Let’s take a moment to recap: If you’ve been following along, we met new homeowners Mike and Talia back in the fall of 2025, just as they began the journey of designing their space with some help from IKEA. What started with a shared office and an unconventional dressing area has now expanded to a guest room makeover that’s bound to boost inspiration.
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Before & After: A Guest Room Transformation Designed for Style and Function
Welcoming for guests of all kinds
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Published Apr 13, 2026
Andrew McCaul
The “Before.”
At the beginning of this design process we asked the couple what they loved about their guest room. Their first response? “That we have one.” For the newlyweds, living in upstate New York means that the majority of their family and friends are from out-of-town, so having a place where those folks can stay was a top priority for the couple. “This could range from our 70-year-old parents to siblings with a dog to couples with young children,” says the pair. The only problem? The space is 140 square feet with a low, sloping ceiling and minimal storage. Enter: IKEA. With the help of an IKEA designer, here’s how Mike and Talia took their spare room from a blank slate (literally) to a welcoming guest bedroom they can’t wait to share.
1. They Upgraded the Sleep Setup
As we alluded, with a sloped ceiling and limited square footage, maximizing the room’s comfort was key. The TÄLLÅSEN upholstered bed frame provides the perfect queen-sized anchor for the space. Paired with cozy IKEA bedding and underbed storage bins for extra blankets and pillows, the bed offers a luxurious retreat for visitors. The headboard even features a removable and washable cover, making it easy to keep fresh between stays. One genius hack we’ll be stealing: Mike and Talia chose a different sheet color for the guest room so they don’t mix up the guest sheets with their own. Brilliant.
Another pro tip? The BONDIS wall clock. First, it’s seamlessly incorporated into the gallery wall—a great solution that frees up space on the nightstands and removes any ambient light from a digital clock. Second, it’s silent. The mechanism has a no-tick movement, so guests can relax and sleep without being disturbed by the sound.
Andrew McCaul
2. They Created Smart Storage for Guests
When you’re living out of a suitcase, having a dedicated spot for your belongings is a game-changer. The couple added two of the STORKLINTA 3-drawer dressers in an oak effect to serve as a short-term solution. The dresser not only stores clothes but also offers the perfect solution to prepare for guests—complete with bedside water, fresh towels and toys and a night light for friends visiting with young children. Pro tip: Using two 3-drawer dressers opens up layout options as needs change.
3. They Added Flexible Seating (and Sleeping!)
Mike and Talia wanted an extra sleep solution that wouldn’t overcrowd the room. Enter the KIVIK sleeper sofa. By day, it’s a cozy chair where guests can relax and by night, it easily converts into an extra pull-out bed for families or additional guests. They paired it with the 15-inch BURVIK side table in black—a lightweight, portable piece that can be effortlessly moved wherever a guest might need it.
Andrew McCaul
4. They Prioritized Convenience
When setting up a room for visitors, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference. Mike and Talia specifically requested nightstands equipped with easy-access phone charging so guests wouldn’t have to hunt for hidden wall outlets. They also prioritized lighting, making sure the room had options for general, mood and task lights. Finally, to ensure their friends and family could get a restful night’s sleep, they focused heavily on the room’s window treatments. By layering blackout curtains for deep sleeping with light-filtering options for daytime privacy, they gave their guests complete control over the room’s natural light and ambiance.
Andrew McCaul
5. They Built an Open Wardrobe
Because the couple needed to use the room’s existing closet for their own overflow storage, they wanted a creative way for guests to hang their clothes. The GRÅFJÄLLET clothes rack was the perfect solution. It offers an open, airy spot for guests to hang clothing, stash bags and store shoes without taking up the visual bulk of a traditional wardrobe.
The result? A warm and inviting guest room, grounded in smart IKEA solutions. To have a comfortable space with a variety of guests and guest needs in mind was the couple’s ultimate goal. Now, Mike and Talia’s guest room is officially ready for visitors.
