Multifunctional Living Room = Design Dilemma!

Taking a small room and making the best use of the space is it always a DESIGN DILEMMA!

For the clients, it was necessary to create a hybrid space, which allowed them to combine different functionalities within the same space. They are a couple who share their interest in technology, television and cycling.

Ariel is a professional gamer and works from home. For this reason, it was important to have a workstation with capacity for two computers, storage for equipment and gadgets and a mobility radio for when he needed to simulate movements. As an element of attraction, a neon sign related to the creative identity of the gamer was included.

Cony, is a writer and loves to read. For her, it was necessary to have enough storage to place her books and have easy access and a place to sit near the window to contemplate the landscape as a source of inspiration.

A social area should be included, which functions as a living room/entertainment center where you can watch tv and listen to music. It was necessary to include storage for two bicycles in the same area since both clients practice cycling and do not have other storage space. They were placed at the entrance of the space to avoid going through and dirtying the entire room when they need to be stored.

A cover for the radiator was included to protect the curtains and the sofa from the heat it emits and, at the same time, maintain the circulation of the heating. It is important to note that most of the furniture is mobile, allowing a quick reconfiguration of the space if necessary.

In addition to functionality, the aim was to achieve a warm and comfortable atmosphere; the colour palette used was complex neutrals, with black used in furniture and white used in walls and furniture to balance the tone of the wood on the floor and also make the space look bigger. For the back wall, seal with a matte finish was used to give depth to the space and prioritize the artwork and the interesting collection of books.

Regarding lighting, various types of luminaires were included: portable, adjustable, battery-operated, and without the need for installation, allowing users to regulate the intensity and warmth of the light according to the activities they are doing.

The main limitations of the project were the low budget and the inability of significant renovations within the space, so the proposal focused on improving minor details such as painting and the selection of suitable and low-cost furniture, which is easy to obtain and can be purchased in phases without affecting the harmony of the proposal.

Regarding my experience as a designer, was very challenging and interesting to design for a real-life dilemma with a very limited budget. Very happy with the client outcome and how they are looking forward to making this happen. I felt this experience was a warm-up for what is coming for me in the industry!