Complete transformation of boring guest room into stunning room/study

This family had had enough of its guest room, which still had a last century look about it. So they sat down and came up with a plan, and the result was something special — a guest room/study that still provided plenty of living space.

This is what the guest room looked like pre transformation: seemingly bare and rather unimaginative. But apart from that, the couple had wanted a little study at home for ages. So it was high time for something new. 

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And after a bit of brainstorming, they developed this great design: a platform, upon which a study could be built. And the bed could then be neatly stowed away beneath it — most practical!

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The family had played with the idea of getting a bunk-bed for the room to be able to utilise the space more efficiently. But because the couple's parents sometimes stay overnight, and are no longer the most agile climbers, the idea of a platform-bed seemed to be the perfect solution. And so having made up their minds, they got straight to work!

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Ensuring the wooden structure was properly anchored to the wall, was a very important step in the process. It was defininely worth investing a bit more time at this stage, to make sure everything was nicely riveted and nailed securely so it would permanently remain that way.

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Then came the planks of wood from the hardware store. Half the battle with any DIY undertaking is having the right tools. This couple fortunately had most of the tools they needed already lying around in the cellar. And they were able to borrow the rest from friends and family. 

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The frame was mounted and braced.

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Then came the crossbeams. Similar to the bed slats, but just more robust.

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Here you can already see where the idea was headed. The bed really is the highlight of the piece.

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Every now and then a screw needed to be drilled into the wooden floor to help secure the frame. 

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The moment of truth: when that tiny little water bubble in the level tells you that everything's nice and even, just the way it should be.

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The cladding could begin using professional boards. Starting with the pull-out bed (drawer).

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Here was the view from the other side.

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There needed to be two knobs, so that the bed could be effortlessly extractable.

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Cladding finished! In addition, a 20mm thick plywood sheets were used to cover the surface.

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This eventually became the steps up to the platform. They might be a little on the steep side, but they serve their purpose. Everything seemed to be going according to plan!

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Sound insulation was also a must! But laying the sheets over the platform area was no fun whatsoever. When adjusting them to reach all four corners, creases appeared here and there, which took some time to smooth out.

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On the upside, laying the laminate was really quick and painless. A clean and affordable solution. 

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Not only does the laminate look impressive, this newly developed study area even has skirting boards, which finishes it off nicely.

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The corners and edges needed a clean finish too. A few lengths of timber did the job beautifully.

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Finally, the finishing touches for the overall aesthetic quality of the platform could be done: first the undercoat, which was left to dry well.

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And then came the first coat of paint. Somehow white always works well. Timeless and elegant.

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Then the second coat. Just one more after that and of course the drawer was not to be forgotten.

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So. Paint brush and roller could be packed away. Everything was shiny with it's new gloss.

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Only one thing was missing: the furniture and decor. 

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The first test was the mattress. Result: it fitted perfectly! Even with a brand new and seemingly heavy innerspring mattress. Small disadvantage: the covers and pillows need to be stored somewhere else. But that's not such a big problem.

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And here's the view from the other side of the room. What a transformation, right? But then came the big moment, time to test out the bed!

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When the draw is pulled out, this cozy study is magically transformed into a bedroom too. Doesn't that look inviting?

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Mission accomplished, I would say!

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A quick look into other people's living arrangements is always fun. And when the end result is something as great as this, it certainly helps you to get inspired!

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