There was a time when a family’s home had distinct living spaces for each single activity they might engage in: dining, watching TV, working, or playing.  I’m sure that you have noticed, as we have, that things have changed. New home floor plans, as well as remodeled homes, have evolved in recent decades to include open living spaces, which creates the need to think more strategically about decorating. Homeowners find themselves scratching their heads trying to figure out how to make one space work for multiple uses without it looking disjointed or just plain messy.  We’ve helped many clients with this challenge, in not only large expansive spaces, but small ones too.  For a peek into a few homes with multifunctional spaces done right, check out the project stories below.

Multifunctional Spaces: Entryway, Office & Dining

DC row homes are always big on charm times, small on space. Here, we maximized the entryway by selecting a glass top table that functions as a desk or dining table and paired it with chairs and bench seating. When using the space as an office, the table remains against the wall. If the homeowner is entertaining guests for dinner, she can pull it away from the wall and utilize the coordinating bench to allow seating for four.

Multifunctional Spaces: Media, Game, & Living Rooms

This Arlington home had a long, narrow room with loads of natural light that was the ideal setting for a family and entertaining space. The homeowners wanted to create segmented spaces so that people who wanted to watch TV could still be in close proximity to those who would prefer to play a game or just hang out and chat.  We designed three distinct areas for each. In the front, there is a cozy sectional and ottoman perfect for kicking back and watching a movie. In the center, there is a pub table and stools next to a bar that everyone can easily access for making a cocktail. In the back, two loveseats and a side chair provide a comfortable spot for people to chat, away from the immediate noise from the television.

Multifunctional Space: Homework Space & Family Den

This new Ashburn home had a generous second-floor loft space located between the master suite and other bedrooms. For a family with three children, this was a great spot for a den where the kids could watch TV or play video games; after their homework was finished of course! For the den area, a comfy sofa is paired with an ottoman that does triple duty as a coffee table, storage option, and bench, if needed.  An L-shaped, built-in desk accommodates enough space for the kids to spread out with their computers and books while they complete their schoolwork.

Multifunctional Space: Entryway, Sitting Area & Mudroom

You would never know that you are looking at the mudroom of this contemporary Falls Church home. With an expansive front entry, the homeowners wanted to a welcoming space that didn’t feel like a mudroom.  Two bright accent chairs, a side table, and floral area rug provide a seating area adjacent from the mudroom cabinetry, which is beautifully disguised in wood tones that match the flooring.

Need a little help getting your multifunctional spaces in order? Please reach out to us and tell us about your home and what you would like to accomplish. Our decorating team is ready to collaborate with you to make your home more functional and beautiful.

Signature Design Interiors provides customized decorating, remodeling and staging services for busy individuals and professionals who are looking for turnkey service. From start to finish, we handle ALL of the details for you from budgeting, drafting floor plans for fit and function, sourcing furnishings and remodeling materials, and finally project managing the entire back-end process of ordering, measuring and installing until the last detail is complete. We serve the Washington Metropolitan area including - Washington, DC; Northern Virginia – McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Arlington, Alexandria, Annandale, Burke, Tysons Corner,  Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, Falls Church, Clifton, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Great Falls, Gainesville; Loudoun County - Ashburn, Brambleton, Dulles, Sterling, Leesburg Montgomery County MD - Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring; Prince Georges County Maryland, MD - Bowie, Laurel, Upper Marlboro. We will also travel to assist with vacation homes.