a dash of functionality

We love beautiful spaces, but we love functional spaces too … and you can have both! This week we are highlighting some designers that take function to the next level with their thought-out designs. From a bedroom office space to a staircase reading nook, these designs will have you thinking about how to add more function to your own spaces!

desktop drama

Add some functionality and style to your bedroom with a small office area! We designed this room for a client who wanted to make use of extra space within their guest bedroom. The wall mounted shelving saves space and allowed us to display books and unique accessories. Don’t be afraid to add in some artwork or vases to add layers and diversity among all of your books!

The floor lamp helps save space on the desk, but still provides task lighting for the area. Also, try stacking books under vases like we did here to add a little more dimension to any table or desktop!

Design by: @emilyjunedesigns

nifty breakfast nook

Small breakfast areas exist in many homes, but this built-in nook steals the spotlight! This space not only acts as a seating area for breakfast or brunch, but also acts as a divider between this room and the next. So functional!

The extra space behind the seating acts as a surface to display decorative items such as the plants seen in the background. This also gave the designer the opportunity to place a table lamp in this seating area to add layers to the lighting within the design in a creative way!

Design by: @salvesengraham

Photo by: @simonbrownphotography

stylish storage

This built-in storage behind the headboard is the perfect way to save space and display accessories in the bedroom! Many times people place artwork above their headboard, but this design allows the client to add their own personal touches to the space. Periodically switching out the accessories displayed in this built-in would be a great way to give a little “refresh” to the space over time. Small art pieces, special books, unique pottery and family photos are all things that can make a space feel more personalized!

The black walls allow this mustard yellow headboard to stand out against the background and creates a distinction between the storage/display area and the sleeping area. And we are so obsessed with these pillows!

Design by: @summerthorntondesign

Photo by: Josh Thornton

stylish study space

This closet-turned-study-nook is the perfect way to make use of an unused closet in your home! The wall mounted desk and shelving make this space simple while leaving a lot of space for books, art, and anything you might need in your study space.

The wallpaper, ottoman, and chair all have different patterns that mesh together perfectly in this space while adding some dimension to the design. The artwork on the top shelf really ties in the colors from the ottoman, allowing for the design to flow flawlessly!

Design by: @katewalker_design

Photo by: @armellehabib

water feature

Many households have furry friends that they consider family. If you are one of these people, this endearing built-in water bowl might be something to consider! This design is ideal for households with multiple animals and can save a ton of space.

The designer included patterned tiles to protect the walls from water damage, while adding a hint of pattern to the room. And doesn’t the brass hardware gives the cabinetry such a sophisticated appearance? We love it!

Design by: @studiodearborn

Photo by: @macchiaphoto

peaceful playroom

This child’s room is the same amount of fun as it is tidy! Can you believe that this bed and storage set are one piece? These drawers create stairs up to the window and the bed while adding some creative storage solutions to this design. This fun headboard shape adds even more energy to this space since the overall color palette is much more soft and neutral!

This unique lighting fixture really completes this design and brings everything together. If you find that you never have enough space in your child’s room for clothes or toys, this might by the type of multi-functional furniture you have been searching for!

Design by: @urbanologydesigns

Photo by: @costachrist_

serene staircase

Many homes feature a closet space or a powder bathroom under the staircase. However, this design puts a fun twist on how you can use this empty space in a functional and appealing way! This cozy corner has built-in seating with an area to store books, as well as its own lighting feature. This creative design really separates the space from the staircase and walking areas, and it creates a welcoming environment for someone to sit down and read a good book!

The designer continued the wooden details of the staircase into this little niche which allows this seating area to fit into the design perfectly. The golden upholstery is reminiscent of the lighter wood runners on the stairs to really continue the flow of the color palette!

If you are a book lover or just love to rest, this might be something you consider doing with the extra space you have under your stairs!

Design by: @workstead

Photo by: @matthewwilliamsphotographer

Emily Spanos