Making Your Home Work for YOU: How to Reclaim Spaces for What You Actually Need
Let’s get real for a second—just because a room was designed for something doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. If you have a formal dining room that collects dust, a guest room that sees visitors twice a year, or a random “catch-all” space that just exists to hold clutter… well, friend, it’s time for a little home reality check.
Your home should work for you and your family—not just for whatever the floor plan suggests. Take it from someone who turned a partially enclosed 1980’s Wet Bar into a laundry room that I’ve been dreaming of for this house - which then opened up a large open pantry exactly where it should be (in the kitchen) for me to build out as well. So if you’ve been dreaming of a more functional space, here’s your permission slip to make it happen.
Start by Asking Yourself: What Do I Actually Need?
So often, we get stuck in the mindset of this is just how it is. But what if we flipped that? Instead of thinking about what a room was designed for, think about how you actually use your home.
Do you really need a formal dining room, or would an office/playroom/craft space serve your family better?
Is your guest room just a glorified storage closet when no one’s visiting?
Is there a room that could pull double duty—like a home gym that also functions as a workspace?
There are no rules here. If a space isn’t working for you, change it. Simple as that.
Ideas for Transforming Underused Spaces
1. The “Never-Used” Formal Dining Room → Office, Playroom, or Library
If you only use your dining room for Thanksgiving and that one fancy dinner a year, why not make it work harder?
Ideas:
✔️ Home Office: Add a desk, some storage, and proper lighting. Bonus points for built-in bookshelves!
✔️ Cozy Library: Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, comfy seating, and a warm lamp? Yes, please.
✔️ Playroom: Swap out the dining set for toy storage, a kid-sized table, and soft rugs for floor play.
2. The Guest Room That’s More Like a Storage Room → Multipurpose Space
If guests only stay a couple of times a year, consider making this room work for you the other 363 days.
Ideas:
✔️ Office/Guest Room Combo: Use a Murphy bed or daybed so the space is functional when guests aren’t there.
✔️ Workout Room: Add a foldable treadmill, yoga mats, or even wall-mounted storage for weights.
✔️ Craft Room: If you’ve been dreaming of a creative space, this is your sign to make it happen!
3. The Unused Living Room → A Space That Brings You Joy
A lot of homes have that "extra" living room—you know, the one that’s too formal to actually be comfortable. Instead of letting it sit empty, make it a space you love to spend time in.
Ideas:
✔️ Music Room: Piano, guitars, a cozy seating area—instant creative retreat.
✔️ A Game Room: Whether it’s board games, a pool table, or a space for family movie nights, make it a gathering place!
✔️ Home Library or Study Nook: Built-in bookshelves + a comfy chair with or without a desk = a reading/study oasis.
How to Get Started (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)
Changing up your home doesn’t have to mean a massive renovation or a big investment. Start small, one step at a time.
1️⃣ Clear out the clutter: The best way to rethink a space is to empty it out and start fresh. Donate or sell anything you don’t need!
2️⃣ Make a plan: What will the room’s main function be? What storage and furniture do you need? What’s your budget?
3️⃣ Use what you have: Before buying new, see if you can repurpose furniture or decor from another part of your house.
4️⃣ Take it one project at a time: If the idea of redoing a whole room feels overwhelming, start with one corner!
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Permission to Make It YOURS
Your home isn’t a museum. It’s not meant to be staged for some imaginary audience. It’s your space, and it should work for your lifestyle. So if you’ve been holding off on making changes because of what a room is “supposed” to be—this is your sign to go for it.
Take the leap. Rearrange the furniture. Make the space functional and yours.
And when you do? Tag me—I wanna see what you create! 💪✨
