So many homes in Chicago have spaces that sit empty, gathering dust and junk. It might be a basement full of old furniture, an attic piled high with forgotten boxes or even an extra room used as a dumping ground for odd things. But here’s the thing — these spaces could be made into something far better. With some imagination and preparation, you can transform them into functional, aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces that can help increase the value of your home.
A properly constructed basement can become a snug lounge, a basement gym or an additional bedroom. There are so many possibilities — you just need to discover what best suits your lifestyle.
This guide will help you transform those underused spaces into fully functioning rooms, resulting in a more comfortable, organized and valuable home.
Take a Good Look at the Space You’ve Got
The first step in any renovation is to take stock of what you’re starting with. Not every space is ready for transformation into a functional room. Some will need new flooring or proper insulation or even just sufficient lighting to be livable and if you are working with a basement, you will want to make sure that you do not have any moisture issues. Similarly attics may need special ventilation to balance heating and cooling throughout the seasons.
Once you’ve had a good look at the space, consider how it can best serve you. Are you going to require a spare bedroom? Do you need a soundproof home office to work remotely? Or is it a workout space that you require? Identifying its best use will ensure you get the most out of it.
Create a Comfortable Living Space in Your Basement
Basements are often neglected, but have so much potential. You can turn it into something way more useful instead of using it as a messy storage space. A finished basement can serve as a family lounge, a home theater or even a rental unit if you’re hoping to make some extra cash.
If you want it to be a truly livable space, you’ll have to install decent insulation, moisture-resistant flooring, and better lighting. Most basements have a dark and chilly feel to them, so bright lighting and warm décor are an easy way to completely transform the ambience. Hiring a local Chicago basement finishing expert like Stan’s for the job helps ensure the work gets done properly. They use moisture-resistant materials and contemporary layouts to render basements cozy and functional.
Turn Your Attic into a Cozy Functional Room
There are so many homes with such charming attics. With an ounce of creativity, you can turn it into a guest room or even a creative studio. An attic conversion is a great way to take advantage of that square footage.
But attics are at the top of the house, and can get very hot in summers and chilly in winters. Another function of proper insulation is to ensure the space is comfy all year long. Adding skylights can bring in natural light and improve ventilation, making the space feel open and airy. Adding built-in storage will keep things tidy without crowding the space.
Turn a Spare Room into a Home Office
As working from home is rising in popularity, owning a separate home office is becoming a necessity. If you have a spare bedroom, converting it into a functional office space could help you be more productive.
A well-designed home office should be quiet, well-lit and organized. Built-in shelves will keep your workspace free of clutter, and an ergonomic desk and chair will go a long way toward making long hours of work much more comfortable. Soundproofing the walls, or using a white noise machine if you want to keep distractions to a minimum, may help. The idea of using neutral tones for the wall surfaces and keeping décor simple might similarly foster a tranquil, focused environment.
Create a Home Gym for Convenient At-Home Workouts
Turning a dormant space into a workout area is a great way to help you stay consistent.
To create a working home gym, begin with the essentials — solid flooring, ventilation and space for movement. For those operating in a small area, equipment that serves dual purposes — such as adjustable dumbbells and foldable benches — can maximize the space. Mirrors can also help make the room feel larger while enabling you to check your form during workouts.
Utilize Your Guest Room for More Than Just Guests
A guest room is nice when you’re entertaining friends, but if it sits unused most of the year, it’s basically wasted space. Rather than allowing it to sit vacant, you can turn it into a multi-purpose room.
Foldable furniture is one of the best solutions for this. A Murphy bed or a pull-out sofa allows the space to serve as an office, hobby room or study area when it isn’t being used by guests. Installing shelves and built-in storage keeps the room organized and makes sure it remains useful all year round.
Provide a Playroom or Study Space for Kids
If you have kids, you must know that their belongings can easily overtake all the space. Rather than letting them take over the living room, you can carve a space specifically for them. A children’s playroom requires safe, cushioned flooring, built-in storage to keep tidy, and a desk for homework or art projects.
Making your home look better is not the only benefit of turning underused spaces into functional rooms; making your space work better is equally important. Whether you’re turning a basement into a family lounge or a loft into an office, these improvements add value to your home.
The secret is to pay attention and plan in accordance with your lifestyle and requirements. And if you are seeking professional-grade outcomes, partnering with remodeling pros can ensure that your makeover is effective. Ultimately, maximizing your space is not only practical — it’s a way to make your home that much more comfortable and enjoyable every single day.