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Writer's pictureEmma Barker

Behind the Design: Crafting a Multi-Purpose Haven With a Touch of Product Sourcing Drama

As an interior designer, the challenge of transforming a multi-purpose room into a harmonious blend of functionality and style is always an exciting venture. Today, I'll share insights into styling a versatile space that serves as a hallway, TV room, lounge, and a work-from-home office – all while incorporating the timeless allure of mid-century and Scandinavian design elements.

 

While the client had some great art and lounge chairs for the space, they were looking for a new layout to best optimize this 190 sq. ft loft.


Before photo of mid-century office design project
Original layout and existing lounge chairs for the loft project.

Color Palette

In a new build with pristine white walls and trim, the client wanted to keep the walls as they were. This lets the furniture and their collected goods shine. With a variety of browns, the multipurpose space has some warmth, but bringing in accent colors of red and green add to the analogous color scheme.

 

Furniture Selection: A Fusion of Styles

Blending the character of mid-century design with the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian furniture was key. Think turned wood, leather chairs, and modular shelving units that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical storage solutions. The client already had these comfortable lounge chairs and all the art, but was open to a new desk set up and some ambient lighting.


Mid-century movie lounge concept design.
Concept board for the lounge side of the loft project.

Layout: Define Zones

Creating distinct zones within the room for each function makes each one more enjoyable. The layout of this room allowed for two desk placement options, either in the corner or in front of the window. Working in front of a window can make you feel more productive. Who wants to face a wall all day?

 

So, I sourced a long desk in front of the window with a bookcase to the right to fill in the nook. We kept the tv location on an angled wall to make the best use of that wall. This left most of the room for the lounge chairs to sit symmetrically and have plenty of space for ambient lighting.


Interior design layout planning for mid-century multi-purpose space.
Loft project layout to depict work space and lounge space. Bottom opening in the stairs. Right opening is a hallway.

Sourcing

Now, while most design projects go relatively smoothly with the right resources and experience, even the most seasoned designers can experience some product drama.

 

Since this project’s procurement timeline came around Thanksgiving some of the products were selling fast. I originally found a thin dining table that would be the perfect length. I went with a dining table since most desks aren’t over 70”.

 

Unfortunately, this table sold out as I was in the middle of the check out process. I found a similar table and placed the order for it that day. What I didn’t know was the measurements on the website were incorrect.

 

While I waited for a table I would inevitably return, I assembled the bookcase, or should I say, attempted to assemble the bookcase. Bolts weren’t lining up, tabs were breaking, I was questioning my strength. It became clear, a call to customer service was due. Their first response was “have you used a hammer?” Sigh. After some forms and photos, I received a timely replacement.

 

Back to the table, it arrived and as you already know, it did not fit. That week I scheduled a pickup and ordered a slightly smaller desk. Just so you don’t have to wait in suspense, the new desk did fit. Yay! But it arrived one bolt and washer short. Sigh again. This client had a stocked garage and the perfect pieces to complete the assembly, so voila! The loft was finally ready for styling.

 

Here is where my previous customer service experience came into play. I was able to message the supplier and get the client a partial refund for the inconvenience.

 

These are reasons 1,000,000-1,000,005 to hire an interior designer. You don’t have to worry about the back and forth with vendors. You save time. You end up with the perfect item and so much more.

 

Back to the design.


Mid-century desk set-up and styling
Final desk styling.

Personalized Touches

Incorporating the client's love for collecting goods by strategically placing artifacts and souvenirs throughout space not only adds a personal touch, but makes the room even cozier. This goose lamp for example is a treasure the client calls "Gladys".

 

Now Take A Step Back

Balancing functionality and style in a multi-purpose room requires thoughtful curation and attention to detail. By marrying mid-century and Scandinavian design, personalizing with mementos, and embracing a cohesive color palette, this space transforms into a timeless haven that effortlessly accommodates various activities while remaining a cozy retreat.


A Mid-century Scandinavian designed tv lounge.
Styled lounge area in the new layout.

Book Embarking On Design

Stop spending your lunch breaks looking for the perfect sofa. Stop wondering if you picked the right layout for your room. Stop checking on your shipment every day. Stop waiting on hold with customer service. Stop worrying about if your furniture is going to fit and how to return it if need. Stop spending your weekends tweaking the styling.

Hire a designer.


Embarking On Design Interior Design Services

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