Creating the Perfect Multi-Purpose Room
3 Key Design Tips for New Homeowners in Phoenix
Nearly three in five homeowners remodeled or decorated in 2022. In 2023, more than half of homeowners (55%) are planning projects, with an anticipated median spend of $15,000 (or $85,000 for higher-budget projects). For new homeowners in Phoenix who are planning a home renovation or redesign, making the most of a small space can sound like an impossible feat. From exploring multifunctional furniture to how to define boundaries, here are just a few key ways to elevate your home.
Finding the Perfect Space
Creating a room that efficiently caters to more than one purpose can seem like a major design challenge. Especially if you’re working with small spaces or you’re simply unsure which room works best for multiple purposes. One Martha Stewart article explains that one of the ‘easiest and most economical’ transitions that one can make is turning your den or office into a guest room, according to interior designer Reginald Dunlap. For example, using the room to get work done or as a children’s playroom can be made possible by investing in bookshelves or built-in storage units to hide away related supplies should a guest arrive. A sleeper sofa or Murphy bed further illuminates your options in creating a room that’s truly multi-functional.
Creating space for a home office is a common challenge that many face when looking to incorporate a multi-purpose room within a home. In fact, most people (54%) didn’t have a remote work setup before the government moved to curb nonessential gatherings, according to a survey conducted by YouGov in partnership with USA TODAY and LinkedIn. For those who are still looking for the perfect remote work setup in a post-pandemic world, there are plenty of ways to integrate a workspace into a living room or bedroom. Integrating a desk, by making use of a spare closet or installing a floating desk are just two ways to do this, A desk/table with wheels allows for your office space to be moved out of the way when need be. One Houzz article suggests making use of a secretary desk, which closes up and allows you to hide your work — thus making it ideal for transitioning your home office into a work-free zone for a home workout or playroom.
It’s important to note that furniture itself can be a prime way to bring multiple functions into any space, whether it’s your living room or a bedroom. The Spruce highlights several innovative furniture options worth considering, from ottomans that offer hidden storage space to sofas or chairs that easily transform into a bed to cater to impromptu guests. Other unique furniture options — such as a computer desk with an attached bookshelf offer multipurpose functionality as well, allowing you to not only save space but cater to seamless interior design, too.
Defining Boundaries
Defining boundaries is an essential element when aiming to create the ideal multi-purpose living room. There are plenty of stylish ways to do so. While curtains, and storage dividers can make a major difference in defining separation in a larger room, even those working with a smaller space can make use of various items that can create separation. A portable drinks trolley or houseplants, for instance, can go a long way in separating the room into zones, regardless as to what you use them for. The technique of ‘zoning’ can be especially useful when looking to define boundaries in an open-plan space. For example, a corner sofa, shelving, or even a rug can be used for the demarcation of different zones. This brings the concept of maximizing the living space and allowing people to effectively use the room for various purposes.
If your goal is to integrate a home office space into a bedroom, for instance, creating separation can be done in more innovative ways, particularly regarding the layout. “This can be as simple as orienting furniture so the bed isn’t visible from the desk or work surface,” says Ximena Rodriguez, principal and director of interior design at CetraRuddy. The Apartment Therapy article goes on to highlight other options for those looking to create visual barriers in a multi-purpose room, from room dividers to incorporating built-in furniture. “Use built-ins that offer a smoothly integrated look,” Rodriguez said.
The Power in the Right Color Palette
When redesigning a space that will be used for more than one purpose, it can be surprising just how much the color palette can play into the scheme. A Better Homes & Gardens article, for instance, explains that creating a cohesive palette that ‘stretches across rooms’ can work to give your home a more intentional look. If you’re able to see from one room into the other (such as with an open floor plan), it’s noted that “the color relationship between those rooms affects whether your living spaces feel harmonious.” With that in mind, the Better Homes & Gardens article notes that using colors that relate to each other can draw the eye from one room to the next, thus creating visual continuity.
A Dkor Interiors post recommends using neutrals when designing multi-purpose spaces for two key reasons. In addition to providing a space with a sense of openness, it’s noted that you don’t have to compromise your decor for functionality. “Stick with neutrals and the “useful” items like storage will blend right in,” notes the post, which goes on to say: “Then, you can bring in your accent colors in meaningful, artful ways. Think decor pieces: artwork, vases, accessories, and more.”
Whether you’re making the most of a small space or you’re looking to create definition in an open floor plan, there are plenty of smart ways to design the ideal multi-purpose room. From focusing on dual-functionality to choosing the right color palette, creating the ideal space doesn’t have to be an impossible feat.
Sent in by Karoline Gore
Photo thanks to Max Rahubovvskiy