FInding the Fun – Unused Space Becomes a Place for Adventure!

Nov 24, 2020

Moving forward, there will definitely be a trend and acceptance towards more working from home. A thoughtfully designed home can foster increased productivity, balance, health, and pleasure. And with the new normal becoming a little “too normal”, we are finding a need, now more than ever, for dedicated spaces for work, quiet time, working up a sweat, and places to play! This week we are putting a spotlight on a few of the dedicated kids spaces we’ve had an opportunity to create over the years. What was unique about these projects, was we found unused or under utilized space and allowed our imaginations to run wild with bold color and super fun design to create functional, happy spaces for our youngest clients!

Playing to your passions - Surfboard as art.

Playing to your passions – Surfboard as art.

Creating a special place to play, to read, or to do homework is key for our new way of living. Here we found a light-filled spot in an empty attic to create a reading nook with comfy cushions and plenty of storage for books. As with all task specific design, we want to make sure the space is inviting and interesting. Allowing our children’s passions to guide us, we add decorative items and color palettes that bring joy every time they enter their own space.

Super hero hardware adds color and “Kapow!” Super hero hardware adds color and “Kapow!”

It’s so important to have the right tools at home to be successful. In an underutilized section of the basement, we created individual homework stations to provide a peaceful place to study, Zoom, and read. Of course, finding ways to add clever storage areas for games, books, and favorite objects is at the top of the list.

This former basement becomes a a multi-functional homework and hangout room.

This former basement becomes a a multi-functional homework and hangout room.

Our client’s love of basketball led the way here, taking cues from the iconic color of the ball.

Our client’s love of basketball led the way here, taking cues from the iconic color of the ball.

A soft, overstuffed chair hidden in the unused nook of a staircase is perfect for serious contemplation!

A soft, overstuffed chair hidden in the unused nook of a staircase is perfect for serious contemplation!

Life isn’t always about work! Having plenty of space to get rowdy is paramount in these times of limited isolation. The completely unused attic of our client’s home provided soaring ceilings and open areas for fun!. Since screen time is up across the board, we added plenty of physical games to release that excess energy.

This empty attic, becomes a bright open and airy play space with basketball, foosball and old school video games.

This empty attic, becomes a bright open and airy play space with basketball, foosball and old school video games.

If you don’t have enough space to create a separate room, all it takes is a desk and some clever decorative elements, and you’re transported to your own adventure! Here we took a beautiful waterfall mural and created movement and visual interest within our client’s own bedroom.

A serene waterfall plays backdrop for this homework space.

A serene waterfall plays backdrop for this homework space.

Bold color with lots of storage for this youth bedroom.

Bold color with lots of storage for this youth bedroom.

Storage, storage, storage. Keeping everything in its place is a herculean task for any busy parent, but finding ways to tuck away toys, books, tablets, and art supplies can be daunting. Using the existing architecture of these attic dormers, we were able to integrate a storage solution into the project. Shelves for items the kids like to show off and hidden doors and drawers for those items you want to get out of sight quickly.

Keeping it neat and tidy! Action figures ready for their turn to play.

Keeping it neat and tidy! Action figures ready for their turn to play.

As we’ve come to find out, the mental and emotional health of our kids is more important than ever. Don’t be afraid to take a look at those dark corners and dank basements. As we’ve come to find out, redesigning and renovating space to provide new outlets for our kids is an investment worth making.