RC?s Realistic-Fantasy Multi-Purpose Bedroom Challenge

For those of us who probably can?t afford to buy that large Irvine SFR when the time comes; we have to plan on using every square feet available. Think functionability (Ikea) over esthetics (Restoration Hardware). However that doesn?t mean we should go without some of the luxuries that come possible in larger homes. The solution I have come up with is to design a multi-purpose bedroom. I?ll share my ideas and I would like to hear some of yours.



Challenge: The challenge is to try to incorporate as many functions in the same room as possible. The room dimension is a standard secondary bedroom (17? x 14?). It has a standard closet with double sliding/mirror doors with one window.



Here is what I am able to come up with?



#1

Den/Home Office: This would be the main purpose of the room: a C-shape executive desk with file drawers. On one side/table top is the, fax/laser printer/scanner multi-use machine, hooked up to the laptop on the front table side. Wife?s desktop will be on the third table top. One computer chair and two standard chairs on the opposite side. Bookshelves are on the adjacent wall side by side.



#2

Guest Bed-Room: This would be the secondary use of the bedroom. A Costco fold down futon couch/bed combo in the corner. As an office, the futon would be folded up as a seating sofa; as a bed it would be folded down and an air mattress can be used on top. Half of the closet would be used for guests.



#3

Secondary Living Room: From the futon, a guest can view a 52? LCD TV mounted on the opposite wall, above the desk. The futon has two movable cubed ottomans; used as a coffee table and storage bins. The DVD player and a Playstation would be mounted somewhere in a side-table next to the futon.



#4

Home Movie Theater: Also from the futon, the family can watch movies from a pull down/ceiling mounted projector screen. The screen would be mounted, so that when it is pulled down it would be conceal the LCD TV. A projector would be mounted opposite the screen, above the futon. Surround system speakers mounted in room and sub-woofer under desk. The screen could also be used for business presentations. Inputs from the projector will be split between the DVD player and the laptop.



#5

Sitting Room/Reading Room: The third function of the futon can be used as a lounging chair. Good for reading by myself. When hanging out with the wife; we can both use the standard chair with the cubed ottoman as a table; great for reading the papers while sipping our caf? mochas.



#6

Music/Recording Studio: The other half of the closet can be converted to shelving for a miniature recording studio. A small keyboard on the bottom shelf; a mixer and turntables; networked to it's own desktop.



#7

Hobby Room: The wife wants me to throw in a optional folding table for when she does scrapbooking.





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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3371320082_9b94b6b98b_o.jpg" alt="" />

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Learn from the Japanese. Their homes are small and simple. The Zen quality promote simplification and de-cluttering of space. They do not need desks and electronic gadgets in the home but yet they are the producers for some of the best consumer electronics in the world.
 
BK, I couldn't agree more; I really hate a mess and clutter; there is a clear distinction between disorder & practicality; everything still has a place, it's just compact! BTW, how do you like my CAD skills?
 
[quote author="roundcorners" date=1237613570]BK, I couldn't agree more; I really hate a mess and clutter; there is a clear distinction between disorder & practicality; everything still has a place, it's just compact! BTW, how do you like my CAD skills?</blockquote>


Superb!!



I think all the line intersections should be all round corners and not 90 degrees.



Good thinking about duality use of space and now can you organize the various usages and still leave room in the middle for Pilate or yoga without running into furniture.
 
I think the 52" LCD and the projector are redundant.



Just go with a 55" or 65" flat screen HDTV and you cover both options.



You may want to go with an L-desk to give you more internal room.



That 17x10 will look much more cramped when you put all that stuff in.



Interestingly enough, I'm trying to create such a room... the only problem is when you try to add the kiddie play room option... all the other stuff gets destroyed quickly.
 
IHO is right about by combining and thus reducing furniture and TVs. However, where do you put the extras? Of course in the GARAGE.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1237617387]However, where do you put the extras? Of course in the GARAGE.</blockquote>
This fantasy room IS in the 3-car garage... hehe.
 
[quote author="irvine_home_owner" date=1237620309][quote author="bkshopr" date=1237617387]However, where do you put the extras? Of course in the GARAGE.</blockquote>
This fantasy room IS in the 3-car garage... hehe.</blockquote>


FRYING TURKEY sounds like a great fantasy?
 
I forgot the bookshelves, and the two extra seats opposite the desk; I guess I was being ambitious there... I guess you are right about the TV...
 
I think it all falls apart because I hate futons, they remind me of my poor college days. Any way to incorporate one of those great beds that comes out of the wall? Sorry, I have no idea what they are called.
 
[quote author="tmare" date=1237722466]I think it all falls apart because I hate futons, they remind me of my poor college days. Any way to incorporate one of those great beds that comes out of the wall? Sorry, I have no idea what they are called.</blockquote>


They're called "Murphy" beds, and come in all sizes!



<img src="http://www.thegreenhead.com/imgs/murphy_style_pet_bed-1.jpg" alt="" />
 
I would consider a <a href="http://www.relaxtheback.com/contoursleep-sofa-product-6388629-6389762">countour sleep sofa</a> from relax the back but I think that is about three grand...
 
frankly my major concern is all the wiring all of these devices will generate; how much can I hide above the ceiling and behind the walls... I can go with wireless devices as much as I can...
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1237628048][quote author="irvine_home_owner" date=1237620309][quote author="bkshopr" date=1237617387]However, where do you put the extras? Of course in the GARAGE.</blockquote>
This fantasy room IS in the 3-car garage... hehe.</blockquote>


FRYING TURKEY sounds like a great fantasy?</blockquote>
How did you know we fried a turkey in my garage last Thanksgiving?



RC did say:

<blockquote>The challenge is to try to incorporate as many functions in the same room as possible</blockquote>
#8: Deep Fried Foods Room
 
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