Creating multipurpose spaces in one’s home has become not only a practicality, but a necessity. With households continuing to do distance learning and work-from-home, our personal spaces have begun to intersect with our professional and academic lives.
However, with the right space planning coupled with multipurpose furniture and home décor, you can create a home that caters to everything from work and school to rest and relaxation.
Below, we share five interior design ideas for creating inspired spaces that serve several purposes.
Use multipurpose and space saving furniture
There is no shortage of furniture pieces that can help you save on precious square footage. The infamous Murphy Bed, named after a US immigrant who developed the patented design to free up space in his small apartment, easily folds up into one’s wall when not in use. Nowadays, manufacturers also create Murphy Beds with built in work desks.
For a child’s or teenager’s room, bunk beds can be customized to incorporate multiple uses. Instead of a bed on the lower bunk, consider using the space for a study table or even a small sofa for lounging or reading.
For a kitchen or living room that also doubles as an office or study area, choose a table that can easily expand for a bigger work area. Expandable tables also give you the flexibility of accommodating more guests when entertaining. Another space-saving option is the gateleg table. Much like a folding chair, gateleg tables come with drop leaves allowing one to easily stow these away when not in use.
Maximize wall space
Vertical space can be used for additional storage especially in spaces that need to serve more than one function. Beginning with your home’s entryway, you can turn a wall into a “parking space” for a bicycle by mounting wall hangers. Wall hangers call also be utilized for other items like folding chairs and ladders. This is especially useful if you need the flexibility of adding extra seating to your home office or study area.
Need to incorporate a workshop into your laundry area or garage? A pegboard is a smart solution for hanging tools. Peg boards can also be used for storing arts and crafts supplies if you wish to incorporate a DIY area into your child’s bedroom or study.
Finally, if space is at a premium, you can install a drop-down work desk into the wall. Drop desks can also be utilized as a small dining table which works perfectly in very small studio spaces.
Use home décor to anchor various zones
No matter how large or small your space is, it’s always a good idea to create zones to mark areas within a room that serves different purposes. How to do this? Get create with decorative items. Area rugs can mark off spaces for eating and working in a combination office and dining area.
Lighting fixtures is another option. For example, if you wish to incorporate a reading area into a living room or bedroom, use task lighting and combine it with a comfy reading chair. And if you pick a chair in a striking color or design, it can also serve as a statement piece. Complete the vignette with an area rug, a pillow, and a decorative throw.
Get creative with storing clutter
Playrooms that double as a study? Guest rooms that function as an office space by day? It can be easy for a room to be overrun by toys, books, and supplies.
Manage clutter in multipurpose spaces by adding storage solutions that double as décor. Wicker baskets or colorful bins can be used for organizing playthings after use. Similarly, a nice decorative box can be used for stowing away a laptop and work supplies once the day is done.
Incorporate dividers in an open plan space
Dividers, including options that are movable, can help you create quick transitions in an open space.
For example, if you live in a studio, a curtain can be used to create privacy in the sleep area while separating it from the study or areas for socialization. Sliding partitions or movable walls can also be constructed so you can convert a space easily as activities change.
Lastly, storage cabinets need not always be positioned flush against a wall. In fact, they also can be used not only as dividers while serving as storage for a multipurpose room.
Maximize unused spots and corners
Finally, make use of underutilized spaces in your home to create a multifunctional space. Odd and previously ignored corners can be used as a small office. The same can be done for a spare closet.
Do you have underused space under the staircase? Convert it into a small room or a storage area. How about the extra space at the top landing of your staircase? Add a row of bookshelves with a built-in study table or perhaps areading nook near the window.
When thinking of interior design ideas for your multipurpose rooms, it’s all about turning every function as an opportunity to inject decorative elements into the home.
Need professional help with designing a multipurpose room? Inquire with us at www.jasanchetainteriors.com!