Do you feel like your living room isn’t quite working for you and your family? With thoughtful design solutions, you can transform your living room into a multi-functional home office and relaxation space that suits your lifestyle.
We did just that! Here’s how we transformed our rarely used living room into a multi-functional home office and relaxation space that we use every day.
From layout tips and clever zoning to using colour and lighting design, discover how to create a space that works for modern life.
The Problem: A Neglected Living Room
After our open-plan living extension, I couldn’t shake the feeling that our old living room had lost its purpose. It felt sad to see a room that was once a family hub become so neglected.
With my husband Andy and I both launching our own businesses, and finding ourselves working long hours from home – we started to get frustrated at the lack of consistent work spaces and not seeing each other in the evenings.
The solution became clear – I would create a dual-purpose space that works as a home office and an additional living area, remaining inviting for family and friends.
The Vision: Transforming Your Living Room into a Multi-Functional Home Office
I set out to create a room that could handle:
- Work life: We needed two permanent work zones – with enough space for each of us to run our businesses, without feeling like we were in a corporate office.
- Modern Life: A welcoming living space for catching up with friends or hosting guests.
- Family Life: Open plan living is great, but we all need a separate space at times. Andy wanted to escape Bluey marathons and watch Match of the Day in peace – and I needed a quiet space to make client calls and store all my design samples.
Key Design Choices to Transform Your Living Room into a Multi-Functional Home Office
1. Colours That Work Hard
When transforming a living room into a multi-functional home office, colour choice is key.
Our north-facing room naturally felt darker, so instead of fighting it, we embraced it. Andy wanted colour and I agreed that a contrast to the white of our open plan space would work well – so I chose a deep green that feels inviting even on a rainy Manchester day. This decision was influenced by how much we value our well-being in our workspace. Working long days can feel draining, but earthy shades help us feel more grounded and focused – allowing us to think clearer and be our most creative.
We chose Studio Green by Farrow & Ball, a deep green that creates a cocooning effect. The green shines through and feels inspiring in the morning sunlight and the dark tones are comforting in the evening – perfect for a multi-functional space. If you’re designing a room that serves dual purposes, consider colours that change with the daylight and balance energy and relaxation.
2. Zoning the Space
Multi-functional layouts can be tricky to get right. I prioritised clear zones for work and relaxation:
- Work zones: Our desks sit along two outer walls, keeping the central area free for relaxation. We are close enough to collaborate to far enough apart to not pop up in each other’s zoom calls. Dark walls help the monitors blend in, so they’re less obtrusive – this makes the workspace feel less corporate and more like part of our home.
- Living zone: The fireplace remains the focal point, with the TV mounted above. Our L-shaped sofa creates a natural divider between the work and relaxation spaces, and when the pouffes are added in, this encourages conversations when friends and family visit.
3. Personal Details for Motivation
This room needs to reflect us. From our artwork to family photos and souvenirs on the shelves, every detail motivates and reminds us why we work so hard. Open shelving is a great way to display meaningful and beautiful items, and makes a space truly unique to you.
I also made space for my growing record collection – getting up to flip sides is a perfect excuse to stretch during long workdays!
Practical Tips for a Multi-Functional Home Office & Living Room
1. Lighting for Focus and Ambience
- Layer lighting: In a north facing room like ours, artificial lighting was a priority. I chose warm white bulbs (3000K) to balance warmth with enough lighting to perform tasks.
- Add desk lamps to ensure a well lit work space and to avoid eye strain protect your eyes. If you are short on space, wall-mounted lights are a game-changer.
- Use a layered combination of curtains and blinds to control natural light and maximise privacy. I love sheer blinds with heavier curtains as they elongate the space and provide so much flexibility.
- Swapping out our single overhead lights for layered lighting completely transformed how the room feels in the daytime and evenings – it’s now somewhere we actually want to relax after work.
2. Organisation and Decluttering
- When my samples and paperwork started overtaking my desk, I knew we needed better organisation systems. After decluttering and designing bespoke shelving and closed cabinetry, everything has its place, and we can switch the space back to a relaxing living room in under 10 minutes!
- Look for clever storage ideas: Baskets, folders, and minimal desk accessories make it easy to tidy up. Match these to the style of the rest of your home to make sure it all ties together.
- Keep the space flexible: Clear surfaces help transition from work mode to relaxation. Built-in storage allows me to keep a clear desk and ensures my workspace easily transitions to a place for homework or to browse holidays with a drink in hand.
- Declutter regularly to maintain an organised and calming environment. I feel so much more productive when my surroundings are in order.
3. Biophilic Design Benefits
Plants are non-negotiable! They clean the air, boost your mood, and bring life to the space. Plus, they’re ideal for bringing the outdoors in, when you’ve spent all day at a desk.
For me, having greenery around while I work makes a huge difference to my mindset – it’s a reminder of nature’s calm and beauty in the middle of busy days, and a symbol of growth.
We chose hardy, easy-care varieties such as ferns for our low-light room and planted hedges outside for privacy and greenery.
Ensure your window treatments maximise natural light while maintaining privacy.
4. Furniture That Works
- This one gave me trouble but I stand by my decision to go for ergonomic chairs over aesthetics (your back will thank you too!). Do your research and choose a chair that fits your needs, and can be tucked into the desk when not in use.
- Multi-functional pieces: the furniture in a dual purpose room needs to work hard. I choose pouffes that double as guest seating, and compact coffee tables with storage that are easy to move around.
- Use a combination of closed cabinetry and open shelves to display personal items while hiding work items and electrical equipment.
5. Balance Functionality and Style
- Ensure the distinct functions (work and relaxation) have enough space to thrive, and each one can be accessed easily. When considering layout it is a good idea to position the work area away from distractions like the TV, and to ensure the quiet relaxation area is not in direct line of sight of regular zoom meetings.
- Use a colour scheme that ties the zones together; greens are great for energy and relaxation. Alternatively, zoning the work area with a bold colour block can work well, if it ties in with the style and colours throughout the rest of your home.
- Incorporate cosy touches in the living area such as like cushions, throws, and soft lighting to make the space more inviting. Placing accessories like frame and candles on the work desk will add softness throughout the space.
The Result: A Space That Works for Work and Life
Walking into this room now feels completely different – it’s no longer an unloved space but a vital part of our everyday lives. It makes me happy to know I’ve created a space where we can dream up our next big idea, work through business challenges, listen to our favourite albums and connect as a family.
It’s proof that, with the right design, even a neglected room can become the place full of ideas and productivity – and yes, it’s also where Andy sneaks off to watch football or I eat chocolate away from the kids!
By making intentional design choices, I’ve aimed to create a room that feels very personal and encourages creativity and hard work – but can also support relaxation and connection when needed. Whether we’re working late, hosting family, or just relaxing with a film, this space now supports every aspect of our lives.
This transformation of our living room into a multi-functional home office has been life-changing for our family.
If you’re thinking about a room in your home that you never use – it really has the potential to become something so much more, just like ours did.
If you’re struggling to make your home work perfectly for you, I’d love to help!
Get in touch, and let’s create a space that feels like home and works hard for you – a space for living well!
Ready to create a space that truly supports your lifestyle and well-being?
Book a consultation to start exploring your vision.
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