![\"HomeDen1\"](\"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/HomeDen1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n A lot of modern homes and condos feature an extra room that\u2019s often described as a den or flex space. These bonus rooms aren\u2019t quite large enough to be a bedroom and it’s rare to find one with a closet. Although they\u2019re convenient to have, they can quickly become an unsightly clutter magnet or wasted space since homeowners aren\u2019t quite sure what to do with them. So what exactly is a flex space and how can you transform it into valuable real estate within your home? Desta Ostapyk<\/a>, a Toronto-based interior designer and expert speaker at the upcoming 2020 GTA Home & Reno Show<\/a>, shares five ways to use this one room.<\/p>\n Photo: zocohome\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Balancing work, life and family can be a struggle so it\u2019s important to have a space in your home where you can disconnect from the world and the daily stressors of life. When creating a meditation room, think of calming elements that create a feeling of comfort and zen.<\/p>\n \u201cAll spaces need texture, which can be created a number of different ways,\u201d says Ostapyk. \u201cFor example, if the room has wood floors, texture can be created by adding an area rug \u2013 which also provides the opportunity to add pattern and color.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: tatjanas_world_\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Adding plant life is another way to add texture while simultaneously purifying the air and reducing allergens in your home. \u201cStick to a foolproof snake, jade or spider plant \u2014 which don\u2019t require too much upkeep,\u201d suggests Ostapyk.<\/p>\n For an intimate feel, keep the walls white and paint the ceiling a dark navy, deep emerald green or even black. \u201cYou can then decorate the walls with a gallery using pieces of artwork, canvas with different sized frames in various wood tone finishing, or mix in other elements and shapes such as a ceramic heart or a small mirror,\u201d says Ostapyk.<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n Whether they\u2019re self-employed entrepreneurs or work for a company with a flexible remote working policy, more and more people are avoiding the commute and working from the comforts of their own homes. If you fall into this category, a functional, well-organized home office is a great option for that den.<\/p>\n \u201cBulletins with open shelving and cabinets that incorporate a work surface are a must,\u201d says Ostapyk. \u201cThis allows for storage, maximizes space, keeps things tidy and maintains order.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Jo Alcorn<\/em><\/p>\n Painted cabinets topped with a walnut chop block as the desk surface, paired with a simple gallery wall makes for a great home office design. \u201cI usually steer clients away from using stone as a desk surface as it\u2019s not the best for when you\u2019re sitting at it for long periods of time, it gets quite uncomfortable and cold,\u201d says Ostapyk. \u201c Artwork is equally as important in an office as it is in a living room, however, try to keep things simple, clean and uncluttered when creating a gallery wall.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Shauna Walton<\/em><\/p>\n That small flex space is the perfect size for a nursery, but before you head out and purchase just any crib and changing table, try to find furniture that will transition as the child ages.<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Shauna Walton<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhen searching for furniture, consider a change table that\u2019s also a dresser, or a gliding chair covered in a neutral fabric that could easily be added to another room in the future,\u201d says Ostapyk. \u201cFor more of a design impact create a feature wall on one side of the room that can easily be changed, while keeping the rest of the walls an understated and neutral color.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Jo Alcorn<\/em><\/p>\n Does your home or condo lack sufficient storage? If your den or flex space doesn\u2019t have a built-in closet, why not turn the entire room into the walk-in closet of your dreams?<\/p>\n \u201cThere are typically three shapes of walk-in closet designs: The \u2018L,\u2019 \u2018U\u2019 and the straight walk-in,\u201d explains Ostapyk. \u201cIf you\u2019re worried about not having enough clothing, shoes and accessories to fill out a walk-in closet, stick to the \u2018L\u2019 shape design, which only requires the use of two walls. This leaves one full wall free for hanging art that you couldn\u2019t fit in your other living spaces, or a mirror, which is, evidently, the perfect addition to a walk-in.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Jo Alcorn<\/em><\/p>\n To maximize your closet\u2019s full potential and store as many items as you can, create a double-rod system for hanging tops or smaller items above and pants below. And if you have the space, treat yourself to a dressing bench, typically placed in the middle of the room. \u201cThis is a nice touch for those that have an extensive shoe collection, as it reduces the amount of bending down required of trying on multiple pairs of shoes,\u201d says Ostapyk.<\/p>\n Photo: Stephani Buchman, design by Rebecca Hay<\/em><\/p>\n Kitchens and bathrooms are the top two spaces that add the most value to your home. \u201cIf your den is in the right spot, you can use that space as an extension to your current kitchen,\u201d says Ostapyk. \u201cOr if you\u2019re in need of an extra bathroom, consider turning the unused space into a guest bathroom or powder room.\u201d<\/p>\nA zen meditation room<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nA functional home office<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nA versatile nursery<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nThe walk-in closet of your dreams<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nUse it as part of a larger renovation<\/h2>\n
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