Multi-tasking a Space
Making a room multi-functional
It is quite common to have a home-office and guest room in one room and, with good space-planning, this can be accomplished without the look of a cluttered area. For small spaces, daybeds and futons serve as a multi-purpose sofa and bed; and some wall-beds have bookshelves with a hidden bed. The office area can also have hidden desks or work centers; like in a closet using two file cabinets as support for a table top desk; or by using a cabinet that opens up to a desk with shelves.
Delineating areas in a room can be accomplished several ways. Curtains, panel dividers, bookshelves are among the ideas to define a space. Situating furniture grouped a certain way will also define a space.
In a den I recently redecorated and organized, the room started out with two computer desks in two parts of the room and a tv viewing area situated in the middle of the room. A chimney wall protruded in the room from a fireplace on the other side, creating a couple of nooks that were not utilized. The beautiful bay window was not even noticed in the room.
Transforming the room into a balanced multi-functional room (for home office and an entertainment center) required a little space-planning and creativity. The chimney wall was made into a theatrical centerpiece area for the entertainment center using a valence and curtains. On both sides of the chimne wall (in the nooks), I put narrow bookshelves for books and media storage.
I placed a chaise lounge under the bay window, which was situated near the sofa and an arm chair, all centered around the entertainment center. A chest coffee table added additional storage. This furniture arrangement created a tv viewing and cozy sitting area.
A desk and shelf wall unit was built for one wall of the room, defining that as a dual home-office area for both the husband and wife.
In a corner of the room I created a hidden "cat corner" for that litter box once sitting out in the open room. The cat box was hidden using a built-in shelf and front curtains. For additional storage, a sideboard table was purchased for one wall to keep office supplies.
The space is now functional, fun, and I must admit, fabulous!