1. Make a craft room.
Even if it’s just a den, chances are you can squeeze in a folding table and a chair and turn any space into a craft room. Whether you’re into sewing, scrapbooking or anything else that doesn't get too messy, a craft room is usually quick to set up and offers a big payoff.
If you seriously get into it, investing in storage solutions will help keep everything tidy. However, it’s best not to get into things like woodworking or metalworking in small, enclosed spaces.
2. Set up a home office.
Working from home on the couch sounds fun until you keep getting distracted by the cat, kids and other things. Setting up a dedicated workspace can do wonders for your focus and productivity. Whether you take over a guest bedroom or even repurpose a walk-in closet, you’ll quickly find it pays off.
Remember to install adequate lighting, especially if the room you intend to use has no windows. In certain instances, your Wi-Fi may not reach into nooks and crannies, either, so you might have to get a Wi-Fi repeater or go with a hard-wired connection instead.
3. Give the kids a play space.
Alternatively, you could set up a space for the kids to play to keep them out of your hair if you can’t send them outdoors. Since children can be rather rambunctious, you’ll likely need a larger area for them. A basement or attic are ideal for this, but even a guest bedroom can work.
Make sure to provide lots of options for activities. And if your children are on the younger side, add some strategically placed soft padding and furniture to catch any falls. Since things may break or wear down, and children tend to outgrow toys as they get older, plan on upgrading and replacing items in this room every few years.
4. Create a home gym.
A home gym requires even more space than some of the other options on this list. Also, note that weights, racks and other equipment can add significant load, so it’s best not to put a home gym on upper floors unless you get it cleared by a structural expert first. So, aim for a basement or ground-floor room.
If you decide to go down this route, remember to consider ventilation and cooling. You’ll definitely work up a sweat and don’t want to realize there’s no way to get a breeze going after the fact.
5. Make a media room.
A home theatre may sound opulent, but you can install one yourself in a spare bedroom or den, even. A projector, some speakers and comfy seating can go a long way in creating a place to enjoy your favourite films.
In this case, a space without windows might even be an advantage, so you won’t have to find ways to keep out sunlight. But some blackout curtains will make easy work of that in other rooms, too.
Even if it’s just a den in your condo, there’s likely something you can do with that unused room in your home other than stashing boxes in it. With these five tips, you’re bound to find some creative ways to make the best of your space.
