How to Transform Your Living Room Into a Multi-Functional Space

Whether you’ve got compact quarters or room to spread out, you can turn your living room into a hardworking space. Think an ottoman that’s both a seat and a spot to rest drinks, or a sleeper sofa that looks equally chic when upright. Out of ideas? Keep flipping for inspiration.

Living room/play room space with canted ceiling

Aliesha Porto

1 / 10

Create a Play Zone Adults Can Use

Interior designer Aliesha Porto of AP & Co. Interiors did a brilliant job on this versatile living room. The kids get the climbing wall and trampoline (not shown), underneath the basketball net. The adults can hang with drinks on the chairs, or on the popular modular Nugget sofa in the play area. Available in candy-coloured hues, the multipurpose sofa is a marvel: kids can reconfigure the pieces for play, or use it to lounge. Genius all around!

Getty Images

2 / 10

Design Built-ins for Booze (And Other Things)

Cabinets are your secret weapon in a living room: don’t have room for a liquor cabinet? Follow London interior designer Sarah Vanrenen’s lead and create a teeny drink zone on a cabinet. We like Sarah’s glassware setup on the far right, and her thrilling design aesthetic in general. Stow the accessories in the built-ins below. When’s cocktail hour?

CB2

3 / 10

Choose an Elegant Sleeper Sofa

At first glance, this spartan and super chic living room doesn’t feel like it’s doing double duty. But with a push, the streamlined Una Ivory Boucle Sofa from CB2 easily converts to a bed for overnight guests – or dreamy afternoon naps for yourself.

Gloria McMahon

4 / 10

Tuck in a Desk

Now showing: the never-ending film The Year of Working From Home starring You! The cast of characters in your movie, er, home should only include furniture that’s earning its keep. Gloria McMahon of The Long Awaited Home created this comfy, plant-filled guest room/living room. There’s an exercise bike to let off steam (not shown) and a small desk by the window that makes a handy office. The Novogratz sofa futon doubles as a bed.

HGTV

5 / 10

Mount up a Murphy

A small living room is no match for Jonathan Scott of Brother vs. Brother. He masterfully added a murphy bed to this mix. Hidden away behind this modern sofa is a comfy bed where guests can catch some shut eye. And there’s both open and closed storage flanking the sofa.

IKEA

6 / 10

Get Sectional Storage

Kids toys, blankets, magazines and everything else cluttering up your life? Get organized with IKEA’s HÄRLANDA sectional that comes complete with a nifty storage compartment. And how about that minty green colour? So perfectly fresh as we head into spring.

Living room from Love It Or List It showcasing toy storage

HGTV Canada

7 / 10

Hide Those Toys

There’s joy that comes from a living room that easily be converted back into an adult space when the kids – finally – go to bed. In this pristine living room featured on Love It or List It Vancouver, Jillian Harris brought in two white cabinets for toys – so fresh and so clean!

HGTV Canada

8 / 10

Merge the Full Office Into the Living Room

The living room and the home office can co-exist – when done deftly. In this living room, the Save My Reno team carved out space to put an L-shaped desk. But don’t foreget: keep the shelves tidy and decorated or the mess will quickly take over.

Modern living room with two large ottomans

Lauren Miller

9 / 10

Install Double-Duty Ottomans

Designer Natalie Chong of Nest Design Studio installed two custom tufted leather ottomans in this living room and the result is gorgeous. The pieces can be pulled apart to use as side seating; they make a great spot for a snack when used with a tray, or just rest your feet on them after a long hard day.

Elegant living room with storage coffee table

CB2

10 / 10

Snag a Coffee Table that Stores and Swivels

When jazzing up the living room, choose a coffee table that goes the distance. The magnificent burled-wood Purl Coffee Table is a total keener. One large push-to-open drawer cleanly stashes away remotes and other sundry items. And the round base neatly swivels.