Designing Multi-Use Spaces in Your Custom Home

One of the hallmarks of modern home design is the open floor plan. Open concept homes feature large, interconnected space minus structural details like hallways, doors, and walls. These floor plans have become more popular in recent decades, giving homeowners greater flexibility to design a space that’s both comfortable and highly accessible.

Another benefit of an open floor plan is the ability to design rooms that are multi-functional. This is usually achieved by incorporating elements like built-ins, room dividers, or furniture that does double duty. With some intention (and a great design-build partner), you can optimize the spaces in your new high-performance home to serve dual purposes, opening up countless possibilities.

Read on for more ideas on how to create multi-use spaces in your custom home.

Maximize space with custom home built-ins

Built-ins aren’t just a space saver; they also add aesthetic appeal to any room. Offering up clean lines and ample storage capability, they’re a perfect solution for families who need additional versatility in their room design. From a mudroom with built-ins for backpacks, coats, and pet supplies to a master closet system with enough storage for an entire wardrobe, you really can have it all without compromising harmony in the space.

Make room for entertaining in your new home

With families gathering together again, spaces for entertaining have become an increasingly important part of many high-performance home designs. One smart way to maximize the entertainment space in your home is by expanding existing rooms. Take the kitchen, for example – by adding a large island with seating and incorporating a built-in beverage bar, you’ll create a multi-functional space that also serves as a main entertainment hub for your guests.

Extend your room design upward

There’s usually plenty of useable, hidden space in your home – just look up. When designing rooms for multiple purposes, be sure to maximize every inch of the space by extending your design upward. This could take shape as a stackable washer and dryer in the laundry room or a loft space for additional storage in a kid’s room. Likewise, consider converting empty space on a stairwell landing into a lounge area or reading nook.

Create a serene home office

Home offices are an integral part of our ‘new normal’ — making the thoughtful design of these spaces a must for maintaining peace and productivity. Achieve tranquility in your home office space by including a lounge area in the room design, or by connecting outdoor seating to the room itself. Both options offer an additional space to unwind throughout the day, as well as dedicated in-person meeting space for clients.

Pro tip: Sliding glass doors are a great way to unify indoor and outdoor spaces while bringing in plenty of natural light, giving the room an airy feel.

Consider adding a recreation room

Need even more entertaining space? Consider incorporating a recreation room into your high-performance home design. Using a similar approach to your kitchen area, try repurposing an existing room in your home. Perhaps there’s a basement space that’s being underutilized? Or a storage shed with ample room to add a few extras?

When remodeling the space, integrate furniture pieces that do double duty, like a lounger that has storage underneath or a table with removable panels. Looking to go bigger? You can also add in a built-in projector screen or a high-end audio system for a home theater-like feel.

Form meets function in your new home

Multi-use spaces are on the rise in home design, and with good reason. As your priorities change, you need a home that will grow with you and function in a meaningful way. By integrating multi-functional design elements, you’ll be able to maximize your space while adding major value to your custom home.

Ready to design the high-performance home of your dreams? Give us a call at (650) 322-7069 or send us an email at info@clarum.com.