Your Unused Spaces Can Become Your Favorite Places

The pandemic has made our homes more valuable, not only in terms of financial appreciation but in terms of “soulful appreciation.” As homeowners continue to spend more time in their current homes, transforming unused spaces can significantly enhance their lifestyles. Summer is a perfect time to design the most out of these spaces!

Which areas in your home go unused?
Take a moment to consider each area of your home. Do you have…

• A breakfast nook no one ever eats in. 
• An office that acts more like a storage room.
• A formal dining room only enjoyed a few times a year.  
• An oversized landing area that remains empty.

Then these spaces aren’t serving your daily life well. Often, we see those areas as a nuisance, an eyesore, or even a drain or obligation. Give yourself permission to change it. Imagine those spaces as your blank canvas.

What functions or hobbies would boost your home life? 
It’s time to brainstorm! When you think about your dream home, what features would it include that you don’t have now? What obstacles or challenges does your family wrestle with at home? What is on their wish list? How could your mind, heart, body, and soul be better fulfilled in your space? Answering these questions should generate several ideas.

Easy ways to transform your spaces. 
Kids Space: Turn that empty landing area into a little hangout. Add gaming chairs, a TV, and a fun rug.
Go Casual: That formal dining room may be more inviting as a small second living room with a loveseat, comfy chair, and coffee table. Consider adding a bar cart!
Creative Space: Repurpose your office into a place to play music, paint, or craft using affordable furniture from IKEA or Pottery Barn (or consignment stores).
Store-it-away: A decluttered space creates a more peaceful mind. Replace that breakfast nook with shelving and baskets or an oversize cabinet. Create space for a gourmet coffee or cereal station for the kids.

Start small and dream as you go. 
You don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in renovations upfront to recreate the space. It’s better to take a more experimental approach. Make changes with a minimal investment (time and money). Over several weeks, see if the space is used more and improve the household. Not only do you have confidence this is a better function for the area, but you’ll have a better idea of what kind of upgrades you should invest in.
Got big home improvement plans? Run them past your RE/MAX Alliance agent. They can assess if it’ll impact your home’s value. Plus, they’re your go-to resource for excellent contractors, painters, and such.

Source: coloradohomesmag.com