ENHANCED environment

Make Unused Rooms Functional Again

BY AUDREY SELLERS

Do you have a spare room at your house that you’re tired of using as a dumping ground for odds and ends? Maybe your teen has flown the nest, or you’ve moved into a bigger home with more living space. Whatever your situation, if you have an unused room, you can make it functional and beautiful for your family. Read on for some ideas to make the most of your space and enhance your home’s environment.

MAKE A GUEST BEDROOM

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a designated room ready to go for overnight guests or family members visiting for the summer? Whether you add a full bedroom set for a hotel-like experience or a futon or day bed, you can turn an unused room into a home away from home for your friends and loved ones.

PRODUCE A MUSIC ROOM

Is there a budding musician in your family? Breathe new life into an empty room by dedicating it as a practice room for playing the drums, guitar, piano, or another instrument.Use instruments as décor or frame sheet music for art. Add acoustic panels to help deaden the sound.

ENGINEER A WALK-IN CLOSET

Always dreamed of having a spacious place to store your shoes and hang your hats? Turn an unused room into a walk-in closet with wooden rods and floating shelves and cabinets. Or go all-out with a custom closet system.

CUSTOMIZE A LOUNGE AREA

The great thing about having a bonus room is that you can use it however you want. By creating a lounge area with a cozy armchair or relaxing chaise lounge, you can use the space to take a nap, read a book, or unwind with a glass of wine.

If you have a room that’s just collecting dust or storing random items, reimagine the possibilities. From a personal workout studio to a lounge area, you can turn it into a functional and inviting space that enhances your home and enriches your life.

SET UP A HOME MOVIE THEATER

Transform an unused room into a personal home cinema with plush seating and a big-screen TV or projector. Add a popcorn maker and mini fridge for the ultimate spot to enjoy a movie or a big game.

USE FLEX SPACE AS A FITNESS STUDIO

An empty room can become an at-home gym with equipment like free weights, a yoga mat, and a treadmill. To give it a customized feel, add candles for yoga practice, mirrors on the walls, and stationary fans to keep things cool.

CONSTRUCT A PLAYROOM

If you have young kids at home or your grandkids regularly visit, turn an unused room into a kids’ fun zone. Bring in a small table and chairs for kids to draw or make crafts. Spark creativity with a chalkboard wall or add a swinging chair from the ceiling for the coolest upgrade.

DESIGN AN ENTERTAINMENT ROOM

Add a pool or foosball table to the center of the room and a dartboard mounted to the wall, and you have the makings for an epic entertainment space. Whether your family is into ping-pong or arcade games, you can customize the space to suit your crew’s favorite activities.

SMALL-SPACE ENHANCEMENTS

Have an empty corner or an awkward nook? Try these ideas:

Make a reading nook. Add custom cushions and a few pillows, and you have a cozy spot for curling up with a good book.
Create a seating nook. Transform an empty corner into a conversation area with a set of chairs and a small table.
Build a bar station. Turn some blank space in your home into a bar station. Just add a bar cart stocked with bar essentials, and you’re ready to entertain.
Design a dresser nook. Dressers are greatfor filling tight or awkward spaces and providing some helpful storage. Add a lamp on top and some wall art above, and you have a stylish spot instead of an empty area.
Craft a hideaway nook. Hang curtains to transform a small unused space into a hideaway nook. You can store your kids’ backpacks or family board games in this spot and close the curtains for a clean look.