What to Do with an Extra Room in Your House

Turning a spare room into a vibrant, useful part of your home can really enhance your living space. Let HomePerch help you explore all of the possibilities.

Designing Your Ideal Home Office

Creating the perfect home office means choosing a spot that inspires productivity while ensuring comfort and functionality. Let’s make your workspace both inviting and efficient.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Prioritize natural light by situating your desk near a window to boost your mood and energy levels. If you have the option, installing French doors can offer both privacy and ample light, enhancing your space aesthetically and functionally.

Furnishing for Function and Comfort

  • Desk: Choose a desk that suits your workflow – spacious for multitaskers or a sleeker design for a minimalist setup.
  • Chair: Invest in an ergonomic chair that supports good posture, which is pivotal for those long work sessions.
  • Bookshelves: Floating shelves or floor-to-ceiling bookcases keep resources handy and your office organized.

Organizing for Maximum Productivity

  • Declutter Regularly: Keep only what you need within arm’s reach to maintain a tidy office space.
  • Categorize: Use drawer dividers and label makers for a neat storage system.
  • Vertical Solutions: Wall-mounted boards and shelves utilize vertical space, making organization a breeze and your home office a place where ideas flow freely.

Creating Leisure and Entertainment Spaces

Transform your extra room into a media room; it’s the ultimate retreat to enjoy your favorite films. Picture a projector screen or a large TV complemented by a surround sound system for a home theater experience. Comfy seating and blackout curtains will make movie marathons an event to remember.

Or, consider the thrills of a game room stocked with interactive options. A pool table or foosball table can stand at the center, while shelves around the edges display an array of board games, ensuring that your space can adjust to any entertainment whim.

If music is your muse, create a serene music room. Hang your instruments as art, have a dedicated listening area, and include comfortable seating to lose yourself in melodies. A reading nook in one corner, with a stylish bookshelf for your book collection, can be your sanctuary for literary adventures.

For a refreshing change, why not a home gym? Equip it with the essentials: a yoga mat, dumbbells, and perhaps a stationary bike. After a good workout, the space can double as a hangout spot where you and your friends can cool down and catch up.

Crafting Spaces for Health and Wellness

Creating a special area in your home dedicated to health and wellness can be transformative. These spaces can serve as personal retreats for physical activity, relaxation, and mental clarity.

Building a Home Gym

To build your home gym, start by choosing the right equipment that fits both your space and workout preferences. Consider essentials like a treadmill, weights, and a yoga mat to cover a range of exercises. Organize the space to allow free movement, and consider adding a mirror to monitor your form.

Designing a Spa Retreat

Turn a spare room into a spa retreat for ultimate relaxation at home. Install a comfortable massage chair and a small sauna or steam room if space permits. Use calming colors and soft lighting to create a serene atmosphere, and enhance the space with aromatherapy diffusers filled with relaxing scents like lavender or eucalyptus.

Setting up a Meditation and Yoga Sanctuary

Create your own meditation and yoga sanctuary by selecting a quiet corner free of distractions. Essential elements might include a comfortable cushion or meditation bench and space for your yoga mat. Enrich the room with natural elements like plants or a small fountain for their calming sounds, and use shelves to keep inspirational reading material or meditation guides within reach.

Planning for Guests and Multi-Functional Rooms

Transforming an extra room in your house into a guest bedroom offers a welcoming space for visitors while maximizing your home’s functionality. Fitting a sofa bed into the design allows the room to serve double-duty as a family room or living area when not hosting guests. Flex rooms have the advantage of adapting to your needs over time, so consider adding versatile furniture like ottomans with storage or a foldable desk that can transition the space from a craft room to a makeshift office.

To accommodate family time, set up modular shelves that can hold both board games for playful nights and linens for overnight stays. Think about the potential of the room evolving into a nursery or a meditation space, and choose decor that is neutral and calming, allowing for an easy transition between functions. Lastly, dedicate a corner as a craft room where creativity can flourish without impeding the room’s primary function as a comfortable guestroom. Keep in mind that multi-functional doesn’t mean cluttered; effective storage solutions are your best friends in keeping the space tidy and welcoming.

Maximizing Storage and Utilization of Extra Space

Transform your spare room into a walk-in closet where you’ll neatly organize your clothes and accessories. Add shelves, drawers, and rods to customize the storage to suit your wardrobe perfectly.

Think about crafting a home library, a personal retreat lined with bookshelves, a comfy chair, and good lighting to enjoy your collection. If you have a creative streak, turn the extra space into a studio for art, music, or writing, providing a dedicated area to pursue your hobbies without cluttering the rest of your home.

Consider a well-equipped laundry room with storage units and folding areas to streamline your household chores. For a multi-purpose solution, design a flexible hobby room with modular furniture that can adapt to various activities, such as crafting, exercising, or relaxing.

If you’re seeking to increase your home’s value, think about converting attics, basements, or garages, as they offer ample space for a variety of transformations. You can establish a dressing room with a vanity or even turn your porch into a serene outdoor retreat. With a touch of innovation, any extra room can enhance your home’s functionality and appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I transform an unused bedroom into a functional space?

Start by considering what your lifestyle lacks: a quiet home office, a craft room, or perhaps a personal gym. Equip the room with the essentials for your chosen activity, like a sturdy desk and ergonomic chair for an office or yoga mats and weights for a workout space.

What are some creative ways to utilize an extra room in my home?

Think outside the box—convert it into a cozy library with wall-to-wall bookshelves or a game room complete with a pool table and vintage arcade machines. Tailor it to be a place where you can pursue hobbies that make you happiest.

Are there any unique ideas for setting up a bonus room upstairs?

Capitalize on the seclusion by creating a meditation retreat or music room insulated for sound. The upstairs bonus room can be your escape, equipped with anything from floor cushions for meditation to soundproofing for impromptu jam sessions.

What options do I have for making money from a spare room?

Consider renting it out on a short-term lodging site or starting a home-based business, like a small craft studio or a private tutoring space. Ensure it’s welcoming and functional to attract guests or clients.

How can I make the most of the additional space in my living room?

Segment the room with room dividers or furniture to carve out a dedicated area. This could be a reading nook with a comfy chair and lamp or a sleek workspace with a compact desk tucked into the corner.

What are some space-saving solutions for a small flex room?

Opt for multifunctional furniture, like a Murphy bed that folds away, or a fold-down desk. Install shelves up high to keep floor space open, giving you a room that can change with your needs.

Written by Laurie Graves

Laurie is a 50-something wife and boy mom, who loves to share easy recipes, DIY home ideas, and food hacks. She truly believes that with a little inspiration, anyone can make their home and meals feel special.