Multiple Use Spaces
We have several blank slate projects going on right now where our clients want or need rooms to serve multiple purposes. This can be the case for lots of reasons - a small space that needs to be thoughtfully designed, a house that will be used by multiple generations, and more. Having a designer work with you on projects like this can be a huge asset. We have experience maximizing space and can work through multiple floor plan options to get just the right layout. We have software and rendering options we can use to show you exactly how a room will look when finished. And we love the challenge of planning multiple use spaces!
Product of the Month
We love a beautiful block printed tablecloth, and the season is upon us when we might be hosting more and moving our entertaining indoors. This burgundy and rose tablecloth is both casual and elegant and could be used for everyday or dressed up for a dinner party or holiday. There are eighty-four different block print options on this site, and we love so many of them. If you need a tablecloth for any upcoming hosting take a look at all of the lovely colorways and patterns.
What Have We Been Up To?
Here’s a closer look at some of the multiple use spaces we’re working on right now.
Our clients who are building a coastal home in Maine want their house to be comfortable and functional for themselves as well as for their adult children and their grandchildren when they come to stay. One of the rooms we’re designing for them has built in beds for a bunk room vibe but will also be used as a playroom, so we included plenty of custom storage and a round table for games or arts and crafts.
Another multi use room in this house is the gym. Our clients wanted to add a Murphy bed for an additional sleeping option, as well as desk space for their kids so they have the option to work remotely in a quiet space when they come to stay for longer periods of time.
We’re also working on a new construction accessory dwelling unit (a separate home on the main house’s property) that is going to be used as an in-law suite. The house has a petite footprint so we needed to work both living room and dining room options into the same space. We also included a custom built-in to anchor everything and provide a place for both decorative and functional storage and the television. For this project we provided our clients with photorealistic renderings to help them visualize the final room. The top image in our newsletter is a rough rendering of the room and this is one of the photorealistic renderings.
Fabrics We’re Loving
We’re always adding to the materials library in our office. Here are three fabrics we recently picked up, that we can’t wait to incorporate into a client design.
(L) Amiera
Namay Samay
A washed red and blue blockprint on beige linen. Both softer and more vibrant than the online image suggests!
(M) Zina Stripe
Schumacher
A finely woven yet substantial weave creates a cotton stripe that is rich in texture and personality.
(R) Kengeri
Seemakrish
A lush foliage pattern with artwork inspired by traditional Bhil tribal art. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Quotable Moment This Month
"All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect September is made."
— Virginia Woolf
September Design Tip
Wondering how you might create some multi use spaces in your own home? Here are a few ideas.
If your family likes games or puzzles, consider adding a round table and chairs in a corner or at one end of your living room or family room. Even a 36” round table would provide enough room for most games and give you a dedicated space to leave things out and come back to them later. We love the idea of a floor length block printed tablecloth on the table too, like the one we featured at the top of this newsletter!
If you had a designated playroom space for your younger children but they’re now in their teen years, a great way to transition the playroom into more relevant space for them is to turn it into a combination TV room and game room. Add a cozy sofa and chairs, a television, and a couple of fun games. Depending on the amount of space you have you could consider a ping pong or pool table, pop-a-shot, a ring swing game, or even giant Jenga or Connect Four.
So many people have the capability to work from home now, it’s often desirable to have a home office, but not everyone has a whole room to devote to this. A desk, comfortable chair, and shelving/storage solutions can often be tucked into an existing room. Some of the rooms we think work best for this are a primary bedroom, finished basement, or attic space that has heating and/or cooling integrated into it.
