Multifunctional Living Spaces: How to Get the Latest in Indoor & Outdoor Design

Written by by Doreen Amico-Sorell

Home as We Know It is Being Redefined

Many things have changed over the last couple years, but one thing is certain.. Home has become much MORE than just the place you relax in after work, come back to after school or return to after vacation. For many of us it has become the place in which we now work, go to school and look to for our vacations (aka “staycation”). It is also now more-than-ever the place in which we seek sanctuary from the world and take a pause from world events. A productive “safe-space” that, according to most home builders and realtors, will remain so for the foreseeable future.

And the question many are asking me today is, “How do I transform my home to function in this New Normal”? How do I work from home, yet escape in the same space when I’m not working? How do I go to school remotely in the morning yet work-out and stay physically fit in the same space later in the day? How do I make the most of my outdoor space since my travel plans have been cancelled for this year? The good news is that, just by talking with me, these people have already taken the first step. Why? Because, Interior Design is NO LONGER just about “making things pretty”. Today’s Interior Designers are the go-to experts in multifunctional home design. We know how to get the most out of any living space to more than meet your needs. And the best part… we haven’t forgotten how to make it pleasing to the eye to satisfy your style and enliven your taste.

So, how do interior designers do what they do?

The key to success begins with efficient space planning. Trained in both 2D and 3D Virtual Design (aka “eDesign”), we can brainstorm any and every aspect of your space without ever having to move a single piece of furniture. No longer do you have to be afraid that the kitchen table you bought online may be too big. Your interior designer knows that at least 36” is needed between the edge of your table and any obstructions, like a wall, for you and your guests to easily enter and exit their chair. And this is what can be planned-out virtually; especially when dealing with multiple furnishings that need to be placed together in the same space. No longer do you have to go through the hassle of purchasing only to have to return that home office desk you loved online because, when you finally got it and placed it in the corner of your multifunctional great room, the drawer didn’t fully open because of the nearby sofa. Have a plan BEFORE you buy! It will save you both money and time… not to mention loads of frustration.

Need another example?

Today, many people are combining home gyms with home offices and then even, at times, with a home entertainment environment… ALL in the same four-wall space. Talk about potential for a disaster. But, it CAN work well if done properly. What’s not going to work is simply buying a desk at your local office supply store, some random free-weights and a couch at a community yard sale, a 65” Flat-Screen LCD TV from a big box store and then placing everything around the perimeter of the room. Talk about dysfunctional… not to mention downright ugly! Haphazard design is just not going to work in the new normal. Especially as the cost of living continues to go up and living spaces continue to get smaller.

With the same budget, your Interior Designer can easily recommend the proper compact desk that won’t interfere with your workout space and the proper placement of your large screen TV that can be both watched comfortably from the sofa while also serving up streaming videos of exercise routines and yoga classes when using your workout space. A space that helps you easily work or go to school remotely, stay physically fit, and escape reality by playing online video games, clearing your mind through meditation or yoga or comfortably streaming the latest in fantasy TV shows. A true tri-functional space that is both productive and serves a safe sanctuary within which to escape. And… is visually pleasing and calming to the eye and soul.

So, where do you start?

Contact several Interior Designers (Bet you didn’t expect me to say that…)

  1. Interview them: find the one who best understands your needs and your style

  2. Get a Plan: either in person or remotely

  3. Execute the Plan

    • Either with the help of you designer, or

    • DIY with the designers recommendations included with your Plan

  4. ENJOY!

Any questions? Want to learn more? Feel free to contact me.

The Final Word…

Having saved money, time and frustration, you can now work, play and escape, all in your very own multi-functional indoor/outdoor sanctuary space! So what are you waiting for? Get started…. RIGHT NOW!

Maddie Landers