3 in 1: Creating a Calm, Productive Sanctuary: A Multi-Use Room Design

The brief was to create a “world of its own” for a client who needed one room to fulfil three distinct functions: a home office, a gym, and a wellness retreat. The space, located in a north-west-facing part of the home, receives limited natural light throughout the day, apart from late afternoon sun. Originally, the room felt disjointed, clinical, and overcrowded (even though there wasn't much in it!). Our goal was to transform it into a cohesive, calming environment with a dark, cosy, and zen-like atmosphere—without compromising on functionality.

Zoning

The primary challenge was to keep as much floor space clear as possible to allow for exercise. We carefully considered spatial zoning and clever furniture placement to ensure the room didn’t feel crammed. Each functional zone was thoughtfully defined: a standing desk paired with pegboard wall storage formed the home office area; a “zen wall” created a visually soothing focal point; and the gym zone was marked by a pull-up frame and a chalkboard for workouts and motivation.

Design choices

We chose a rich, dark forest green as the base colour for the walls—a custom-mixed Dulux Heritage velvet matt paint that offers a perfectly flat, non-reflective finish. This colour helped us embrace the natural light limitations of the room rather than work against them. Dark moody interiors have been gaining popularity, and this project illustrates how embracing a room’s natural conditions can enhance the final design. During the 3D visualisation phase, we simulated sunlight throughout the day to reassure the client that the dark palette would not make the space feel oppressive. On the contrary, the result was warm and enveloping.

To balance the depth of the green, we incorporated lighter elements such as sheer green curtains that soften the window area without overwhelming it visually. The layering of textures and tones throughout the room was essential in creating a tranquil yet grounded ambience.

A key design feature was the use of faux greenery, which brings the calming presence of nature into the space without requiring ongoing maintenance. Wall-mounted mirrors were also strategically placed to bounce light around the room and give an increased sense of depth.

Adding textures

Wooden wall panelling from The Panel Company was used to create a window nook area, creating a focal point and adding warmth and natural forest tones. These vertical lines were repeated throughout the room for example in the cabinet doors. This created a sense of cohesion and rhythm. We fully customised and cut the panelling to fit the space. To see how we did it, read our blog post detailing the exact process we undertook.

For the office zone, we selected a tan leather bar stool with a black metal frame—a practical and stylish choice that complements the overall colour scheme. The stool pairs seamlessly with the standing desk, providing flexibility for working either seated or standing. Finally, task lighting was added to ensure the office area is well-lit for productivity, without disrupting the mood of the space.

Final Thoughts

This project is a prime example of how thoughtful zoning, smart use of colour, and careful material selection can turn a single room into a multi-functional sanctuary—one that supports work, movement, and rest in equal measure.