Since remote working and flexible schedules are becoming the norm, many find themselves needing their homes to serve multiple functions. It’s no longer uncommon to repurpose areas to accommodate both one’s professional and personal needs. But what about creating a space that works equally well for both productivity and relaxation? As you may know for yourself, this can be more challenging than furnishing and decorating a room with a single purpose.
But a well-designed dual-purpose work-leisure area may soon end up becoming your favourite place in your home for its practical combination of a dedicated spot to focus during work hours and a cosy retreat during downtime. Whether you’re working from home full-time, running a side business, or simply need a quiet space to manage your household tasks, this type of setup can do a lot to enhance your efficiency as well as your enjoyment of hobbies like gaming, watching TV, reading, or listening to music.
Let’s explore some practical tips to help you design a space that balances these two functions. From choosing the right furniture and lighting to incorporating nature and personal touches to the area, here are some recommendations from DROOL Art to help create a space that adapts seamlessly to multiple functions:
1) Assess Your Space
Before you start designing your dual-purpose work-leisure area, it’s important to assess the available space carefully. The first step is to identify the ideal location in your home for this multifunctional zone. Ideally, the space should be quiet and free from distractions, so choose a spot that allows for focus during work hours while also providing a peaceful retreat for relaxation later on.
If you have a spare room, this might be the perfect starting point. For those working with smaller spaces or open-plan layouts, you’ll need to think creatively. Look for an underutilised corner or a nook where you can carve out a distinct work area without disrupting the flow of your living space. Even a bay window or a small alcove can be the perfect candidate for your special work-leisure area.
2) Furnish the Space with Inspiring Wall Art
Wall art can also shape the atmosphere of your space, offering the perfect blend of motivation and calm. For work, choose minimalist pieces or abstract art with clean lines and energising colours; for leisure, opt for tranquil landscapes or soft, muted tones that easily help you unwind.
You can also create a gallery wall that merges these two themes, allowing the art to inspire both productivity and relaxation. If you're on a budget, don't worry! A gallery wall can be created affordably with art prints or posters, like the high-quality ones available at DROOL Art.
For a truly unique touch, consider framing your own artwork or photography. This adds a personal element to the space while supporting your creative expression. You can find excellent options in DROOL Art’s catalogue, for example DROOL’s exclusive GLO™ Frame from which you can hang prints or posters on each side.
3) Create Distinct Sections for Work and Leisure
Separating your work and leisure areas, even within the same room, will help you establish and observe healthy boundaries between work and play. You can achieve this through creative zoning techniques.
Use area rugs to visually divide the space or position furniture strategically to create distinct sections.
For example, place a desk and chair in one corner for work, while reserving a nearby nook for a comfortable armchair or beanbag for relaxation.
Foldable screens, bookshelves, or curtains can also act as subtle dividers, ensuring that each part of the space feels purposeful and intentional. This kind of separation will allow you to mentally switch between work and leisure more effectively, whenever you need to.
4) Optimise Your Lighting
Lighting is another key element in designing the perfect dual-purpose work-leisure area, as it can dramatically influence both the mood and functionality of the space. Combine different types of lighting to ensure the area is well-lit for productivity when needed, and dim or adjust your lighting for a more relaxing atmosphere when it’s time to unwind.
Start by focusing on task lighting for the work area. Desk lamps with adjustable brightness will allow you to direct light where it's most needed, preventing eye strain and creating a well-lit environment for focused work. Overhead lighting, such as ceiling-mounted spotlights or pendant lights, can also provide additional illumination for your desk.
Next, incorporate ambient lighting to achieve a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere in your leisure space. This can include floor lamps, table lamps, or wall-mounted lights that will cast a soft, diffused glow that’s conducive to winding down. Dimmer switches are also a great addition to your room, as they’ll allow you to easily adjust the intensity of the light—helping you transition from work to relaxation without disturbing the overall mood of the space.
The key is to balance your lighting levels for different activities: bright enough to boost productivity during the day, and soft enough to unwind in the evening.
5) Choose Dual-Purpose Furniture
Another way to make the most of your dual-purpose space is to invest in multifunctional furniture. Sofa beds can double as seating during the day and a place to rest during leisure hours. Extendible tables, on the other hand, can transition from work desks to dining spaces when needed.
Ottomans with hidden storage or modular shelving units can also provide practical solutions for keeping the area tidy. This is especially important for smaller homes, where space-saving designs make all the difference.
6) Add Personal Touches
Lastly, don’t hesitate to personalise your dual-purpose area as much as possible to make it more inviting and enjoyable. Consider displaying items that truly reflect your hobbies and interests, such as books, travel mementos, or framed photos. Soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and rugs can also add warmth and texture, while aromatherapy diffusers or scented candles can enhance the atmosphere and help you transition from a focused work session to a relaxing and pleasant evening.
If you’ve started on this special home improvement project soon, aim to achieve a balance of form and function. Try these recommendations, experiment with layouts and décor, and invest in beautiful and high-quality prints and frames from DROOL Art for the place you’ll turn into your workspace and one-of-a-kind haven.
