Stepping inside the home of Kristin Tharpe feels a bit like seeing the world through the discerning eye of a designer. Every object seems to have a story behind it, and each is placed with thoughtful consideration. So when the challenges of COVID-19 presented the mother of two with a need for a flexible space for pandemic-era living, there was no exception. “Work-life balance has taken on a new meaning over the past year,” Tharpe says. “We’re all juggling a lot right now, so the idea of balance is valid, if not imperative.”
Tharpe set out to create an authentic space that was functional and stylish while meeting her family’s need for flexibility—a place to manage virtual learning while catching up on emails, as well as one that would lend a stylish background for Zoom meetings. “To say it’s a multitasking space is an understatement,” she says. “When not working you might catch me reading a book or sipping a latte in the space. We also use it to play board games.”
Tharpe spells out some key design elements to keep in mind when creating your own multipurpose space.
SPACE Often considered the foundation, consider the three dimensions of space: length, width, and height. Use both positive space (containing objects) and negative space (open and empty) to create balance.
LIGHT Light is the means by which we can see our surrounding environment. Natural (sunlight) and artificial (man-made) contribute to the overall feel of a space.
TEXTURE Texture can be found in how something feels or looks, and can apply to many things, including fabrics, flooring, wallcoverings, and more. It can be perceived to have movement and areas of light and dark.
LINE Used to create perspective or suggest movement, lines (horizontal, vertical, and dynamic) make up the shape or outline of most everything. They are active in encouraging your eyes to move in a certain direction. Lines are how the brain perceives space.
CREATE Your SPACE Tharpe shares some tips and ideas to help you fashion your own at-home flexible space.
“Lately, I've been loving grasscloth wallcoverings and all the variety out there. They provide visual texture and great movement.”
Extra Fine Arrowroot Wallcovering in Mineral / to the trade / phillipjeffries.com
“I’m currently crushing on the Linton table from Highland House. It’s a great form, and the ribbed detail around the tabletop is perfect!”
Linton Breakfast Table / to the trade / highlandhousefurniture.com
“Pillows add volume, pattern, and texture to a space. Layering is an important part of my aesthetic, and having access to different patterns, colors, and sizes makes a difference.”
Bagha Fabric in Natural / $188 / virginiakraft.com
“The quality and performance of fabrics is pivotal. I prefer one that doesn’t look or feel like an indoor-outdoor fabric."
Piet Performance Linen in Storm / to the trade / fschumacher.com
“Ensuring a proper balance of natural and man-made lighting is essential. You need to adequately see what you are working on. Light can also be used to highlight or diffuse a specific area or piece of art.”
Alice Sconce / $465 / visualcomfort.com
“Art can speak volumes or be subtle. It’s subjective and typically personal. Whatever the piece, it should evoke meaning.”
Winter Azalea / price upon request / sarahboytsyoder.com
“I’m clearly a fan of the multitasking banquette. With multiple size options and details available, it’s a great choice.”
Martine Banquette / to the trade / hickorychair.com