to look and feel just right.
If you have any questions, need some assistance or want to discuss anything mentioned in further detail, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable team of experts today for some free and friendly help & advice - we’re always excited to hear from you!
