How to make a multifunctional workspace at home

What in the world is a multifunctional workspace? Well, it's a room which can be used for various purposes. For instance, the multifunctional workspace that I'm planning will need to triple as an office, craft room and photo studio. This room makeover also needs to be budget-friendly, so a little thrifting and upcycling will also be required – are you even surprised?

Small Space Ideas

In our home, space is at a premium, so we try to make the most of every nook and cranny. My tiny landing/office makeover and under-stair pantry are great examples of this. I'm really pleased with my small office which I created from some 'dead' space on the landing. I love that the light in that room is so great for photography. I shot the photos for my Neutral Stock Photography Bundle in that room.

The problem is that I find it quite challenging to shoot photos in my office because there is hardly any room to stand the tripod. You can see from this photograph that the stairs come down right into the center of the space.

I also need a space for crafting where I can leave everything set up if I get interrupted and need to stop creating for a day or so. I've been doing this in our guest room but that's not the optimal solution either.

The perfect multifunctional workspace

In October, one of my sons moved into a house in the city to be closer to his University. (That's a story for another day). Standing in his room with all the furniture gone (well most of it anyway), I realised it would make a fantastic multifunctional workspace for me.

The room gets sun from the south in the morning and the west in the afternoon. Double glass doors lead out onto a balcony and this pallet sofa which I made a few years ago. The more I thought about it, the more I felt that this room was going to be just perfect for me. Then, I sat down and started making plans for transforming this room. (Don't worry, my Son still has the use of our loft bedroom with en suite when he comes home).

Here's my first very basic inspiration board for my multifunctional workspace. I'm a little bit limited because I want this to be a budget room makeover which means that I need to work around some of the furniture pieces I already have. Then, I'll try to thrift any furniture pieces which are missing.

All in all, I have a feeling that this space is going to be a little more contemporary than the other rooms in my house but I'll see if I can add a touch of vintage somewhere – we'll see.

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I have a post all about how to make moodboards which goes into much more detail if you you are interested in making one yourself.

Planning a multifunctional workspace

If you are planning a multifunctional workspace in your home, here are a few things I did that you might want to consider.

How will you use your workspace?

First, you need to decide on which purposes your multifunctional workspace should fulfill because that will help you decide which furniture pieces you need. For me, this is going to be:

Office

Craftroom

Photography/film studio

What furniture do you need for a multifunctional workspace?

That depends upon how you answered the question above. Now that you know which purposes your workspace should fulfill, think about what you use for each activity.

Do you need more storage, shelving, or maybe less furniture and more space?

For instance, if you want to practice yoga in the room, you will need to leave enough clear floor space to roll out your mat and to stretch out your arms on each side. If you only need an office and crafting space and lots of storage, it may be better to place the desk/craft table in the middle of the room so that you can take advantage of the walls for extra cupboards or shelves.

For my office/craft room/studio makeover, I am going to need:

Furniture needed for the office

• A desk
• Desk lamp
• Shelving (There is already a shelf in this room but it's not long enough and I need more of them)
• Desk chair
• Cupboard for files
• Memo board

Craft room furniture

• Space-saving crafting table (doubles as a photography table).
• Cupboards for storing crafting supplies
• Basket for storing tubes of stencils.

Photo Studio furniture

• Photography table (doubles as a craft table)
• Storage for photography props
• Storage for photography equipment

Accessories for a multifunctional workspace

• Fine white curtains
• When shooting photos, I sometimes need to filter harsh sunlight. Fine white curtains will diffuse the light without blocking it completely.
• Waste-paper basket
• It goes without saying that a craft room always needs a waste-paper basket. I like to make mine on the smallish side so that I have to empty it more often;)
• Rug - My Son chose a lovely blue marbled linoleum for his bedroom when we first moved into our home. The floor is still in excellent condition but with all the furnishing taken out, there is an echo when I talk which isn't going to sound too good when I do video voice-overs. I feel like the room needs some soft furnishings to absorb the sound and stop that echo. A large rug should do the trick nicely.
• Wall prints - Ideally, I'd like to finish off the walls with some lovely wall art.

MORE READING MATERIAL: Part two of this multifunctional room makeover is now live. Read how to choose the best area rug for your room and download the free Interior Design Worksheet.

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A budget-friendly multifunctional workspace

Now I know, which items I'm going to need I can start shopping. The very first place I'm going to shop is my own house! Remember, because this is going to be a budget room makeover, I intend to be as thrifty as possible.

Luckily, my Son left behind his desk, desk chair and lots of storage cupboards. He wanted to put his own stamp on his room at his student digs and has done a brilliant job of decorating and furnishing that room. We thrifted and DIY'd some items for him too but as I said above, that's a tale for another day.

Out of the items I know I will need above, I made a list of what I already found in my house or the items I could repurpose for my multi-functional workspace.

Things I still need to get for my multi-functional workspace

• Space-saving table
• Shelving
• Rug
• Container storage for craft supplies
• Container storage for Photography equipment.
• Artwork

Sourcing second-hand furniture

I recently scored some amazing furniture pieces for my Son's room makeover and now I'm hoping to do the same for this project.

I'm scouring eBay for a table. I don't want it to take up much space in the room so I'd like to find a space-saving drop-leaf table, if possible.

If you need some help finding second-hand furniture, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and grab my freebie 'The furniture flip checklist'. It's full of brilliant tips and tells you everything you need to know before buying second-hand furniture.

Apart from our kitchen, I don't think there is one room in our house which doesn't have at least one piece of second-hand furniture in it. Apart from it being a very unique and affordable way to furnish my home, it also satisfies my eco-friendly heart to know that I have saved perfectly good furniture from being sent to the tip.

You could even furnish your home for free if you become a savvy second-hand shopper!

I'll be sure to show you how this room progresses but now it's your turn. Now you've seen my plan, what do you think? If you are planning a multifunctional room, let us know your plans in the comments below.

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