From Eyesore to Oasis: Transforming Our Guest Room Office on a Budget
When we bought our 1920s Tudor home, this room was...let’s just say, not cute. It had dated carpet, pine-paneled walls, and broken light fixtures. Fast forward to last month, when we were preparing to host company and I realized this neglected space needed a serious upgrade—and fast. Here’s how I transformed this space into a stylish, functional office that doubles as a cozy guest room, all while staying on budget.
Before
The Before
When we first moved in, we tackled some major updates right away. We removed the carpet refinished the floors throughout this level, bringing back the natural beauty of the hardwood, and painted the dated pine paneling a rich, moody green. And then...we stopped. For months, the room sat with just a desk in the corner and no clear purpose. It became a catch-all for random storage—not exactly what you’d call inviting.
With guests arriving soon, I knew I had to turn this blank slate into a welcoming, multi-functional space. My goal? To create a room that worked as an office for us day-to-day but could easily transform into a comfortable guest room when needed. And I needed to do it all in one month.
The Vision
The key to this transformation was finding pieces that could work double duty while staying true to the character of our home. I wanted the room to feel cohesive, cozy, and intentional, with a color palette inspired by the dark green paneling I had already painted.
The Furniture
The first big win came when I stumbled upon an estate sale. I scored 3 Crate and Barrel office furniture pieces—a desk, and two filing cabinets with shelving —for just $500. They were in great shape, but I wanted to give them a little refresh. Swapping out the hardware for unlacquered brass handles was a simple update that gave the pieces a timeless, polished look.
For the guest area, I added a daybed that pulls out into a king-size bed. To make it feel more built-in, I painted it the same green as the paneling. I bought mattresses that fit the bed perfectly and are way more comfortable than the IKEA ones. A leather chair i got on clearnce and a luggage rack completed the setup, making the space practical and comfortable for overnight guests.
The Details
The design came together around one standout piece: a stunning tapestry I found at another estate sale. Its greens and burgundies perfectly complemented the paneling and became the inspiration for the room’s color scheme. I added affordable plug in wicker sconces on either side of the daybed for soft, ambient lighting and found a washable rug that tied the whole space together (and yes, Big Lebowski fans, it really ties the room together).
The Result
In just one month, this room went from forgotten eyesore to one of the most functional and beautiful spaces in our home. By combining thrifted finds with a few thoughtful updates, I created a space that’s perfect for both work and hosting guests. It’s proof that even the most neglected rooms can shine with a little creativity and effort—and you don’t need to spend a fortune to do it.
What do you think of the transformation? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re working on your own home projects, let this be your sign to tackle that neglected space—you might just surprise yourself!