Multifunctional Spaces Secrets You Need to Know!

“Multifunctional spaces” are on the lips of everyone. Our homes are no longer just a place where we eat, sleep and chill. Instead, our homes have become so much more: our office, gym, classroom, cinema and more. But knowing HOW to create the perfect multifunctional space isn’t as easy as it sounds. But guess what… we have all the information you need (shh)!

In this article, discover a range of ways to make your home multifunctional so that it is practical but homely at the same time. From desks under the stairs, summerhouse bars, living rooms/guest bedrooms, and more! Who knew our homes could be so multifunctional?

Home offices that are creative with spaces

Image source: Alison Wolfe via Pinterest

This is an understatement, but of late, many more of us are working from home. Even if you're not WFH full time, a lot of us are having at least one or two days at the “home office”. But as a result, finding the perfect work-life balance becomes much harder. That’s why it’s important to make your home/office a multifunctional space that will promote productivity but also not remind you of work when you're relaxing.

One way to do this is to install a desk under the stairs. As long as you choose suitable fitted storage with drawers and shelving, you should be able to hide away any work-related reminders. Open up the fitted cupboards under your stairs to make room for your desk and clear out everything you keep in there.

Another multifunctional home office idea is to seek a fold-away office desk. Install it onto a wall where you have the space to work to your heart's content. When you are finished, fold it all away and forget that you were working there at all! These versatile desks are also useful if you live in a small apartment. As well as a work area, they can serve as a dining table as well as a dressing table.

Multifunctional living rooms/playrooms for fun and free time

Mural in photo: Paris wallpaper

Many of us aren’t fortunate enough to have an entire room designated as a playroom. That’s why creating a lounge/play area is key. If you want to create a multifunctional living room, it’s all about clever storage so that toys can be hidden away when it’s time for adult time in the evening.

Living room toy storage comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose storage that isn't see-through and has a lid so that you can’t see little Timmy's favourite teddy peering at you when you want some alone time. Boxed shelving with basket storage is great. Available in a range of sizes, this type of storage can be easily placed against a wall and can house oh-so-many toys.

Another great toy organiser idea is to choose a coffee table with a sneaky storage compartment hidden inside. Once the playing is done, jam-pack it with toys, replace the lid and forget the toys are even in there. This is great for when you’re hosting for friends and the kids are with grandma and grandad.

Laundry rooms that serve as mudrooms/dog showers

Image source: Loverenovate.co.uk via Pinterest

If you’re fortunate enough to have a laundry room, then you have the chance to create the ultimate useful multifunctional space. Along one side of your utility room, install box bench storage to hide away boots, wellingtons, sandals, old coats, and more. A bench is not only great for storage but a handy place to pull off those muddy boots.

Do you have a dog? Why not build your own dog shower as well? By washing your pup before they enter the main body of the house, you will stop any outside dirt and germs from coming into the hub of the home.

And of course, this multifunctional space will be your laundry room as well. A spot to soak your soiled items, have baskets for different coloured items and more.

Lounge/guest bedroom areas – perfect for Netflix or sleeping

Mural in photo: Aged Concrete

If you live in a one-bedroom apartment, a lounge/guest bedroom is the multifunctional space that should be on the top of your list. That way, when you have friends over, there is always somewhere to crash after the party.

Choose a foldaway sofa bed that is easy to open but still stylish when used as a couch. Store bedding underneath in a roll-out storage box so that your guests can help themselves when they stay over.

For added comfort, make sure you have a stylish nest of tables that your guest can double up as a bedside table. Have a low-wattage bulb lamp at hand, wireless if possible, so that they can place it on their table and read by it before they go to sleep.

Are the curtains in your living room quite opaque? To avoid too much sunlight coming in at the early hours, opt for a black-out blind so that your guests don’t wake up at the crack of dawn.

Summer houses = bar, artist studio, and potting shed

Image source: Gardeningetc.com via Pinterest

If you’re lucky enough to have your own summer house, then your multifunctional options are endless! As many of us are spending more time at home, there has been a huge increase of people creating their own bar at home. That’s where the summer house bar comes in. But what are the essentials? A handy fridge that isn’t too big. Shelving to store your favourite bottles of gin and glasses. Bar stools as well as a bar to place your drinks on. And if you can fit in a cool blackboard in there with a list of cocktails on offer written in chalk, even better!

As well as a bar, still leave some room to keep some pots so that you can still leave it as a potting shed. You wouldn’t want to miss out on getting your seedlings ready in time!

If you have a big enough summer house and an artistic flair, why not make room to paint? Using an outdoor space such as a summer house shed as an artist studio will do wonders for your creativity. Or if you’re more of a budding writer, why not do a Daphne Du Maurier and create your own writing shed at the bottom of your garden?

Multifunctional spaces are so handy! Let us know how you have made your own home multifunctional.