Turn Your Dining Room Into a Flex Space + 3 Looks to Try

See how a humble dining room can be easily transformed into a multipurpose space for the entire family.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Look #1: Casual Dining Room

For day-to-day use, this open space is used for casual, laid-back dining. The cool, pastel palette keeps the room looking fresh, and the unexpected use of kitchen island lighting over the table helps keep the spot brightly lit at night.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Bright + Inspiring Workspace

By adding a book tower to one corner and incorporating a rolling caddy to house craft supplies, the space is perfectly equipped to use for creative and work purposes any day of the week.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Eclectic Decor

One of the best ways to maximize your money when furnishing one space for several uses is to consider an eclectic style. This creative workstation consists of a variety of midcentury modern and coastal cottage furniture, a transitional table, a geometric rug and industrial-style lighting.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Playful Seating

If you're using your dining space for work purposes, keep things as bright as possible to make the spot more enticing. While the walls and wainscoting are light and neutral with white and dove-gray finishes, the colorful accent pieces stand out and add personality.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Textural Pieces

Mix-and-match seating is a clever way to add creative flair to a workspace. When you're mixing seating styles, consider the textural value of each piece. The molded Eames-style chairs add shape and color, while the woven wicker chairs pull in rich texture.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Graphic Rugs

The quickest way to transform a space is with an area rug, like this flat-weave wool rug. It's lightweight, easy to care for and easy to move around. Any time you're using area rugs in high-traffic spaces, invest in a rug pad to ensure it stays in place and eliminates any trip hazards.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Tabletop Touches

To use the table for artistic purposes, outfit with practical organizers. An upcycled soup can keeps paintbrushes handy, while a tabletop easel allows resident artists to work on their masterpieces.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Keep It Mobile

Keep creative workstations clutter-free by coralling supplies to a mobile office cart. When the area is not in use, crafting supplies can be wheeled away and stored inside of a closet.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #2: Stack 'Em Up

To add height and visual interest, a wooden book tower is added. This is an excellent way to allow your favorite hardbacks to serve double-duty as accessories. The best way to showcase books is to remove the jackets and let their true colors shine.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #3: Yoga Space

A simple drapery swap turns the space into a cool and calming oasis. To outfit the same space as a home gym and yoga space, a comfier underfoot is added along with a collapsible side table perfect for keeping workout routines front and center. Plus, a full-length mirror lets yogis keep an eye on their form.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #3: Chic Storage

Bar carts are one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your home. Of all items in this dining space, the bar cart is the one that remains for all three purposes. Here, it's outfitted as a drink station and a designated spot for keeping fresh towels within arm's reach.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #3: Cool-Down Station

Collapsible leaf tables are perfect for versatile rooms. When the area is in use as a yoga space, the leaves are kept up to offer a spot to cool down post-workout and review progress on a tablet. Stackable chairs can be away when the space is not in use, and a full-length mirror allows for keeping an eye on proper form.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #3: Underfoot Surfaces

Keep stretching comfortable by adding a lightweight wool rug in a calming shade of blue. For extra comfort, yoga mats are layered on top of the rug.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #4: Kids' Play Space

Create a fun space for kids with comfy seating, round tables and color palettes they can grow into. This room is given a playful transformation using punchy earth tones in shades of burnt orange and grassy greens.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #4: Safe Furniture

Thanks to round tabletops, there are no edges or corners for kids to harm themselves.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #4: Playful Patterns

Inject some energy into the play space with a patterned area rug made from durable materials. This rug pulls together the earth-toned color scheme while also adding a touch of modern Southwestern flair to the room.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Look #4: Kid-Friendly Surfaces

Durable metal furnishings are a great fit for spaces occupied by energetic kids. Rather than choosing super shiny, super polished metallic, opt for pieces with weathered finishes which will help camouflage any nicks or dings. Here, a hammered copper finish coordinates with the warm palette and also offers a carefree surface that can easily be wiped clean.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Turn Your Dining Room Into a Flex Space + 3 Looks to Try

Related To:

Shop This Look

Look #1: Casual Dining Room

Look #2: Bright + Inspiring Workspace

Look #2: Eclectic Decor

Look #2: Playful Seating

Look #2: Textural Pieces

Look #2: Graphic Rugs

Look #2: Tabletop Touches

Look #2: Keep It Mobile

Look #2: Stack 'Em Up

Look #3: Yoga Space

Look #3: Chic Storage

Look #3: Cool-Down Station

Look #3: Underfoot Surfaces

Look #4: Kids' Play Space

Look #4: Safe Furniture

Look #4: Playful Patterns

Look #4: Kid-Friendly Surfaces

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