These Are The Best Ways To Use Your Spare Room
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2 months ago
Who says a box room has to be boring?
Whether you’re suffering from empty nest syndrome or just itching to give your home a bit of a makeover, there are plenty of ways you can transform even the smallest spare room. Here’s our pick of some of the best (and most whismical) spare room ideas.
Five Fun Spare Room Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room (or two) and you’re not quite sure how to make use of it, you’re not alone: according to a recent study by David Wilson Homes, a growing number of empty nesters are searching for ways to turn additional space into something innovative (and stylish, naturally).
Of the 500 British homeowners who participated in the survey, 73 percent had a spare room and 51 percent were looking to make better use of it. So, how exactly can you transform your extra space? The most common options are, predictably, a home office or a gym, but if you fancy something a little more unique, check out these spare room ideas, courtesy of Rebekah Earls at Show Business Interiors.
The Craft Workshop
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From art and design to sewing, crocheting and even jewellery-making, plenty of crafty hobbies deserve a dedicated space – especially if you’re in need of storage solutions. When it comes to furniture, however, Rebekah suggests starting with a large desk. ‘Placing a desk in the middle of the room will improve feng shui, help centre your creative energies, and keep your work well lit,’ she explains.
Of course, any artsy workshop isn’t complete without colour, prints and plenty of knick-knacks. ‘Craft rooms need to inspire you, so embrace maximalism and use up available wall space to display your frequently-used tools or paints,’ Rebekah adds. ‘Smart storage, such as pegboards, will add to the creative aesthetic of the room while making the space more functional. Framed artwork or moodboards can also help to inspire creativity.’
The Indoor Garden
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Enjoying the benefits of a spare room doesn’t necessarily mean you alo have the privilege of a large garden – meaning trendy indoor gardens just might be the answer. Even if you don’t feel like dedicating an entire room solely to plants, adding a bit of greenery is always a good idea; just make sure to nail the basics first.
‘If you’re looking to convert your spare room into an indoor garden, you need to make sure your room is getting enough light,’ says Rebekah. ‘You can maximise the amount of light in your room by adding mirrors and keeping a bright colour scheme. White walls will bounce the most light back to your plants, while also providing an aesthetic contrast to green leaves and vibrant flowers.’
Working with a limited floorplan? ‘For those with a smaller spare room, make use of vertical space with hanging planters,’ Rebekah advises.
The Pet Bedroom
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Who needs guest rooms when you can give your pet their very own bedroom instead? It might sound slightly wacky, but it looks like this trend is on the rise: ‘Many people ensure that their furry companion is priority in their life, so it’s no surprise to see pet bedrooms growing in popularity,’ Rebekah muses.
‘Pet bedrooms can sometimes be difficult to design, as they need to be both functional and fun,’ she continues. ‘If you have a smaller animal, I recommend making the most of your vertical space by building ramps and mezzanine structures for your pet to climb onto and explore. You can fill these spaces with different toys, hideaways,or sleeping spaces, making their little room feel much larger to them.’
Practicality is, of course, key here: ‘I’d advise pulling up carpet and opting for a more hard-wearing wood or linoleum floor in your pet’s bedroom – carpets will trap unwanted pet smells and allow them to linger in the home. It’s also important to ensure that floors and furnishings are wipe-clean and durable, and that all paints and materials used are non-toxic and ideally scratch resistant.’
The Zen Den
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Even the most picture-perfect home has its fair share of clutter, but a spare room is a brilliant way to create a zoned-off self-care space. ‘Calming pastels, soft furnishings, and minimalist design can help transform a boring box room into the perfect meditation space,’ says Rebekah. ‘I’d recommend calming blue tones for people who want to relieve stress, and soft yellow hues for those looking to meditate and reflect. Incorporating materials like bamboo and linen can further cultivate a zen ambiance, finished off with calming sensory elements like oil diffusers and incense sticks.’
The Home Library
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‘Home libraries are often seen as a luxury that only appear in sprawling townhouses or extravagant mansions, but there’s nothing stopping you from building your very own personal library in your spare room,’ says Rebekah.
‘While you can always go down the classic library route with rich wooden furnishings and a ‘dark academia’ aesthetic, that’s not the only option’ she adds. ‘Scandi design, for example, can create a brighter reading space, using lighter wood like ash and beech rather than mahogany.’
When it comes to the all-important bookshelves, go for a look that’s both functional and eye-catching. ‘Break up sections of books with interesting sculptures or mini lamp lights,’ Rebekah suggests. Oh, and a comfy armchair is essential, of course.
