Leading designers demonstrate how to create a home workspace within another room, creating two – or sometimes more – beautifully functional spaces in one
Modern life often means making the most of smaller spaces or, conversely, making sense of larger spaces. All homes need an area in which to catch up with admin, store paperwork and technology, read, write, think or even work from home. Be it shared with a bedroom or drawing room, a kitchen or hallway, or another part of the house, it is possible to create a multifunctional space that works on both a practical and an aesthetic level.
Small yet smart
The kitchen may often be the ideal location in which to have a dedicated spot for catching up on paperwork. Provided an all-singing, all-dancing home office is not required, a small desk area can be built into a corner, with a pretty chair and lighting, and a little storage just to tuck things out of sight. In some cases, it may even be possible to add doors so the whole space can be closed off. The seamless elegance of this Martin Moore office in a kitchen (above) is thanks to a continuation of cabinetry style and walnut worktop, with careful attention paid to levels and proportion. The built-in desk with drawers is complemented by shelves (which include flush, slimline downlights) and – thanks to very high ceilings – cupboards above. The addition of a pinboard means it can be used for mementoes and visual reminders. With the opposite end of the room used as an informal breakfast bar and a large dining area, the office space is very discreet yet eminently practical.
Cohesive scheme
For creating a calm multifunctional space, a cohesive colour scheme is paramount. In this room created by interior designer Leonora Birts, the clients wanted a space to sit, relax and read a book or work at a desk. Birts chose a darker colour for the joinery to bring a more serious feel to the workspace, and more colourful fabrics in the reading area to create a subtle contrast between the two functions. The areas are married together with a stool that links them by echoing all the colours in the room, yet also cleverly creates a natural division between the two spaces.
Lighting is an important way to zone different areas of a multifunctional room. Birts installed separate lighting controls for each area, enabling each space to be lit individually. The reading space is lit by two lamps on the side tables and a picture light, and t
