How to Design a Multi-Functional Space
There is a natural arc to life that requires the spaces in which we live to adapt.
Living with a partner, adding children to the family, bringing pets into the mix, having family members move out and becoming empty nesters, having family members move in and becoming a multi-generational household, or having kids boomerang back to living at home again all change the way you need to live within your home. Those last two living situations – multi-generational households and boomerang kids – have become increasingly common in modern families, and all the more reason you might be looking into designing a multi-functional space.
There has also been an increase in sharing spaces, especially vacation homes, amongst two or more families or through short-term rentals, which requires compromise and flexibility in a space’s design. I’ve experienced several of these living shifts, including recently becoming an empty nester with two grown sons who still come back home for holidays and breaks. I’m also in the process of renovating a short-term rental property that needs to be able to work for a variety of potential tenants. These situations all call for the design of a multi-functional space.
And, of course, the pandemic underscored and forever changed how we think about and use our homes. During lockdowns, our homes became school rooms, offices, gyms, movie theaters, restaurants, and fortresses. And for many people, their home has continued to play these roles. Now, more than ever, creating functionality and flexibility in your space is critical, so here are a few ideas for achieving that multifunctionality wherever you are in your arc.
Design a Multi-Functional Space: Hybrid Floorplans
We created a multi-functional space flow for this traditional home with a hybrid of an open floor plan and closed rooms. While the dining area is still convenient to the kitchen and scullery, it’s more hidden from the views and instead opens up into the formal living room. Wainscotting and wallpaper add formal touches, but a large oval dining table paired with performance fabrics on the chairs allows for a great space for homework and game night.
Design a Multi-Functional Space: Closet-less
We chose to keep one bedroom more flexible and spacious in the same home by not adding a closet. This left enough room for a large dresser, plus a cozy window seat, making it an ideal space for a nursery or kids’ room. But if space for little ones wasn’t needed, this room could easily be repurposed as a craft room, second office, or yoga retreat.
Design a Multi-Functional Space: Flexible Bedrooms
We chose to make one of the bedrooms a “flex” room for these empty nesters with two college-age boys. By outfitting it with a built-in desk and closet set up, installing a sleeper sofa rather than a bed, and using textured foam wallpaper to add interest and some soundproofing, it became the perfect hang-out and homework space for when they are home over holidays and long weekends.
Design a Multi-Functional Space: Unused Spaces
We created a multi-functional space in this home by leveraging a long hallway that would otherwise have been dead space and added a built-in desk to create a second office area for the partner who works from home less frequently. It would also be a perfect space for homework or sitting down to take care of household bills and to-dos.
Design a Multi-Functional Space: Nooks and Crannies
Adding a breakfast nook can look different for different spaces. In this home, we designed the space for intimate family dinners.
In this home, we made the space even more flexible. You can see that pairing the room with a charming bistro table and café curtains creates a more intimate area with plenty of space to plop down and chat with the cook while dinner is being prepared. The owners could also switch the bistro table for a larger table to make it a true eat-in banquette area.
Nooks, nooks, and more nooks! Adding a cozy spot with a great view invites you to curl up, grab a book and relax or your laptop to get some work done. When designing a multi-functional space out of a nook, consider the variety of ways the area could be used: reading, taking phone calls, journaling, meditating, or even scrolling through some home design ideas! Then design the space to fit your activities and needs.