Create flexible spaces in your home

A need for adaptability in our domestic and work lives calls for a little creativity on the home front. Follow our lead to seamlessly create flexible spaces that merge rooms and functions, then make it personal with colours and artworks drawn from nature.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Divide and conquer

Keep the airy feel of open-plan living while creating distinct zones for living and dining, or a breakaway zone for working. “The room divider built from dowels is a straightforward project for D.I.Y.ers,” says stylist Lucy Lithgow. “It’s a simple way to define and zone off areas – like living and dining – so people can have their own distinct spaces, but also feel connected to the rest of the family.” The dining area can also perform as a work or study space. 

How to transform a room into a wellness retreat

One upside of the pandemic has been the increased focus on wellbeing and health. Wellness can be incorporated in the home with flexible spaces that can be used for recreation and relaxation, or with dedicated areas for music, reading or hobbies. With modular shelving and versatile colour choices, these rooms can evolve with you as your interests change. “Dulux Mokai Canyon is a beautiful colour,” says Lucy. “It’s fun and great for a music space, but also calming for a yoga or relaxation room.” Update vintage vinyl to suit your scheme by painting the label or using a sticker or coloured adhesive vinyl.

Bold bedroom wall colours and settings

Take pressure off the bathroom with a bespoke beauty bar in the bedroom, complete with storage for grooming and make-up essentials. Settle it in place with a glamorous mirror to reflect bold berry-toned walls, indoor plants and natural wood and weaves. “We’ve drenched the room in deep berry on all the walls and soft pink accents on pots and bed linen to give the room a cosy cocoon quality,” says Lucy.

D.I.Y. decor

Botanical artwork

Create an original nature-inspired painting using leaves collected from your garden. Use a paintbrush or roller to paint the canvas face and edges in a dark base colour, and allow to dry. Working on a drop sheet and wearing gloves, put a leaf on a plate, then paint with a contrasting colour, ensuring even coverage. Carefully lift the leaf and press it, paint side down, onto the canvas. Gently remove the leaf. Continue painting and printing leaves and flowers to create a vibrant autumn artwork. Allow to dry completely.

Side table

Make a space cohesive by using paint to transform accessories. To build a stylish side table, sand a round pine panel, use a water-based primer, then finish with a couple of coats of paint in your chosen colour and attach hairpin legs.

Macramé hanging pot stand

For a low-cost, big-impact decorative feature that brings a touch of retro chic to any area, macramé fits the bill. All you need for this quick craft project is cotton cord, a key ring and a circular tray. What’s knot to love?

Tools and materials

• 4mm macramé cord
• 50mm key ring
• 300mm x 23mm round panel
• Rubber band
• Scissors
• Tape measure

1. Make a cow hitch knot

Measure and cut six 2800mm and four 700mm lengths of macramé cord. Fold a 2800mm length in half, loop the fold over a 50mm metal ring then feed the tails through and pull to form a cow hitch knot. Repeat with remaining 2800mm lengths.

2. Form wrap knot

Divide all 12 hanging cords into three sections of four each. Take one section and at the top use a 700mm length of cord to form a wrap knot, wrapping the cord five times, then trim excess cord. Repeat with the remaining two sections.

3. Base wrap

Measure 1000mm from the ring down the hanging cords and wrap a rubber band tightly around the cords at this point. Use the last 700mm length of cord to form a wrap knot to cover the band, wrapping the cord five times, then trim excess cord.

4. Insert panel

Trim the ends of the hanging cords and unravel slightly to form a tassel. Suspend the hanger by its ring, separate the cord sections and insert a 300mm round panel at the base, adjusting the cord sections so they are evenly spaced around the edge.

Keep in mind...

• For extra stability, hot-glue the base cords to the underside of the round panel. When using a hot-glue gun, wear eye protection and a mask, work in a well-ventilated area, then place the appliance on its stand after use and allow it to cool down before storage. Do not leave unattended while in use or directly after use.

• Install hangers out of reach of children and pets. To prevent water leakage, use cache pots or saucers.

Need a change of scenery?

Use paint to update a useful piece of furniture and add a pop of colour to your space.

Photo credit: Reuben Looi.