What is a flex space? 

Got an extra room, closet, space, or nook in your house that you’re just not sure what to do with? You’re not alone! Over the past decade, “flex rooms” (aka “flex spaces,” “bonus spaces,” and “multipurpose rooms”) have gained popularity in home design. As a matter of fact, more and more people are seeking out homes with flex space! Flex space can be either an entire room or just an area in your home designated as a specialty space that fits your lifestyle. One of the many benefits of flex space is that you can adapt the space to fit your changing interests and needs.

What can you do with a flex space?

The possibilities are truly endless with flex space!

That said, ask yourself these questions before deciding on a theme or function: 

• How large is the space?
• Is there a bathroom attached or nearby?
• What rooms/areas of the house is it near?
• Is it easily accessible?
• Does the space have cable and/or Wifi?
• What kind of flooring?
• Is there adequate lighting/windows?

Your answers to the questions above can help you decide what to do with the flex space in your home and if your idea is feasible. Then, you can start creating a plan to bring your vision to life! Here are some flex space ideas we have come up with to help you get started: 

• Gym
• Yoga/meditation room
• Hobby room
• Media/theater room
• Dance room
• Home office
• Library
• Man or babe cave
• Game room
• Dream walk-in closet
• Spare bedroom
• Music room 

Gym: 

Image Source: https://katydidandkid.com/home-gym-ideas/

There are a plethora of perks to using your flex space as a home gym: no commute, no waiting in line for equipment, and no worrying about whether the gym sanitary (hopefully). Instead, you will be able to exercise at your convenience! Even if you have to purchase some equipment for the space, you’ll save money in the long run: In comparison to paying for a gym membership or personal trainer, you will potentially save a good chunk of change.

Meditation/yoga room: 

Image source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9c/f6/c6/9cf6c6c20f3722a7453d375ca9b34bbf.jpg

Leave your cell phone and electronics at the door, and shut off from the world in this simple, yet effective, idea for a room or space. For the meditation room, adding some calming candles an essential oil diffuser, a chic rug (click here for a cheaper option), and decorative pillows can give the room or space an ultra-zen vibe. Bonus points if you add a fountain or waterfall! 

If you plan to do a combination room of yoga and meditation, adding some yoga mats and mirrors would be perfect, final touches! Include a couple of towel racks to hang sweaty yoga mats and air-out towels. In addition, this flex space can be outdoors as well. Got a corner of your backyard you don’t use? Use that as your meditation and yoga space. 

Meditation isn’t just a gimmick, the value of the meditation market is set to double from $1.2 billion in 2017 to $2 billion by 2022. According to Self magazine, “meditating actually changes your brain, and with it, the way your body responds to stress. That means meditating can work wonders on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.” Taking even 5 minutes a day can work wonders on mental health!

Hobby room:

Image source: https://crazylittleprojects.com/craft-room-inspiration/

From crafting to writing, a hobby room is a space where you can go to let your creativity run wild. For those of you who want a multipurpose flex space, creating a hobby room may be the perfect project for you because the crafting area doesn’t have to take up the whole room. By utilizing a desk or table to craft/sew you’ll have a small, dedicated space to store your supplies that won’t take up the entire room. If you are working with paint or products that can spill, we suggest opting for hardwood, tile or laminate flooring instead of carpet. By adding a desk and gathering all the supplies you need in an organized fashion, your next masterpiece awaits! 

Media/theater room:

Image source: https://collectiveres.net/home-theater-ideas/

Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/429038301990853275/

Ever dreamed of having a movie theater in the comfort of your home? It may be more attainable than you think! Almost any room can be transformed into a theater room (think a basement, extra bedroom, etc.)! Add a projector, surround sound, comfy couches (or chairs!), and, of course, a popcorn machine. No movie theater would be complete without it! Consider decorating the room with lanterns and twinkly lights to take the space to the next level. If the room you choose to repurpose into your theater room has windows, you might want to invest in blackout curtains for optimum viewing purposes. 

Your home will become the hot spot for big games, award shows, TV show premieres, movie nights, and Netflix binges. Plus, you’ll never have to get out of your jammies!

Trying to get fancy? Add a bar with a candy display and mini-refrigerator! Warning: you might never leave this room again! 

Want us to help you stock your bar? Enter our moscow mule kit giveaway here.

*For agents only 

Dance room: 

Image Source: https://www.yourdailydance.com/ideas-for-an-at-home-dance-space/

Got a tiny (or a not-so-tiny) dancer on your hands? Encourage them to pursue their prima ballerina dreams by adding mirrors and a ballet bar to the flex space in your home! You could even purchase an adjustable ballet bar. Worried they might grow out of it quickly? Purchase an adjustable bar and start your barre workout in the comfort of your own home. 

Home office:

Image source: https://homystyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Brilliant-Home-Office-Decoration-Ideas-02.jpg

Not only does a home office add value to your abode, it will save you from sitting in traffic for hours on end commuting to and from work. Say sayonara to the mundane, cubicle life by customizing your home office to your taste. From desk and chair to lamps and pens, office furnishings can all be personalized to your style. In addition, more flexibility in your schedule is a huge appeal. Because you can work at any time, it takes away the strict, consecutive 8-10 hours an office requires. 

Library:

Image source: https://www.thespruce.com/home-library-design-ideas-4129190?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=shareurlbuttons_nip

Creating a library nook or library room might not as daunting as it may seem. Adding a shag rug, cozy chair, ottoman, shelving and a collection of your favorite books can create a fabulous at-home getaway to the literary world. Add a few pieces of art to pull everything together. This room should preferably be in a quieter part of the house (ie. away from high-traffic areas like the kitchen or playroom) to block out distractions. 

Man or babe cave:

Image source: https://revista.zapimoveis.com.br/decoracao-masculina-veja-ideias-para-criar-ambientes-para-os-homens/

Image source: https://revista.zapimoveis.com.br/decoracao-masculina-veja-ideias-para-criar-ambientes-para-os-homens/

Building a space like a man or babe cave can be a fun way to create an area of the house that focuses on personal interests. Let’s start with the man cave:

Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a techie, or a golf guy (or all of the above!) a man cave will likely incorporate all of your favorite pastimes. Love to grab a cold one and flip on ESPN? A sports theme is always a good idea. Adorn the room with gear from your favorite teams, set up some seating, mount a tv (or multiple) to the wall, and you’re good to go. This theme can also work for a babe cave, as well!

A babe cave is similar to a she shed in the sense that it’s a space to call your own! It fits your personal aesthetic and is a place where you can escape. From pastel pinks to chic cruelty free “crocodile” like wallpaper, this space should be a reflection of what you love! 

Game room:

Image source: https://www.extraspace.com/blog/home-organization/diy-projects/game-room-ideas-for-the-ultimate-entertaining-space/

From PacMan to pool tables, a game room has tons of potential to create a fun, family gathering place in your home. First, you’ll want to pick and choose the essentials of your game room. It’s important not to overcrowd the room, so remember less is more! No one likes a super-cluttered space. If it’s a smaller room, think about adding board games or a TV with a game system to save space. There are also two-in-one pool game sets that will help with space as well!

Dream walk-closet:

Image source: https://sonzamlar.com/2019/06/13/14-walk-in-closet-designs-for-luxury-homes-4/

Not only does a walk-in closet increase home value, it helps keep you more organized--your clothes, shoes, accessories etc. are in one spot. Each individual has their own style and preferences, so picking out features that suit your needs is the best bet for creating your dream closet. Whether that be a huge shoe rack or extra drawers, the first thing to do is assess what will fit your needs!

Spare bedroom:

Image source: https://justaddblog.com/60-dreamy-master-bedroom-ideas-and-designs-that-go-beyond-the-basic.html/60-dreamy-master-bedroom-ideas-and-designs-that-go-beyond-the-basic-18#main

This one is a bit of a no brainer, but having a spare bedroom can be a great asset to any home, especially for couples or families who have people visiting periodically. Like many of the other rooms ideas on the list, a spare bedroom has excellent resale value. In addition, if you’re thinking about expanding your family, there will be a room readily available for your future little one!

Music room: 

Image source: https://www.polkadotchair.com/before-after-simple-room-refresh-with-lots-of-diy-decorating-ideas/

A music room can be a stylish asset to any home. Always wanted to learn how to play the piano or guitar? Conversely, have you been playing for years and want a cool spot to jam out? This is the perfect idea for your flex space! Not only will this bring a stylish touch to your home, this room can also be used as a spot to just chill out. Adding a chic chandelier and some cool photographs can give this room a little extra pizazz. This space can also be tailored to kids who play instruments so they aren’t hogging up the garage and disturbing the neighbors!

Conclusion: 

No matter what you dream up for your future flex space, it’s important you get a jump on other home buyer competition and start searching homes that are preparing for sale! This gives you extra time to prepare and find “the one” (with the perfect flex space - duh!) while ensuring you can be first in line to tour, then hopefully make the winning offer. ComingSoonHomes.com helps you do just that! See if we have homes preparing for sale in your area!