Sometimes you find that you don't use a room in your house for its original purpose. If this is the case, it might be wise to think about transforming this space into an area that you will use. This concept is becoming more and more popular as people realize that they don't always need a formal living room or dining room or perhaps another room in their home. These unused spaces can be transformed easily into any kind of room that your family needs. Sometimes, we can use this space to increase the size of another room, such as expanding the family room or perhaps the kitchen.
Think about your own home. When was the last time you used your formal dining room? Is your living room actually larger than your family room? Would it be more comfortable for you and your family if the kitchen was enlarged, providing more space for your family dinners? What if the living room became the new family room? For some, it may take some time to get used to thinking outside the box. In the end, the builder's floor plan may designate the room for dining, but it's up to you to assign a use for the space based on how your family lives.
In our experience, the family room and dining room are two of the most popular areas that are repurposed. This valuable square footage might be better used as a home office space or perhaps a library or even an extra bedroom. If you have often wished that you had an office, a library or some other special type of room, it might be time to transform a room that is rarely used into something you truly need. Here are a few steps you might take to make sure that this new room flows with the rest of your home and doesn't appear as an afterthought.
1. Decide on the New Purpose
Think carefully about how each of the current spaces and rooms in your home are used. Do you lack a good workspace or office? Do you need space for a large book collection? Have you always dreamed of owning a grand piano, but don't really have a good space for it currently? Now take a look at that room you rarely use. Can it be made to function for another purpose? After you have pondered these questions, contact a professional interior designer for a second opinion. Consulting with a trained professional can be the easiest way to decide what will work in your home.
2. Consider All Of The Essential Alterations
Now that you have decided the purpose of the room, how will you transform the space? Do you need storage? Are you considering new cabinetry? What type of flooring will suit your needs? You also need to think about lighting and electricity. Consider the layout of the new room and ensure that you have the proper type of lighting and access to power outlets in the right locations. And of course privacy is an important factor. If you're creating a home office for your business, do you need doors for additional privacy?
While you certainly have plenty of good ideas, consulting a professional can ensure that the end product is exactly right. After all, a professional not only has a great sense of design, they also have worked with a variety of contractors and understand the challenges of making structural changes or doing electrical work. In addition, every detail will be addressed from small decorative touches that make a big impact to the details regarding lighting, flooring, paint, cabinets and how to make the room as functional as possible.
3. Layering The Decorative Elements
While the construction and electrical work is important, the fun part of the design process is getting an opportunity to truly infuse your personality into this update space. Your designer can help you layer all of the important elements of design. This includes helping you choose furniture, wall treatments, window treatments and decorative types of lighting that all function together beautifully.
Another reason designers are needed is because they can help make the new room flow well into the nearby rooms in your home. With careful choices in regards to color and fabric designs, your room can enhance the overall design of your home.
Think about your own home. When was the last time you used your formal dining room? Is your living room actually larger than your family room? Would it be more comfortable for you and your family if the kitchen was enlarged, providing more space for your family dinners? What if the living room became the new family room? For some, it may take some time to get used to thinking outside the box. In the end, the builder's floor plan may designate the room for dining, but it's up to you to assign a use for the space based on how your family lives.
In our experience, the family room and dining room are two of the most popular areas that are repurposed. This valuable square footage might be better used as a home office space or perhaps a library or even an extra bedroom. If you have often wished that you had an office, a library or some other special type of room, it might be time to transform a room that is rarely used into something you truly need. Here are a few steps you might take to make sure that this new room flows with the rest of your home and doesn't appear as an afterthought.
1. Decide on the New Purpose
Think carefully about how each of the current spaces and rooms in your home are used. Do you lack a good workspace or office? Do you need space for a large book collection? Have you always dreamed of owning a grand piano, but don't really have a good space for it currently? Now take a look at that room you rarely use. Can it be made to function for another purpose? After you have pondered these questions, contact a professional interior designer for a second opinion. Consulting with a trained professional can be the easiest way to decide what will work in your home.
2. Consider All Of The Essential Alterations
Now that you have decided the purpose of the room, how will you transform the space? Do you need storage? Are you considering new cabinetry? What type of flooring will suit your needs? You also need to think about lighting and electricity. Consider the layout of the new room and ensure that you have the proper type of lighting and access to power outlets in the right locations. And of course privacy is an important factor. If you're creating a home office for your business, do you need doors for additional privacy?
While you certainly have plenty of good ideas, consulting a professional can ensure that the end product is exactly right. After all, a professional not only has a great sense of design, they also have worked with a variety of contractors and understand the challenges of making structural changes or doing electrical work. In addition, every detail will be addressed from small decorative touches that make a big impact to the details regarding lighting, flooring, paint, cabinets and how to make the room as functional as possible.
3. Layering The Decorative Elements
While the construction and electrical work is important, the fun part of the design process is getting an opportunity to truly infuse your personality into this update space. Your designer can help you layer all of the important elements of design. This includes helping you choose furniture, wall treatments, window treatments and decorative types of lighting that all function together beautifully.
Another reason designers are needed is because they can help make the new room flow well into the nearby rooms in your home. With careful choices in regards to color and fabric designs, your room can enhance the overall design of your home.
About the Author:
Vickie Daeley likes writing and sharing her knowledge in interior design. For further info about an Orange county interior designer or to find an Anaheim Hills interior decorator, go to the Interior Affairs site now.