How to Design Your Flex Space

Start with the Function: What Do You Need This Room to Do?

Flex spaces can be just that — flexible. But the key to a successful design is choosing a primary purpose. Is it a sitting room? A music room? A reading area? A work-from-home nook?

In this design, we turned the space into a cozy yet elevated conversation area — perfect for greeting guests, enjoying morning coffee, or winding down with family. Two tufted barrel chairs facing each other around a round coffee table create the perfect setup for meaningful connection without overwhelming the space.

Tip: If you try to make the space serve too many roles, it can easily feel cluttered. Keep the function focused, and let that guide your layout.

Define the Space with Texture and Pattern

Because flex rooms are often open to the entryway, defining the area visually is key. This space uses an 8x10 textured diamond-pattern rug to create a sense of zone and purpose. A subtle, organic wallpaper adds depth to the walls without competing with the rest of the home.

Design Insight: A rug is one of the best tools to anchor floating furniture. Pair it with wall treatments (like wallpaper, wainscoting, or large-scale art) to give the space its own identity while still feeling cohesive with the main areas of your home.

Use High-Impact Pieces to Make the Space Feel Designed

The trick to avoiding a “forgotten room” look is to treat the space like a feature area. In this design, dramatic 108” velvet curtains in Distance Blue frame the window and instantly elevate the room. A modern bubble chandelier adds sculptural interest and fills the vertical space with soft light.

We also included:

  • An oversized arched mirror layered above a sculptural black console

  • Brass sconces for symmetry and warmth

  • A relocated gallery wall with art lighting to personalize the space

Styling Note: These intentional moments — like the console vignette and gallery wall — help the room feel finished, not just “filled.”

Connect the Entryway and Flex Space with Seamless Style

One of the biggest challenges with flex rooms is flow. Since they’re often visible from the entryway or main hallway, it’s important that the design speaks to the rest of the home.

We tied the two areas together with:

  • A shared color palette of soft taupes, warm woods, and rich navy

  • Consistent lighting finishes (brass and black)

  • A pedestal entry table styled with a blue ceramic vase and natural branches

This allows the entry and flex space to feel like one harmonious story — while still giving each area its own personality.

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