The Smartest "Renovation" I Ever Did: How a Kootenay Beds' Murphy Bed Transformed My Home

By Sarah Thompson  

The Problem: A Home That Wasn’t Working Anymore

When my husband and I bought our cozy two-bedroom house five years ago, it was perfect for us—just two adults and an overly spoiled golden retriever. Fast forward to last year, and suddenly, our home felt like it was bursting at the seams. My brother moved to town for a new job and needed a temporary place to stay, my home office (a.k.a. the corner of the living room) was constantly cluttered, and we were desperate for a guest room that didn’t involve an air mattress in the middle of the living room floor.  

We considered a traditional renovation—maybe bumping out a wall or converting the garage—but after getting a few quotes, we nearly fainted. Between construction costs, permits, and the sheer disruption to our lives, it just wasn’t feasible. That’s when I stumbled upon Kootenay Beds’ Murphy Bed with Desk, and let me tell you—it changed everything.  

The Game-Changing Solution: A Murphy Bed That Does Double  Duty 

I’ll admit, I initially thought Murphy beds were those clunky, rickety things from old movies that would snap shut on you in the middle of the night. But when I found Kootenay Beds’ solid wood, handcrafted Murphy beds, I was blown away. Their Murphy Bed with Desk wasn’t just a space-saver—it was a full-blown room transformer.  

Here’s how it worked for us:  

           1. Instant Guest Room (Without Losing an Entire Bedroom)    

 Our second bedroom was technically a "home office," but it was really just a dumping ground for random furniture and storage boxes. With the Murphy bed, we didn’t have to choose between a guest room and an office—we got both. When my brother stayed over, we folded down the bed (which, by the way, has a real mattress—none of that thin, uncomfortable futon nonsense). When he left, we tucked it back up, and voilà—office space restored.  

          2. A Beautiful, Functional Desk (That Doesn’t Scream "I’m Hiding a Bed!")

One of my biggest worries was that a Murphy bed would look out of place or cheap. But Kootenay Beds’ design is stunning—solid wood, clean lines, and a desk that looks like it belongs in a high-end furniture catalog. I use it every day for work, and no one would ever guess there’s a queen-sized bed tucked behind it.  

 3. Cost Savings That Made Me Do a Happy Dance*  
Let’s talk numbers. A small home addition or renovation would have cost us $50,000+ (minimum). Even converting our garage would have been at least $30,000. The Kootenay Beds Murphy Bed with Desk? A fraction of that—under $4,000—. No construction mess, no permits, no months of chaos. Just… instant extra space.  

           Why Kootenay Beds Stands Out (Spoiler: It’s the Quality)  

          I did a lot of research before buying, and here’s what sold me on Kootenay Beds:  

• Solid Wood Construction – No particle board or flimsy materials. This thing is built to last generations.  
• Smooth, Easy Mechanism – My 70-year-old mom can open and close it without breaking a sweat.  
• Customizable Options*– We upgraded to a premium mattress and added extra shelving.  
• Canadian-Made– Supporting local craftsmanship felt like a bonus.  

   

  The Best Part? Our Home Feels Bigger (Without Moving a Single Wall) 

  The psychological effect of having flexible space is incredible. Instead of feeling cramped, our house now feels adaptable. Need a guest room? Done. Need a home office? Easy. Thinking about turning it into a yoga studio next week? Why not?  

  We’ve even hosted two guests at once—one on the Murphy bed, one on the couch—and nobody felt like they were intruding. It’s been a total game-changer for entertaining.  

  Final Thoughts: If You’re Considering a Reno… Try This First 

  If you’re feeling squeezed in your home, I can’t recommend Kootenay Beds’ Murphy Bed with Desk* enough. It’s the most cost-effective, least disruptive, and most stylish way to add functionality to your space.  

  No dust, no contractors, no stress—just a beautiful, well-crafted piece of furniture that makes your life easier. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want?  

  If you’re on the fence, take it from me: Just go for it! You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.  

  Check out Kootenay Beds’ beautiful products here and start your own space-saving journey!  

  
  

  *Sarah Thompson is a freelance writer, avid home organizer, and newly converted Murphy bed enthusiast. When she’s not working at her hidden-desk, she’s probably rearranging furniture (again) or hiking with her dog, Max
  

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