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Q: I just started working from home. My living room serves as both my office and the playroom. The square footage is relatively small and the room opens into my kitchen.

I would like to arrange the room to incorporate storage, a work area and space for relaxing. I currently have a club chair with an ottoman and a small sofa. I don’t think I need more seating, but the storage space is not adequate. Any tips? — PJ, Greensboro

A: I can relate to your home office dilemma. When I started my design company 12 years ago, I worked out of my bedroom. I eventually moved to a computer armoire in the living room, then on to a spare bedroom, and later, to a formal office in the house. With every move, my work area got a bit larger, to the point where I outgrew my home space altogether and now work outside my home. I recall the challenges of not wanting your work “stuff” to take over the living space.

Since your space is multiuse, think about function when you arrange your furniture. Keep your traffic flow open. Position your sofa to accommodate TV viewing and conversation while allowing enough room for play time. To be productive, designate the sofa for relaxing and make sure you have a formal work area.

In a small, multiuse space, you need to be practical. Every item should be functional and multipurpose. Instead of a conventional coffee table, for example, opt for an ottoman that doubles as functional storage and enables you to move it easily to free up floor space for play.

Keep the furniture in your room light and airy. Metal tables, smaller space upholstered pieces, arm chairs and mini ottomans will serve you well in your space.

For your work area, you might choose a small-scale thin table to serve as a sofa table and desk. Your office essentials can be stored in a book shelf or built-in storage and hanging shelves. Keep in mind that while bookcases are convenient and practical, they can look cluttered in a small space, so incorporate boxed storage or baskets to contain smaller supplies and toys.

How you use color in the space will make a big difference in your room. The larger pieces in your space should be the most neutral. A monochromatic look with fun splashes of contrast color will work well for a smaller space. If you prefer to opt for richer colors, paint everything the same color, including bookcases, built-ins and moldings. This technique will create a cohesive look.

In a space that opens into a larger space, continue the wall color in the adjoining room to unite the spaces. If you have dormered or angled ceiling lines, paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. Accentuating angular ceiling lines creates divisions in your space. Dark ceiling colors tend to bring the room down.

Opt for soft, even light that eliminates shadows. Uneven lighting creates shadows, which will tend to divide a room into smaller spaces. Recessed ceiling lighting is a nice choice, since a hanging fixture will visually lower your ceiling. Dark spaces do not promote a positive work environment.

Take advantage of your natural light by mounting window treatments up and off the windows.

When accessorizing your office/living room/playroom, less is definitely more. A good accent to consider adding is a mirror or other reflective accessories that will add the illusion of open, airy space.

Working from home is a luxury for many people because it allows them to avoid a commute and more easily coordinate family and work life, but it is not without challenges.

You will want to balance your time so that you are productive, yet able to relax when you want to. Setting up your space properly will go a long way toward allowing you to be happier with your new arrangement. Be sure to take the time to store your work out of sight when you are done, so that you can enjoy your living room for its intended purpose and forget about work at the end of the day.  

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.