From art rooms to study spaces and more, check out seven great ways you can design the flex space in your home.
It’s more common than ever for new homes to include flex spaces. These areas defy description because they’re so, well, flexible. For homeowners with kiddos, flex spaces can be transformed into craft rooms or play areas where youngsters tap into their inner artist. On the other hand, with a few touches, these rooms can become killer home theaters perfect for watch parties.
Check out seven great ways you can design the flex space in your home — and explore our Pinterest page for other great tips:
Flex Room Idea #1: Arts & Crafts Space
Crafts can get messy. That’s why it’s ideal to have a separate arts space dedicated to creating masterpieces of any medium.
Decorating an arts and crafts space in your flex room is all about options. Whether for children or yourself, it's important to have all the appropriate tools you need to create on hand and readily available. This could include anything from crayons and markers to an easel, paintbrushes, accessories, and more.
Storage will be important. Track down a simple shelf and bins to keep your various utensils organized. Then, make sure you have the right surfaces for crafting. Maybe this means an easily cleanable plastic table that kids can get messy on, maybe it’s a drafting table for more intricate designs.
Other great ideas for arts and crafts spaces include seating — comfy chairs are a must while creating — and greenery to liven up the room. Consider adding art pieces to the walls to inspire and fun curtains if you plan to use natural light in your work.
Flex Room Idea #2: Game Room
There are two primary types of game rooms for any particular home. The first is one dedicated to board games and other in-person activities, like billiards. In this type of game room, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of seating, a nice-sized table for enough people to fit around, and some organization options for your various board games. If shooting pool, just make sure there's enough room to place your table and somewhere to keep your pool cues.
The other type is one that prioritizes video game play. In these types of spaces, you’ll want to have a TV and media console to store remotes, controllers, game cartridges and cases, and all the various cables and hookups needed to run game systems. A comfortable couch or loveseat works great for gaming while it never hurts to have blackout curtains to prevent sunlight glare during play sessions.
Flex Room Idea #3: Home Office / Study Space
Whether you work from home or need a place to get work done, building out a space for a small home office is yet another great option for flex rooms in your new home. Start with the desk that best fits your needs. Do you want something that allows you to stretch out and think or would you prefer a desk with plenty of space for you to work? For some people, a standing desk option may work best.
Likewise, flex spaces serve as great study areas for kids in school. Find a desk and chair that fits your kids and then add the supplies they need to be productive, like pencils, erasers, a stapler, charging cables for devices, and other necessities. Add a lamp for extra lighting and a fun filing system to help them stay organized.
Flex Room Idea #4: Toddler Playroom
Toddlers means toys. And lots of them. If you have a little one around this age, then you know how much they love to go from one thing to the next. Setting them up with a dedicated place where they can play is a perfect use of the flex room in your home.
Because this is a toddler space, put their toys in a place that’s easily accessible, like a basket or pull-out bins that are low to the ground. Another great suggestion is installing a short bookshelf for kiddos to grab their favorite picture books and a comfy chair where they can read.
Flex Room Idea #5: Home Gym Studio
If you have a stationary bike, weights set, yoga mat, or all the above, a few simple design tips can help you turn your flex space into an outstanding at-home workout room.
First, get your setup straight. You’ll want to make sure you have enough space to stretch out (in the case of yoga or Pilates) and pedal without getting your feet caught in anything (as in the case of a stationary bike.
Next, consider finding a solution for your equipment. If you have yoga mats and foam rollers, a wall rack may make the most sense for your studio. You might also want to add a workout bench for weightlifting, stretching, core exercises, and other workouts.
Finally, finish out the room with design ideas like adding a mirror to check your form and a cubbies system where you can keep towels, water bottles, and other gym accessories for your workout.
Flex Room Idea #6: Reading Nook
It’s good to have a quiet place where you can retreat, rewind, and read. Flex spaces make great reading nooks because they’re often separate from living rooms and other areas where people congregate.
Outfit your reading nook with a comfy chair and sofa where you can lounge and get lost in a book. Add a textured rug to enhance the coziness in the room and bookcase to display your latest reads. Floor plants make for great additions in these rooms as the greenery will open the space.
Another key detail? Blankets! Store a few in your reading nook for convenient access when it’s cold (or when you just want to get comfy).
Flex Room Idea #7: Home Theater
Much like the game room, home theaters work best when you can control natural lighting. Make sure you have a good set of blackout curtains before firing up your home entertainment system.
For at-home viewing experiences, consider investing in a set of speakers to enhance sound quality and a sectional couch to ensure you have enough seating for guests. Also, keep an eye out for a solid coffee table where you can set snacks, drinks, and other goodies during the show.
