Jennifer Jones of Niche Interiors designed this comfortable guest space for her clients’ "revolving door" of out-of-town guests. When it’s just the owners at home, the guest bed folds up into the built-in cabinets, transforming the space into a sunny office. "Murphy beds and sofa beds are fantastic solutions for accommodating guests while maintaining plenty of usable space for other daily activities," says Jones.

Building cabinets and a work surface along one wall of a guest bedroom allows the space to double as a home office. The dark finish of the cabinets coordinates well with the bedding and furnishings for a crisp, tailored look. Tip: Plan plenty of closed storage for a dual-purpose space, so guests don’t have to look at piles of paper or supplies.

In city homes where space is often at a premium, designer Sara Touijer suggests choosing furniture that can serve dual purposes. For a nursery that doubles as a guest room, she chose an elegant daybed from Jonathan Adler. "It gives family members a comfortable place to sleep and enjoy their time spent with the newest addition to the family," she says. When no one’s visiting, the daybed is a comfy couch.

When guests are visiting, a Murphy bed folds down over the sofa, turning this sleek space into a welcoming guest retreat. The rest of the time, the owners use it as a media room or office.