Each inch of living space counts in today’s houses and condos. Whether due to a limited number of rooms or a desire to embrace a simpler lifestyle, rooms are being increasingly designed to serve two or more functions.
A guest bedroom that is also a home office, a gym area in the living room, a combination meditation space, library, and artist’s studio—everything is possible with a little ingenuity!
1. Divide the Room into Zones… Without Putting Up Walls
Before you buy anything, ask yourself how you plan to use this room day-to-day. Telework? Occasional guest bedroom? Morning yoga?
Clearly defining each function will allow you to make wise choices from the outset.
Then, visually divide the room into zones with see-through, space-efficient partitions:
- Hang sheers to temporarily section off areas without erecting walls. Use tension rods (like for shower curtains) if you don’t want to drill holes into the walls. Hooks screwed into the ceiling are also a good option.
- Place lightweight screens that can also serve as a decorative accent.
- Position open bookshelves or shelving units perpendicularly (to create a “wall”) to divide the room without blocking light.
- Mark out an area on the floor with a separate area rug.
Avoid full walls or large, fixed, cumbersome pieces of furniture which obstruct natural light.
2. Opt for Flexible Furniture
Judiciously selecting furniture is essential for a multipurpose room. Choose multifunctional or adaptable items, such as:
- a sofa bed or Murphy bed (that can be stored vertically against the wall when not in use) to host guests without sacrificing daily living space;
- a wall-mounted drop-leaf desk that can be folded away at the end of the workday;
- benches or ottomans with integrated storage;
- foldable tables or on casters, easy to move from room to room as needed.
Don’t forget to make the most of that vertical real estate: floating shelves, hooks, hanging organizers. Less stuff on the floor equates more free space and a light and open room.
3. Create a Cohesive Ambiance
One of the main challenges when designing a multipurpose room is to avoid visually overloading it with too many conflicting functions.
It’s difficult, for instance, to combine an energizing gym decor with a professional office space or a quiet play area for kids!
The key: a harmonious use of colours and materials. Consider the following:
- Pick a colour scheme and carry it through the entire space, adapting it to suit each zone’s particular style. Think, for example, a bright salmon pink for the gym area and again in the relaxation nook, but in a paler shade.
- Focus on natural materials (wood, linen, cotton, plants) that will look great in any design theme.
- Bring it all together with decorative accessories in the same style: frames, cushions, lamps, or storage baskets. Don’t forget that they should complement your existing colour scheme!
A tip: when in doubt, opt for an understated decor throughout the entire room for a welcoming atmosphere no matter how you’re using it at the time. Concretely, this means you should steer clear of vibrant colours, even for the gym or playroom.
4. Be Smart About Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role: you want to be able to train, work, or relax in the same room but in a distinct ambiance.
Layer several types of adjustable light sources (table lamps, floor lamps, dimmable ceiling fixtures). Add task lighting in specific zones, like on the desk or in the reading nook.
Never obstruct the windows: hang light filtering blinds or semitransparent curtains to maximize natural light.
And don’t forget to include subdued, soothing, and warm ambient lighting for the evening. It’s perfect for transforming your work-from-home room into a restful retreat at the end of the day.
5. Watch Your Budget, But Don’t Compromise on Quality
You don’t need to buy all new or high-end items to turn a room into a multipurpose space. To stay within a reasonable budget, purchase second-hand on local listing websites. You could also upcycle what you already have (an old piece of furniture can be painted or modified to suit its new use).
Ensuring all these items coordinate with each other can prove quite a challenge… but it can be done!
6. Add a Few Practical Accessories, Such as…
- a cork panel on the wall or white board for notes or reminders, or to pin up inspiration photos;
- stackable boxes, trunks, or decorative baskets to keep the room tidy;
- mirrors on the walls, great to help the room appear larger and reflect light;
- houseplants to purify the air and breathe some life into the space (without cluttering up the floor).
7. Adapt the Space as Required!
A multipurpose room is shaped by the occupants’ needs. You can reorganize the zones according to the seasons (a more practical indoor gym in winter, but a reading nook in summer). Or periodically revamp the decor to suit the desired ambiance.
A well-designed multipurpose room is sure to become the most functional and enjoyable room in your house!