Living room and office together: how to combine rest and work

Ever thought about combining your living room and office, transforming your space into something new and stylish? This can be a great opportunity to combine work and relaxation in one room, especially if space in the house is limited. Creating a comfortable zone where you can relax and be productive at the same time is not only possible, but can also be a very elegant solution.

Open Floor Plan: Aspects to Consider

Although it may seem unusual, combining a living room and an office in an open space is a practical solution for those living in small houses or apartments. Here are a few key points that will help make such a space harmonious:

  • Visual division of zones: Use elements such as shelves, rugs or different types of lighting to define living and office areas. This will create the feeling of two separate spaces in one open space.

  • Multifunctional Furniture: Furnish your space with furniture that can serve multiple functions. For example, a sofa can be folding, and a coffee table can turn into a work desk.

  • Proper Lighting: Use soft ambient lighting for the living area and direct lighting for the work area to focus on your work. Try to make the most of natural light by placing your desk near a window.

  • Color Harmony: For open spaces, choose neutral colors that create a relaxing atmosphere. However, be sure to decorate the space with elements that reflect your personality.

  • Stay organized: To stay organized, use boxes and baskets to store small items or display them on wall shelves. Cleanliness increases productivity and improves well-being.

For the convenient functioning of a home office and living room in an open space, it is important to have a stable Wi-Fi signal. Many smart TVs rely on the internet to access streaming services, so this will allow you to work and play in comfort.

Home office in the dining room or living room?

Creating a home office in the dining room or living room is a common solution to optimize space. However, it is important to maintain the functionality of both zones. Is it better to place your office in the dining room or in the living room? It depends on how you divide the spaces.

If you're planning a home office in the dining room, don't use the dining table as a work table: its height is not suitable for work and affects your posture. It is better to choose a compact desk that is suitable for both cases. It is also important to have an ergonomic chair.

For a living room office, try placing the sofa and desk in opposite corners of the room. This will help visually separate the work and play areas, avoiding distractions. In addition, this will leave more free space for movement.

How to avoid noise in an open space?

When working in an open plan, it is important to find ways to control noise. Here are some suggestions:

  • Invest in sound-absorbing furniture and coverings: Carpets, books, and furniture help absorb sound, which is useful during work calls.

  • Create dedicated work areas: Creating separate areas for tasks that require concentration, such as meeting rooms or isolated workstations, will help minimize the impact of noise.

  • Indoor Plants: Plants such as ficus, ferns and succulents improve acoustics and purify the air, creating a healthier environment.

  • Use noise-canceling headphones: Investing in noise-canceling headphones will help block out ambient noise, creating a comfortable workspace, even if someone is watching TV nearby.

Working and relaxing in the same open-plan room is possible. The key is to make a few changes to increase productivity and create a cozy place to relax.