A Murphy Bed Media Room & Guest Suite Renovation in Midlothian, VA
This custom renovation took place in Midlothian, VA, where the homeowners wanted to transform an unused attic into a space that felt both fun and functional. Their vision was a media room with a speakeasy-style nook, complete with a hidden bookshelf Murphy door, while also including a 3/4 bathroom and guest accommodations. To make the room truly multifunctional, we installed a queen-size Murphy bed, allowing the space to easily convert into a comfortable guest suite. The result is a bold, flexible retreat that anyone can feel comfortable in.
The BEFORE
Before construction, this area was an unfinished walk-up attic used primarily for storage. The space had plenty of square footage but lacked insulation, finishes, plumbing, and any real sense of purpose.
The biggest challenge was balancing space—specifically, fitting in a full bathroom without sacrificing the open feel needed for a family/media room. The homeowners also wanted the room to feel inviting and intentional, not like a leftover bonus space.
Photo taken during the framing process.
Design & Planning
Before construction began, we guided the homeowners through a thorough pre-construction and design process to ensure the space would function exactly as intended. We collaborated closely with them to develop a custom layout and detailed floor plans, including 3D design views that allowed them to visualize the final space before work started.
Once the design was finalized, we handled the permitting process with the local municipality. After permits were approved, construction officially began, allowing us to move forward efficiently and without delays.
The design focused on maximizing the media room footprint while seamlessly incorporating a guest-ready Murphy bed, a hidden speakeasy-style nook, and a bright, modern bathroom—all without the space feeling crowded.
Construction & What Was Done
With approved plans and permits in place, the renovation moved into the construction phase. This project included a full transformation of the attic space with carefully planned structural and layout decisions.
Scope of Work Included:
Custom installation of a queen-size Murphy bed and hidden Murphy door system, creating a flexible guest suite and a concealed hangout space.
Construction of a compact yet highly functional ¾ bathroom, designed to feel open and modern despite its smaller footprint.
Strategic layout adjustments to prioritize the media room and family gathering area.
Finish carpentry, flooring, painting, and fixture installation, completing the space with a cohesive, polished look.
Every phase of construction was approached with attention to detail, ensuring the finished space felt intentional, comfortable, and built to last.
The AFTER
The finished space is a fully transformed media room, guest suite, and hidden retreat all in one. The Murphy bed folds away seamlessly, keeping the room open for movie nights, while the hidden bookshelf door adds a surprise element that guests don’t expect. Watch the video below to see the finished product!
What Improved The Most
A once-unused attic is now one of the most functional rooms in the home
The bathroom feels bright and modern despite its compact size
The hidden speakeasy nook adds personality and uniqueness
This design gives the homeowners flexibility—whether they’re hosting guests, enjoying family movie nights, or relaxing in their private hangout space.
Materials & Products
Carefully selected materials and finishes were used throughout this Midlothian renovation to balance durability, comfort, and modern design—while supporting the space’s multifunctional use as a media room, guest suite, and bathroom.
Tile & Flooring
Bathroom Floor Tile
This hexagon mosaic tile adds subtle texture while keeping the bathroom bright and timeless.
Plush, neutral-toned carpet installed throughout the media room and guest area to enhance comfort, acoustics, and warmth—ideal for movie nights and overnight guests.
Paint Colors
Main Room & Hidden Speakeasy Nook: Sherwin-Williams Riverway (SW 6222)
A rich, moody blue that adds depth and sophistication.Bathroom: Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006)
A crisp, clean white that really opens up the space.
Vanity, Cabinetry, Fixtures & Accessories
Bathroom Vanity
This oak vanity with a white marble countertop provides warm contrast against the bright tile and keeps the bathroom feeling upscale without overwhelming the space.Lavatory Faucet & Shower Faucet
The champagne bronze finish adds warmth and a subtle luxury feel while pairing seamlessly with modern and transitional design styles.
Murphy Bed & Hidden Door System
Murphy Bed: Custom-installed queen-size Murphy bed designed for frequent use and seamless integration into the media room.
Murphy Door: Hidden bookshelf-style Murphy door leading to a private speakeasy-style nook, adding architectural interest and a unique “hidden room” experience.
Why This Materials Selection Works
This combination of finishes supports:
Long-term durability for guest use
Clean, modern aesthetics
Space efficiency in a compact bathroom
A high-end feel without unnecessary complexity
FAQs
How long did this type of project take?
This renovation took approximately 120 days from start to finish, including design, construction, and finishing work.
What upgrades give the biggest impact in a space like this?
The Murphy bed and the full bathroom had the biggest impact, instantly turning the room into a true guest-ready suite.
Are Murphy beds practical for everyday use?
Yes—modern Murphy beds are designed for daily use and are an excellent solution for multifunctional rooms. Learn more about Murphy furniture here!
Can hidden doors and built-ins be customized?
Absolutely. Murphy doors and built-ins can be tailored to match your home’s style and layout.
Ready To Transform Your Space?
If you’re looking to turn an underused area into a high-functioning, custom-designed living space, Next Level Contracting can help. From Murphy beds and hidden doors to full renovations, we specialize in creative solutions that maximize both style and usability.
