How to Create an Organized Multipurpose Space in Your Home
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It seems that every home could use an extension, from compact studio apartments to sprawling suburban houses. The best way to do this is by creating a multipurpose space. Chances are, you already have a multipurpose space in your home. These spaces are not hard to make and might have been made accidentally, like adding a desk in the bedroom or a bookshelf to the dining room. But while multipurpose rooms are not difficult to create, they can be tricky to maintain, keep organized and tidy. And in time, these areas can become cluttered and, eventually, even slightly dysfunctional. But with these thoughtful tips and design strategies, you can create an organized multipurpose space in your home.
Take Advantage of Walls and Go Vertical
One of the easiest ways you can create an organized multipurpose space is to go vertical. Make use of your walls, adding design features that eliminate clutter and open up your floor’s square footage. For instance, you could install decorative shelf brackets along with open shelving, offering easy-to-reach items sorted by boxes or bookends.
Another way you can take advantage of vertical wall space is to install a sliding barn door, which offers lots of creative applications. It can act as a privacy screen between a larger multipurpose area or conceal a distracting wall-mounted television in a living room/home office combo. Plus, rolling door hardware is super easy to install and makes for a great DIY project.
It’s not just about mounting things to a wall, either. You can go vertical in many ways. For example, bunk beds in a child’s bedroom can open up the floor for a desk and additional storage for games, toys and sports equipment. The objective is to increase your square footage, which gives the illusion of a spacious room.
Use Versatile and Foldable Furniture
Whatever type of multipurpose room you have, you can find versatile and foldable furniture to save space. For instance, a sectional sofa and ottoman with built-in storage beneath a reversible tray top stores throws inside while family game night is in session.
Another way is to choose foldable furniture that can be neatly tucked away, freeing up floor space for other tasks. For instance, a folding table works quite nicely in a home office and gym combo, allowing you to neatly put it away as you roll out a mat for some yoga stretches or a light aerobic workout.
Ask yourself what in the space isn’t truly being used often. If you have a home office and guest room multipurpose room, but rarely any guests, swap out that queen bed for a sleeper sofa. This way, you’ll gain a more spacious office, plus a place for you or little ones to relax nearby. The same goes for studio apartments where the living and dining areas share the same room. If you take dinner on the couch and have the occasional formal dinner, find a drop-down dining table that you can prop up for special occasions. Even better? Let it double as a desk when you need to break out the laptop.
Don’t Overlook Those Corners
Too often, valuable corner space goes overlooked. Instead of allowing these niches to become dead space, take advantage of their out-of-the-way angles. For instance, this is the perfect placement for an L-shaped desk or corner armoire. Not only can these furniture elements utilize an otherwise overlooked corner, but they can increase storage and create a more organized multipurpose space.
Another excellent use for corners is a shelving unit, where you can showcase decor and mementos. Adding a few shelves, especially next to the window, can provide sunlight for indoor plants. And under the shelves, you can place a small accent chair or ottoman to offer a cozy place to rest. An adjustable wall-mounted television is also a nice addition to a corner space, allowing you to tilt it toward the general seating area. Kitchens with unused corner spaces offer many options, from creating a corner dining nook and banquette or a hanging wine bottle and stemware rack.
Keep the Space Clutter-Free with Ample Storage
Another way to create an organized multipurpose space is to create ample storage. Whether using vertical wall shelves or adding a cabinet armoire to keep items contained and out of sight, clutter should be contained. And keep in mind that your storage space doesn't have to take up a lot of room. It can be as simple as containers that hold cosmetic brushes, toothbrushes and cotton balls on the bathroom vanity. Or it can be a small rolling cart in a living room and home office space that doubles to store books, magazines and paperwork to go through as you watch TV with the family.
You can also keep a clutter-free multipurpose space by taking advantage of walk-in closets, laundry rooms and spare closets. Adding cabinetry shelving and hooks to these areas can keep everything in its place and offer the seamless appearance of wall-to-wall built-in furniture. You can also keep a space clutter-free by using under-bed storage. There are various under-bed storage containers that slip smoothly beneath a low bed frame like plastic bins to more attractive grass woven baskets.
Create a Uniform Style to Tie the Space Together
When designing a multipurpose space, you must use a few tricks to make it more cohesive and uniform so that you tie the two functional areas together. One trick, in particular, is the color scheme. To keep your multipurpose space from looking too busy, use a uniform color scheme in a light, bright hue. Think crisp whites and soft pale neutrals, keeping it cohesive and calming.
Also, make sure to create a more uniform space by incorporating similar textures and design elements. When you have a home office in a living room or bedroom, avoid making it resemble a sterile work cubicle and give it some life and personality. Drape a throw over an office chair and use desk decor that ties in with the coffee table display. You can also add a more stylish desk lamp that coordinates with the table lamps. Remember to blend these areas, not hide them away. You want your multipurpose space to feel homey and comfortable.
Whatever combination of multipurpose space you have in your home, creating organization––both physically and visually––can make the different areas and functions feel like one. Choosing designated spots and having a place for everything can ensure a more organized multipurpose space that will ultimately keep the areas clean and tidy.