In the age of open-plan houses, mobile phones and electronic devices, home designs are incorporating more multifunctional rooms into their floor plans more than ever. Offices double as spare bedrooms. Kitchens with islands are used as both dining areas and workstations. If you’re looking to split your home into zones and create a multifunctional space, here’s a few tips…

Room dividers

Planning a space that integrates well-defined living and office spaces can be quite difficult but is achievable. Room dividers come in various different shapes and sizes, meaning you can stylishly separate a room without having to make floor plan changes.

While they can be hard to style, be sure to get one that fits the theme of your room and does not minimise the space too much. When done correctly they can lead to a focused yet social space, fit for all your needs.

Movable room dividers are perfect for a busy home, mirrored dividers are also great for creating space and brightness.

Productive Plants

Incorporating oxygen generating plants into your multifunctional space is a great way to encourage productivity and encourage relaxation when you’re ready to switch off. Try implementing oxygen rich plants like aloe vera into your room design, they can also act as subtle zone dividers if they are gathered into a row. 

Utilise textures

When it comes to separating a space for work or creative purposes materials can be a perfect way of introducing character and visual interest to the space, as well as subtly dividing the room. Rugs are ideal for anchoring a space and separating the floor up. Be conscious of the proportions of the rug, especially if you are working with large pieces of furniture. Altering your interior design mindset to consider the horizontal plane can be an effective way to define your space, particularly when it comes to open plan.

Neutral colours

Although bright pinks and greens might show off your personality better, there is a reason many offices are painted in neutral colours, it increases focus. Sacrificing pops of colour in your multifunctional space will help you stay productive. A warm and neutral palette allows you to inject personality and interest in other ways, through personal touches and accessories, momentos and frames. 

Clever lighting

It’s all in the lighting as they say. Clever use of light, such as spotlighting and diffused glows can help create atmosphere in your space and more importantly, have the power to shift the mood and tone of the room from focused to relaxed. Investing in multiple light sources will help you control the energy in the room, allowing you to perfect the desired lighting effect.

Minimise the clutter

If your aim is to get the maximum use out of a small space.  Free up as much of it as you can by getting rid of things you no longer need – and be ruthless. You can give them away if it makes you feel better than binning them.  Arrange your remaining essential belongings in a practical, aesthetically pleasing way, making use of stylish storage boxes and shelves.

Sideboards 

Open plan living and multifunctional rooms don’t seem to be going anywhere soon, we see this trend lasting for a long time so investing in the right furniture to accommodate mixed purposes is key. Sideboards are great at defining spaces, whether that’s between your kitchen and dining room or your tv area and office desk. In our range of sideboards you’re sure to find your perfect room divider, you can find them here.

Inspired to get creative with your space? Making bold, interesting choices can turn your home into a place for everything and everyone. As working from home is the norm for a lot of people right now, looking after your living space is essential. If you do decide to change up your space be sure to tag us @madewithoak. We love seeing what our customers do with our furniture designs.