Do you tend to move from one home to another over the course of your life? It seems like many people do these days. We find a house we like and settle in until we start to feel like it’s too small, or our needs change. Then we look for a larger house and repeat the process. Many long-term homeowners don’t even bother moving anymore; they finish out their years in the same place, adding on new rooms as their family grows. Those who go through this cycle often end up with homes that are hard to manage because they were designed for specific functions that no longer need to be separate. When you consider all your options, going multi-purpose can save time, money and effort in both remodeling and moving.
If you’re starting out fresh with a newly purchased house, here are some tips for transforming it into an efficient home that easily accommodates your lifestyle’s changes over time:
(Morning Room/Sunroom)
Determine the number of hours per day the room will be used and size accordingly. If you need to enclose it in winter months, use double-pane insulated glass windows and insulate against air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windowsills. Insulate (or install storm doors) on exterior walls if the room is not heated during colder seasons; include vapor barriers on exterior walls where insulation isn’t installed between wall studs. Also make sure the doors, windows and skylights are weatherstripped to prevent heat loss.
(Formal Dining Room)
A formal dining room is only necessary for large gatherings or when relatives live nearby who you might need to impress on a regular basis. If you don’t entertain during holidays and special occasions, the space can easily be used as an office, playroom or spare bedroom. Just add some more lighting and furniture traditions masterpiece collection for sale that’s comfortable for sitting in one place for long periods of time. Put away any valuable breakables and dust frequently with a soft cloth and feather duster; vacuum using the brush attachment if carpeted and replace heavy curtains with sheer ones before guests arrive.
(Living Room)
For open floor plans, it’s often best to place the TV in a cabinet or armoire. This frees up more space while eliminating the need to purchase stands and TV trays for comfortable viewing. Convertible sofas are great if you need extra beds during overnight guests; fireproof models are also available (at additional cost) if you want to avoid worrying about matches or candles setting your furniture on fire. If kids use this room, include some toy storage bins or ottomans with a lid, a roll of plastic sheeting and a broomstick handle for quick cleanup before play dates arrive.
(Kitchen)
Kitchen islands can be used for cooking when company’s coming over, serving buffet style at Thanksgiving dinner or as a’s homework station during exam weeks . Drawers are more efficient than cupboards for appliances you use frequently, while corner cabinets are great for storing extra dishes and glassware. If possible, paint your cabinets bright white or install bright white LED undercabinet lighting to make the room seem larger.
(Bathroom)
A multi-purpose bathroom is built so each task can be performed without having to leave the room. Install a rectangular shower along one wall with an overhead rain drain showerhead and at least two side wall grab bars for safety purposes. Use double corner sinks on the opposing wall to save space when it’s needed most, making sure they’re close enough together so there’s always room for soap and shampoo bottles between them if necessary.