Often when purchasing a new home – or building a custom home – there are a few rooms in the house that are flex space, or spare rooms. While many people choose to make these rooms bedrooms, there are many creative ways to utilize flex space in your home.
From spare rooms to empty space, here are some ideas we love, which will make your home uniquely yours.
Transform Spare Rooms into Something Special
- Create a Cozy Cocktail Bar: If entertaining is your favorite thing to do, why not create an intimate gathering space, complete with a fully stocked bar, low lighting, stereo sound and comfy seating? Add a television for sports games or reality TV binge watching with the girls, and yours will be the go-to home for relaxing with friends.
- Imagine a Design Studio: With the rise of Pinterest-inspired projects, many homeowners are embracing DIY and arts and crafts like never before. Instead of trying to hide supplies in cabinets and under counter tops, why not design an artist studio/arts and crafts space? When you are done creating, simply close the door and walk away!
- Escape to your Own Yoga Studio: You don’t need a lot of space, machines or equipment. Simply install a wall-to-wall mirror, paint a serene color, and add a few mats, beautiful plants and lighting for ambiance. It will be your own personal spa.
- Library and Reading Nook: If you love to read, why settle for the corner of the couch? Create a cozy reading nook, with comfortable seating, rows of your favorite books, and plenty of light to prevent eye-strain if you can’t help but read late into the evening. This quiet room is sure to become the go-to spot for reading, studying, or just contemplating your day.
- Give Your Pets a Haven: Most homes are not exactly designed for pets, and they are often told to stay off this or that. Imagine their delight at having a space all their own. Create areas for climbing, for play, for rest – and encourage them to lie on any piece of furniture they choose. You may want to choose a room with big windows to let in lots of fresh air, as well as to keep musty smells to a minimum.
- Go to the Movies: Add room darkening shades, a big screen TV and a few recliners, and you’ve got your own personal movie theater. Don’t forget an old fashioned popcorn machine, and a mini-fridge for drinks – and you’ll be screening the hottest films with your family and friends on a regular basis.
- Create a File Room We all accumulate thousands of documents over the years, as well as nostalgic school projects, favorite old photographs, and letters from years ago. Instead of relegating these important items to boxes in the garage, create a functional and beautiful file room. Browse catalogs for unique file cabinets and space savers, and you’ll always know where to find that piece of paper when you need to. Add lighting and seating for if you need to peruse through some old documents- or simply get caught up in looking through photos of your wedding.
- Make a Seasonal Closet – Walk in closets are all the rage, so why not use spare rooms to be overflow closets? Move all your coats and boots into this room once springtime hits, or hide away all of your beach gear through the winter. It will free up your normal closet space, and allow your seasonal clothes and accessories to be stored in a convenient and clean space.
If you decide you need all your spare rooms for guests, but still want to incorporate some of these ideas, ask your custom home builder to add a murphy bed to any room. This is the best way to accommodate guests when they arrive, but effectively utilize your space for your hobbies and passions throughout the rest of the year.
Do you have creative ideas you want to incorporate in your new Longboat Key home? Call the professional custom home builders of Lindahl Construction. We will help you to turn your vision into reality.