If you happen to have a spare room, the default move is usually to convert it into a guest room or home office. But there are many other more functional uses for the additional room. Think about what your home is missing. Do you often wish you had more space to exercise? Or maybe you need a designated area to hang out while reading a good book. From home libraries and gyms to arcades and wine rooms, here are some designer-approved ideas for making the most of spare rooms.
Multipurpose entertainment room
Kishani Perera/Dominique Volillon
Turn your spare room into a versatile entertainment space that can be used for everything from reading to billiards. Interior designer Kishani Perera wanted this large space to be more than just a lounge or TV room.
“We combined it with a play area, study hall and entertainment space. The children love this room and the quirky, cozy, yet practical feel makes homework seem like a no-brainer. ” says Perera.
study room
Mendelsohn Group/Eric Piasecki
The laboratory is located between an office and a library. It has library bookshelves and comfortable seating, as well as an office desk. This makes it one of the most functional ways to utilize an empty room. Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of the Mendelson Group, said the space also has cabinets for additional storage and a sofa that can be pulled out and turned into a guest room if needed.
underground arcade
Bungalow 10 Interior/Peak Visual/Christine Alcorta
Turn your dark basement into an otherwise dark space, an arcade, and lean into it. “The basement sat unused until we transformed it into the ultimate teen hangout, complete with classic arcade games like Skee-Ball and Shuffleboard, and bright neon signs,” says Bungalow 10 Interiors says Kristin Harrison, Founder and Lead Designer. .
wine room
Anne Ray Design/Jenny Siegwart
If you have a great wine collection and are running out of room, why not turn your spare room into a luxurious and stunning wine cellar? says Kristin Costamo McNeil, owner and principal of Anne Ray Design. “We transformed what was previously a dark walk-in pantry into a stunning wine room that is sure to leave a lasting impression.” During the renovation, the kitchen was moved and the pantry space was emptied and put to new use. ”
children’s library
JMorris Design/Kirsten Francis Photography
A bright and airy spare room can be transformed into a cozy and colorful children’s library location that is sure to foster a lifelong love of reading. This room has multiple places to sit and imagine. “One of my favorite ways to repurpose space is to create a library nook and cozy reading area, with some simple shelving and a cozy chair or built-in furniture. ,” Jennifer Morris, principal at JMorris Design, says of the space.
swanky lounge
JMorris Design/Jacob Snavely Photography
The empty room is the perfect place to create a stylish lounge, complete with golden wallpaper, deep sofas, and favorite memorabilia. With its mid-century vibe and abstract art, this room feels like a place to relax with a good book and a cocktail, but it also serves a secondary purpose. “We pushed a murphy bed into a bookshelf and put a sofa on wheels in front of it,” says Morris.
murphy bed guest room
Jess Klein Studio/Sean Litchfield
Rather than dedicating a spare room completely to a guest room, use the space wisely by adding two murphy beds to free up floor space when the beds aren’t in use. Plus, you can host two guests who don’t want to share the bed.
This is a “flex bedroom,” explains Jess Klein, founder of Jess Klein Studio. “My client is a painter, so this multipurpose room serves several functions as needed: an art studio, a home gym, and even two twin murphy beds for guests with children.” There is also a separate dedicated guest room. It was therefore intentional to make this ‘flex’ room much more than just a guest bedroom. ”
home library
Lindsey Brown / Avery Cox
If you’re an avid reader, consider turning your spare room into a beautiful home library. In this space, interior designer Avery Cox incorporated rich colors and textures to create a cozy nook that doubles as a reading room and napping spot. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon.
meditation room
Follow the Flow/Getty Images
If you have extra square footage, what better way to put it to use than to create a tranquil space with a relaxing color palette, plants, and cozy furniture? “A calming multipurpose space offers both productivity and relaxation. Placing your desk near a window with natural light will help you concentrate, and a quiet corner with a cushion, soft rug, and some plants will create a quiet area for meditation or yoga. says Colleen Bennett, founder of CBB Designs.
changing room
GreyHunt Interior/Stacey Zarin Goldberg
A room dedicated to a luxurious collection of clothes, handbags and shoes is dreamy. But if you have extra room, why waste it on a guest bed that gets used a few times a year? Instead, turn it into a gorgeous dressing room.
“This client has a passion for fashion and a standard bedroom closet just didn’t cut it. We transformed the guest room into a chic, boutique-style dressing room hand-picked just for her.” says Sally Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors.
Gym
Spaceship photography, Studio BV
If you don’t like going to the gym but love working out, turn your spare room into a home gym. Interior designer Betsy Vohs of Studio BV made this space even more luxurious by adding a coffee bar. After weight training, make yourself your own morning coffee for the perfect wake-up call.
