One of the most popular uses for the flex room is a home office. Photo Credit: Mattamy Homes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIdeally, a flex room should be designed in such a way that minimal structural changes are needed to change the functionality of the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a homeowner can always renovate to re-purpose a room, the benefit of the flex room is that it is inherently transitional and is designed to change without knocking down walls. The room\u2019s purpose can be defined by changing the room\u2019s furnishings, accents and d\u00e9cor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few exceptions. For example, if a homeowner thinks that a flex space might be used as a bedroom, they are wise to install a closet when the home is being built. While homeowners can always put one in after the fact, or have moveable storage, having an additional closet is always a bonus, even if the room ends up with other uses beyond a bedroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some other design elements that should be included to maximize potential uses include high ceilings, access to natural light, proper insulation (for soundproofing) and a door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a homeowner is undecided on the purpose of a flex room, or if the plan is for the room to potentially have multiple uses over time, neutral d\u00e9cor is best because it is most versatile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Multi-purpose furniture is a good choice, such as a murphy bed with a storage unit or desk, which means that the flex room could be a home office or homework station by day and a guest bedroom by night, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a moveable divider, a barn door or a half wall can split the flex space and delineate zones for different activities, such as a room that is part nursery, part playroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flex room styling tips<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe flex room is the ultimate blank canvas for homeowners. Here are some tips for creating a stylish and functional flex room: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Home office<\/strong>. Include a comfortable chair and desk and bookshelves, along with task and overhead lighting. Paint walls a color that inspires you. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Home gym<\/strong>. Make sure flooring is durable and relatively shock-absorbent. Hang mirrors. Have lighting on dimmers, so there are options based on activities, for example turning lights down to practice yoga and turning them up for a cardio workout. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Library.<\/strong> Bibliophile homeowners will relish having the opportunity to have a library and reading nook. In addition to bookshelves, add comfortable seating, soft lighting and a beverage fridge. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wine cellar<\/strong>. Have accessible wine racks to store bottles. Include a tasting bar and stylish seating. A display cabinet for glassware is decorative. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Craft or hobby room<\/strong>. Have shelving or other storage on the walls to store materials for your hobby. Make sure you have a large table or workstation. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Games room<\/strong>. Include shelving for board games, a pool table or ping pong and comfy rocker chairs for video games. Consider furniture with built-in games potential such as a checkerboard\/chess table. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dressing room<\/strong>. When the walk-in closet isn\u2019t enough, dedicate an entire room clothes. Include built-in or moveable storage, a makeup vanity, a dressing table, and a blingy mirror. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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