Your home is your sanctuary, a place where you can relax, entertain, and be productive. But sometimes, it can be hard to make the most out of your space. We often have at least one room at home that stays empty most of the time, be it the dining room, study, or workout room. While in theory, these rooms are great, if they aren’t serving you, then it’s time to consider a change. Many people forget how easy it can be to alter the function of a room, or even to swap the placement of two rooms to make better use of them. Ask yourself the questions below and if they check out, it might be time for you to give your room a new purpose in 2023.
Do You Have Space For Furniture?
The first consideration in changing the function of a room is whether or not the new space can accommodate your furniture. If you never use your dining room, for example, you might like to convert it into a second living or bonus room. However, does it have the space for a sofa, coffee table and chairs? If not, you can always look into purchasing smaller pieces that will work for the space. Take some time to plan out how you want your new space to look and feel, then choose pieces that match your vision and fit the space. Don’t forget your measuring tape!
Consider the Lighting
Lighting is one of the top reasons why people switch rooms, particularly bedrooms and home offices. Take into consideration the orientation of your room and the number and size of windows. Keep in mind that south-facing rooms receive the best natural light. While you might not realize the difference at first, being in a room that is brightly lit can affect your mood and productivity levels. The biggest room isn’t always the best – sometimes a smaller room with more windows can feel more welcoming. Before you move rooms, be sure that the lighting suits the needs of that particular room. A dark dining room is fine because you can use candlelight, a chandelier, and sconces to light it at night, but a dark office will be miserable.
Is Open Plan an Option?
Open plan living can be a great way to maximize the potential of your space and convert two rooms into one. If you’re someone who rarely uses a formal dining room, an open living room/dining room or kitchen/dining room can help you get more use out of your dining room table. Open plan living decreases the level of formality and brings people together in one area, making it more amenable to modern families. Plus, it is a great solution for entertaining!
Think About Flooring
Flooring is an important part of any room that should be taken into account. For example, if you are turning any room into a workout room, you’ll need to put down specific flooring made from a material like rubber, foam, or carpet to provide the support you need. Or, if you are planning to use a room with hardwood floors as a bedroom, you might want to lay a cozy rug down to warm up the space. No one wants bare feet on a cold floor when they step out of bed in the morning.
Storage Solutions
Another important part of a room that can’t easily be changed is how much storage space it has. If you are planning to convert a room into a guest bedroom, for example, but it doesn’t have a closet, you’ll need to get creative. You can always bring in a free-standing wardrobe or add a clothing rack, but just make sure there is room to do so before starting your room conversion.
Small Changes in the New Year
If you don’t love every room in your house, keep experimenting until you do. Stay creative and flexible – most designers recommend making changes to your rooms every few years to keep things fresh, even if it is just a small tweak here and there. Sometimes swapping two rooms can be exactly what you need to get more use out of them.
Shop the Look
Angel Daybed
The Angel Daybed is a versatile piece for any flex space. Keep it closed for the perfect daybed or slide the trundle out to reveal a twin sleeper.
Aly Slipcovered Hostess Chair
Classic white slipcovered dining chair with an elegant silhouette. Standard with mini welt.
Gunnison Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Terrific for high-traffic areas; kids’ rooms; staircases; muddy messes such as sunrooms, decks, and porches; and any floor that gets wet.
