OPTIMIZE UNUSED SPACE IN YOUR HOME
May 16, 2021
DREAMING OF A HOUSE EXPANSION BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME, MONEY, OR RESOURCES? WISHING FOR A DESIGNATED ROOM OR CORNER TO USE AS OFFICE SPACE, EXERCISE DEN, OR MEDITATION AREA? MAYBE YOU HAVE AWKWARD SPACE IN YOUR HOUSE THAT IS EITHER UNFINISHED, UNUSED OR BEING USED INEFFICIENTLY?
Over the course of the past year, people have been spending more and more time in their houses. Whether they are working from home, teaching their kids, or just trying to relax, everyone is feeling the need for updated and rejuvenated spaces. Or maybe the normalcy of working from home has grown on you and it is becoming a permanent option? We have some tips for creating the useable spaces you need, with areas of your home already available!
Have a spare room that seems to just be a “catch all’ for your clutter, paper work, and items you are not ready to give away? This could be a great place to get some piece and quiet and be away from the center of the house where the hustle and bustle of the day is. Set up a home office, study, or exercise room. Having a separate room for these parts of your life also contributes to higher productivity and less opportunity for distractions.
When designing a home office, learning space, or workout area, do so in a way that allows you to concentrate best. If working on an office, include a home library if reading inspires you. For any type of working space, painting it a calming color like blue, an energizing yellow hue, or an orange that sparks creativity can allow your mind to reach it’s fullest potential.
Don’t want to give up a potential guest bedroom? It is easy enough to combine the two, keeping a desk or exercise machine/weights on one side and a bed with small dresser on the other. This allows you to maximize the space in your home.
The best ways to make this room combo work? ORGANIZE. Label compartments for different documents or other paper work, and make sure to throw away any unneeded papers when you can (or even better, if it is a feasible option – go paperless!). Also, consider upgrading your multiple office machines into one. The faxing, printing, and copying machine? Buy an option that combines all these tasks in one machine! These tips will keep the room free from clutter and easier to use in whatever function you choose.
We suggest sticking to spare or guest rooms when combining with a home office instead of your personal bedroom. Working from your bedroom can make it difficult to stop thinking about work when it is time to relax. Your laptop might call to you when you are supposed to be “out of the office” and will lead to a less than optimal work/life balance.
Don’t have a room to spare in your house? Living rooms can also be a great choice to double into a home office.
Have a spacious living area and an open floor plan? This room concept makes it easier to place a desk behind the sofa. Add a lamp and a swivel chair, and you are ready to clock in for the day.
Have an alternative nook or cranny in your living area that is currently dead space? Place a small desk there, with some art or a plant to create a subtle workspace that fits in with the rest of your décor and aesthetic. Looking for somewhere with a bit more privacy and quiet? Add a room divider, bookshelf, or a curtain to divide a room and maintain some “office hours”.
Have an oversized hallway leading from one room to another? Place a desk in the extra space. You can even decorate it to look like a console table when not in use with a mirror, some flowers, or candles.
Unfinished space within your home, for example an area in your basement or a useable attic, can also be remodeled or updated into a work space without having to put too much time, effort, or money into the project.
Wall shelving can be a helpful tool in any space you are trying to convert into a working space. They don’t require a lot of room and are easy to install. Used to hold important papers or decorative photos, they are good for either occupational purposes or when you want to disguise an office setup.
Lighting is also a crucial piece of ensuring your workspace is usable and effective. It is beneficial to have both good natural and good artificial light sources in order to work effectively. Natural light can help save on energy bills, improve mood, and decrease fatigue. When natural light is not an option or you need a little extra illumination, it is good to have some bright overhead lighting as well as desk lamps to help you see small type up close.
With just these few tips you can create the spaces you long for with the room you already have. Have additional questions regarding how to optimize your space or need a little help with painting, shelf installation, handyman or remodeling tasks? Let us know how we can help!