Finding (re)Purpose

Your home is a reflection of your way of life. As your family and routines change, you may find that you need to redesign some of the spaces you inhabit. Don't be afraid to change things up - there's no need to stick with the status quo if it's not working for you anymore! 

This high school and college graduation season lead many of my clients to consider their next chapter as empty nesters. Additionally, during the pandemic, many already-independent young adults and college students moved back home out of necessity or to escape the isolation and monotony of urban apartment life. This meant that families were staking out study- and workspaces throughout the home. Dining room tables became strewn with laptops, and everyone had to tiptoe around to avoid walking into someone's important Zoom, and bedrooms doubled as library carrels. Now, to the bittersweet relief of many parents, most of the young folks who came back to the nest have flown the coop again!

In this blog post, I'll share a few tips on how to redesign your reclaimed home spaces so that they are practical, optimized for your current lifestyle, and, as always, attractive and comfortable. Best of all, your repurposing objectives can be achieved on almost any budget.

Creating "real" home office space

Mostly vacated children's bedrooms, teen-oriented basements, and playrooms are ideal for creating dedicated work-focused spaces. The basics:

• Remove and donate any old toys, themed bedding, and outdated décor. Rip up old carpeting.
• Paint the room a color that calms you, inspires you or makes you happy. (I can help you find one with staying power.)
• Select a desk that is the right proportion for the room, has the functionality for your work needs (e.g., file drawers, L-shaped, keyboard drawer), and suits your style. Then find a coordinating, comfortable chair.
• Accent with a few meaningful, personal mementos, favorite books, and simple wall art.
• Add a floor and/or desk lamp or both depending upon the amount of natural light the room receives.
• If taking over a bedroom, add functionality with a sleep sofa or murphy bed and a small side table so family and guests can visit comfortably. 

Making room to exercise

With strong WIFI and a television, tablet or computer screen, any room in your home (or portion of a room) can become a gym! Make your workouts stylish and effective:

• Lay down flooring based on the type of equipment you're using, the room you are converting, and the exercise programs you enjoy. Do Pilates anywhere with only a mat, but you might want to explore shock-absorbing foam tiles for HIIT workouts or to support a treadmill or stationary bike.
• Consider a wall-mounted television and wireless speakers for an at-the-gym immersive experience.
• Watch your posture with some strategically placed mirrors.
• Hand weights come in all colors. For a sleeker look, choose all black or metal, but throw in some bright ones to brighten the mood! And stay organized with a small weight rack or bins on wheels to stow out of sight in a closet.
• Accessorize with rolled hand towels.

Get crafty!

With more time to pursue your interests, make space that's a haven just for you.

• Love to read? Remove an old homework desk or video game area and create a cozy book nook. Select a beautiful and comfortable chair, pick a soft throw, and coordinate a lamp for just the right glow on the hardcover or Kindle.
• Convert a basement, shed, or playroom into your scrapbooking, quilting, painting, model railroad, or ceramics studio. The key is to keep it organized with a clean-looking table or workspace and labeled bins (to store tools and materials) that fit into a closet or onto shelves.
• Protect your floors from stains and wear with washable area rugs or rubber mats.
• Show off your creativity and style by (selectively) displaying your best work throughout your home. 

Whether you want to move around what you have, make small additions or dramatically overhaul the rooms in your home to mark a new phase of life, I can help you realize your vision. Let's brainstorm about the possibilities of repurposing!