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A Shift in Our Homes
With remote work becoming a part of daily life for many, our homes have transformed into multifunctional hubs where we work, relax, and sometimes even work out. A few years ago, we were designing large kitchen islands and dining tables to accommodate the occasional work from home. In the last few years, our clients have been hiring us to find creative ways to design not one but two or sometimes three home offices, with the third one being either a kids study or a quickly accessible work station close to the kitchen or living room, where parents can multitask while keeping an eye on the busy household.
With this shift in mind, we wanted to take a moment to explore the importance of shared multifunctional spaces and how to create them effectively, especially when it comes to setting up a formal or informal home office.
In our Urban Haven Dream Home we created a discreet multipurpose home office in a nook in Family Room, tucked in to the side of the sliding doors. This setup allows mom to juggle her work while keeping an eye on the kids during school closures. Can you spot it?
We chose a dreamy Amalfi Coast-inspired wallcovering with shimmering gold accents to continue the theme inspired by the client's special travel memories and create an inviting view in this office nook.
Rethinking Our Living Spaces with the Home Office in Mind
During the past few years, we all came to realize that our homes need to do more than just provide a roof over our heads. Our living rooms have transformed into workspaces, our bedrooms have become make-shift offices, and our dining tables and kitchen islands often overflow with laptops and notebooks outside of those picture-perfect moments. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s something we need to adapt to in this new normal.
Our extendable dining table in the Breakfast Nook of our Blooming Gardens project was conceived to be a multipurpose space for the family to have quick means as well as for the kids to do their homework while mom is cooking.
Choosing Versatile Furniture
Creating multipurpose areas starts with choosing versatile furniture. Opting for pieces that can serve multiple functions can really make a difference. For instance, a nice sofa bed can easily turn your living room into a guest room when friends visit, while an expandable dining table can double as a workspace when you need it. It’s amazing how much you can do with the right pieces.
The Importance of Smart Storage
Storage also plays a crucial role in making our spaces work for us, especially when it comes to the home office design. Keeping things organized can help reduce clutter and make it easier to switch between work and relaxation. Using shelves, baskets, or cabinets can help keep everything in its place, giving you a more inviting environment.
Defining Your Zones
Defining different zones within a room can create a sense of structure and define an area for your multipurpose home office. You can use rugs or furniture arrangements to create visual boundaries. This little trick can help signal to your brain when it’s time to work and when it’s time to relax. It’s all about creating that mental separation, especially when your home is also your office.
Our Off the Beaten Path pied-a-terre project relied on smart planning of a modestly sized living space, to incorporate a living room, dining room and home office. We used rugs and furniture placement to define zones and create a designated spot for every function this space needed to support.
Setting Up a Well Designed Home Office
If you need to set up a workspace in your bedroom or living space, think about adding a small desk that blends with your decor. A beautiful screen or a bookshelf can act as a divider, helping to create that visual boundary between your work area and your sleeping space. This way, you can keep your looking cohesive while still having a functional workspace. In larger living rooms, you can use furniture to create natural divisions.
A console table or even a sofa can help separate your work area from your relaxation zone. If you want more flexibility, consider using curtains or folding screens. They allow you to easily open or close off your workspace, depending on your mood or the situation.
In our Old Town renovation we created a versatile home office / guest bedroom by utilizing a Murphy Bed with built in desk, building out a custom closet system to house both office equipment and clothes and adding a comfortable sofa for a casual reading spot.
The Impact on Mental Health and Productivity
Dividing your spaces isn’t just about looking good; it also has a significant impact on your mental health and productivity. Having defined areas can help reduce distractions and improve focus. In a time when work and personal life often blend together, having specific spaces for different activities can clear your mind and help you stay on task.
Creating separate areas for work and relaxation is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It allows you to mentally disconnect from work at the end of the day, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. Research shows that having an organized workspace can boost productivity by 20-30%. A designated area, free from household distractions, can lead to more effective work sessions, helping you get things done.
Embracing a New Normal
The rise of shared spaces in our homes reflects a fundamental change in how we live and work. By thoughtfully designing multipurpose areas, we can create environments that support both our productivity and our well-being.
Whether you’re carving out a home office in your bedroom or reimagining your living room to incorporate a versatile multipurpose space, our goal is to create spaces that inspire and enhance the way you live.
As we embrace this new normal, we are here to help you make the most of your homes, transforming your space into versatile, functional flex spaces that truly reflect the way we live.
Reach out to us if you have a space that you would like to work with an Interior Designer to convert your home into a multifunctional space!
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Very helpful ideas on creating a flex home office!