Whether you have an extra room because a child has left the nest or you have purchased a spacious home, there are plenty of exciting ways to make the most of it. Here are some bonus room ideas to help you make the most of the space you have. Think about how you can put your own spin on each to keep it in line with your personal style.
For the Adults
Office
Of course, the first of our bonus room ideas is for a home office. With many people still working remotely, it makes sense to create a space where you can work in comfort and privacy—no need to hunker down at the kitchen table. With a home office, you can close the door and focus on your to-do list and Zoom meetings. Opt for an ergonomic chair that allows you to work comfortably if possible! It can make a huge difference in how well you feel after a long day.
Want to share the room with others? Why not add some homework stations so your kids can tackle schoolwork or draw.
Craft Room
If you love a good DIY or envy Martha Stewart’s many makes, then a craft room may be just the project for you. Depending on your crafting preferences, you can find great tables for sewing and quilting or comfortable chaises for knitting, crocheting, and other needlework.
Guest Room
Missing family and friends? Why not have them stay over? A guest room is a great way to make guests feel at home. Who doesn’t like it when Grandma or Grandpa comes to stay?
Now, the issue with a guest room can be how often it just sits empty. Thankfully, there are so many gorgeous convertible couches and even attractive Murphy bed options on the market that you can create a combo guest room/home office without sacrificing style or functionality. Prefer a game room or reading area? It can still function as a guest room with the right furniture!
Home Gym
Not everyone feels comfortable working out in public or has the time to get to the gym. A home gym can help you get to tackle your favorite workouts without having to drive anywhere. Whether you’re a pilates fanatic or a weightlifter, having your preferred equipment within arms reach can make it easier to knock “work out” off your to-do list.
For the Kids
Playroom
Do you know how they say that playing is a kid’s work? Well, that makes a playroom their home office! Putting together a dedicated space for them to let their imaginations run wild has a few benefits. For one, you can corral most of their toys into one space, so you are not picking them up from all over the house. Also, having a dedicated space can teach them about taking care of their things and their space.
Do you have teens or tweens? A teen hangout could be the perfect spot for older kids to get away from their parents while remaining under supervision in a safe environment.
Homeschool Classroom
If you have taken on the job of educating your children, a dedicated space for exploring the world and sharing knowledge is key! Because your home must double as school, having a bonus room dedicated to school activities can help your children unwind once it’s time to relax. Plus, it can help you keep all of your supplies and curricula organized so you can easily keep in any required records needed to meet homeschooling standards for your area.
Creative Lab
Bring that STEM energy home with a space all about experimentation and creation. Whether your kids dig programming or robotics, microscopes or slime, your creative lab can help them set their imaginations free. Think about easy-to-clean surfaces, plenty of storage, and table space for building, chemistry experiments, art projects, and a whole lot more. You can even decorate with posters and prints featuring the subjects that interest your kids, like the periodic table, the animal classification system, and a whole lot more.
For the Family
Gameroom
Do you enjoy doing puzzles together, contemplating strategy games, or just exploring various card and board games? In that case, you can put together the perfect room for working collaboratively with a large enough table for everyone to comfortably sit around. If video games are the family fave, then think about how to bring them to life with a sound system, large screen, and even interactive seating, or opt for arcade games and classics like foosball, air hockey, and pool. Roll the dice, hit the ball into the corner pocket, or zoom around the digital racetrack—any of the games that bring your family together can make a great centerpiece for a room.
Media Room
Create an interactive space with all of your favorite media. With blackout curtains and a surround sound system, you can create an immersive movie-watching or video-game-playing experience. It can also be a relaxing space to enjoy your favorite tunes at the end of a long day. Include some instruments (and maybe some soundproofing), so you can make music and other content and not just enjoy it.
Reading Nook
If you have a family who loves books, why not create a small library and reading nook? Think comfy chairs and all things huge—cushy cushions, furry blankets, candles. You can take inspiration from your favorite libraries, bookstores, and movies to design a spot that keeps you cozy while you indulge your favorite pageturners.
Meditation Room
Want to bring those zen vibes closer to home? Everyone can benefit from a soothing, calming space. A meditation, yoga, or reflection room can be the perfect spot for starting your day in the right mindset or winding down after a long day. Large floor cushions, yoga mats, and other accessories can help you delve deeper into your practice and introduce your family to the benefits. This is the perfect room for an essential oil diffuser, favorite candles, or salt lamp.
Whatever direction you choose, think about what will make the most sense for you and your family. What type of room fits with your goals or will help you feel like you have enlarged your living space?
If you have been brainstorming your bonus room ideas and are just lacking that spare space, give me a call. I’d love to get you set up in a larger home so you can bring your ideas into reality.