Do you have a room in your home that isn’t getting much use? I am a huge believer that our homes should reflect how we live 90% of the time.

For example, if you only have guests twice a year, perhaps a dedicated guest room isn’t necessary. Maybe that room would be better used as a yoga room that is used daily with a pull out sofa bed or murphy bed?

Remember, you don’t need a license to rezone your spaces.

During a consultation, my client and I discussed a need for space for the kids to do homework and hang out after school. While we were on the house tour, it was obvious that they were never going to use the formal dining room for its intended use. It was already lacking a table and chairs.

Since this room was immediately off the foyer and across from the family room, it had to flow with the rest of the home. We also decided that a lot of closed storage was needed so that the room could be tidied quickly and give a great first impression from the foyer.

The family room had an industrial and eclectic style that I repeated in this space. The desks and bookcases provided great vertical storage, while the area rug and roman shades added softness and colour.

I chose to use free-standing furniture as opposed to permanently built in so that the space could easily convert back to a dining room if their lifestyle changed.

Resale value

It is always important if you are changing the function of a room to keep resale in mind. If the changes aren’t permanent, it can always be staged to reflect its original purpose.

Do you have square footage in your home that isn’t getting much use? I know I am seriously considering changing my guest room into a yoga studio! What do you think Mom, would you mind sleeping on a nice pull out sofa?

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