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What to Do With a Spare Room in Your House: An EZiD Guide

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
29/11/2023

Are you one of the many homeowners in Singapore who aren’t sure of what to do with a spare room in your house? Did you apply for a BTO unit with more rooms than you need “just in case”? You're not alone. Yes, we know that many choose to hack down the walls of these rooms for a bigger living room, however, there are many out there who would prefer to keep their rooms in their original state, or prefer having the flexibility of an additional room.

In these cases, spare rooms often fall into the "out of sight, out of mind" category, becoming cluttered storage spaces or forgotten corners of the house.But what if we told you that these neglected rooms hold a world of untapped potential? Your spare room could be the key to enhancing your living space, adding functionality, and even boosting your home's value.

In this comprehensive guide, let us share some practical, creative (some might even say crazy) ideas for your spare room! Get ready to unlock the possibilities that lie within your spare room and transform it into an area that serves your needs and lifestyle.

Home Office/Gaming Station

Working from home a lot? With the rise of remote work and the need for dedicated spaces to focus and get things done, turning your spare room into a home office is a smart and practical choice. For gamers out there, this room can double as a gaming room as well!

Ergonomic Furniture

As you’ll be spending long hours in front of your desk, it’s important to hoose a comfortable and ergonomic chair and/or a spacious desk that suits your work style.

Storage Solutions

Don’t let your documents be littered all over the place. Consider adding shelves, filing cabinets, or storage units to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. A clutter free space is essential for maintaining a productive environment.

Lighting Matters

Good lighting is crucial for reducing eye strain and enhancing productivity. Good lighting also helps you appear better on those dreaded Zoom meetings. To maximise lighting, Aim for a combination of natural light and well-placed artificial lighting. For the gamers, you can opt for lighting with multiple colour options so you can switch moods between work and play!

Technology Setup

Beyond your PC or console rig, Ensure that your home office is equipped with all the necessary technology, such as printers, photocopy machines and projectors. Most importantly, make sure that the internet connection here is reliable.

Guest Bedroom

Turning your spare room into a cozy guest bedroom is a hospitable and practical choice, especially if you frequently have family and friends visiting. Here are some ideas to create a welcoming space for your guests:

Comfortable Bed

Invest in a comfortable mattress and quality bed linens to ensure a good night's sleep for your guests. A double or queen-sized bed is ideal for accommodating different types of visitors.

Storage Solutions

Provide ample storage space for your guests to unpack their belongings. Consider a wardrobe, closet, or a set of drawers to keep their clothes and personal items organized.

Privacy and Décor

Use curtains or blinds to give your guests privacy and control over the amount of natural light in the room. Decorate the room with soothing colors, artwork, and cozy textiles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Basic Amenities

Ensure that your guest bedroom is equipped with the essentials. This includes a clock, a mirror, and a power strip for charging devices. We know you can’t operate an Airbnb here, but if you create a “welcome package” with toiletries like shampoo, soap, and towels, you’re sure to score points with visitors.

Home Gym

Fitspos unite! As we all know, staying active is crucial for our well-being. But, sometimes, heading to the gym can be inconvenient, or for those of us with social anxiety, intimidating. That's where transforming your spare room into a home gym comes in.

Fitness Equipment

Depending on your fitness routine and preferences, choose the right exercise equipment for your home gym. This could range from cardio machines such as a treadmill or exercise bike, and weights such as dumbbells, barbells, or even a full-on bench press. Yes, we know that you may not be able to fit everything in your spare room, which is why most gym equipment stores offer an all-in-one multi-gym machines which allow you to perform as many exercises as possible with one machine.

Padded Flooring

If you are incorporating weights into your home gym, you will need to pay special attention to the flooring of your home gym. Install rubber or foam mats to absorb impact and protect your floors from falling weights (I’m looking at you, people who throw).

Mirrors and Ventilation

Large mirrors on one wall can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They help you maintain proper form during workouts, or allow you to shamelessly flex your muscles without judgement. Beyond that, they also help to make the room appear larger and bounce of natural light. Before things get too sweaty here, remember to have adequate ventilation to keep the air fresh and create a more comfortable exercise environment.

Music and Entertainment

For those of us who workout, we know how powerful  music is during a heavy set or intense cardio session. Install a sound system or place a Bluetooth speaker in your home gym for that extra motivation. For those of you who find cardio boring, you might also consider installing a TV or tablet holder for streaming workout videos on Youtube or your favorite Netflix shows. Don’t forget to soundproof your rooms!

Family-Friendly Playroom

Still unsure of what to do with a spare room in your house? Think of family, Family life often revolves around the little ones, and having a dedicated playroom can make a world of difference. A playroom is where your children's imaginations can soar, where they learn and grow through play, and where you can bond as a family.

Play Spaces

Children thrive in environments where they can play freely and use their creativity. Play is essential for their cognitive, physical, and emotional development. A dedicated playroom allows them to explore, learn, and have fun in a safe and controlled space. Be sure to keep the floor in the room padded, and make sure that there are no sharp corners in the room. Watch out for electrical outlets too, and you’ll be able to minimise injury in this space.

Cater to Every Age

Kids won’t stay kids forever, so your room should grow with them as well. That’s why it may be a good idea to have activities for every age in the play room. For young kids, create a soft and colorful space with age-appropriate toys and books. For older children, set up areas for board games, art and crafts, or even video games. You can also design zones for different activities, like a reading nook or a building block area. Doing this also ensures that when your friends and family visit with their kids, they’ll have things to do too!

Music/Arts Studio

For the artistically inclined, having a dedicated music or art studio is a dream come true. It offers the perfect canvas for nurturing your passion and honing your skills. Musicians can finally have a space to practice, compose, and record without disturbing the entire household. On the other hand, artists can unleash their creativity without the constraints of a shared space.

Equipment and Layout

The equipment and layout of a music or art studio depend on your specific needs and interests. Musicians may require soundproofing, acoustic treatments, instruments, and recording equipment. Painters and visual artists need ample natural light, easels, storage for art supplies, and possibly a sink for cleanup. The key is to create an environment that enhances your artistic pursuits.

Inspiration and Focus

When you have a designated space for your creative pursuits, it's easier to stay inspired and focused. The environment itself can act as a catalyst for your creativity. You can decorate your studio with artwork, inspirational quotes, band posters, or anything that resonates with your artistic spirit.

Connect with Others

Music or art does not have to be a solitary pursuit. The best thing about having your own studio is that you have the flexibility to use it to connect with like-minded individuals. Consider hosting art classes, music jam sessions, or creative workshops. It can become a hub for artistic collaboration and networking.

What to Do With a Spare Room in Your House? Ask an ID

With endless possibilities and the desire for a harmonious living space, you might find it challenging to decide what to do with that spare room in your house. Fortunately, you don't have to make this journey alone. An experienced interior designer (ID) can be your guiding light, helping you navigate the sea of ideas and choices.

When you collaborate with a professional ID, you gain access to their wealth of knowledge and expertise. They'll consider your unique preferences, budget, and the overall theme of your home to provide tailored solutions. Your spare room's transformation will be based on careful planning, functional design, and a touch of artistic flair.

If you're ready to explore the possibilities of your spare room, don't hesitate to reach out to EZiD. Our platform connects you with the best interior designers in Singapore, ensuring your spare room becomes a haven of inspiration. Embrace the transformation, and let your spare room fulfill its true potential. Your dream space awaits, just a click away.

Share this article
Articles
/
Guides

What to Do With a Spare Room in Your House: An EZiD Guide

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
29/11/2023

Are you one of the many homeowners in Singapore who aren’t sure of what to do with a spare room in your house? Did you apply for a BTO unit with more rooms than you need “just in case”? You're not alone. Yes, we know that many choose to hack down the walls of these rooms for a bigger living room, however, there are many out there who would prefer to keep their rooms in their original state, or prefer having the flexibility of an additional room.

In these cases, spare rooms often fall into the "out of sight, out of mind" category, becoming cluttered storage spaces or forgotten corners of the house.But what if we told you that these neglected rooms hold a world of untapped potential? Your spare room could be the key to enhancing your living space, adding functionality, and even boosting your home's value.

In this comprehensive guide, let us share some practical, creative (some might even say crazy) ideas for your spare room! Get ready to unlock the possibilities that lie within your spare room and transform it into an area that serves your needs and lifestyle.

Home Office/Gaming Station

Working from home a lot? With the rise of remote work and the need for dedicated spaces to focus and get things done, turning your spare room into a home office is a smart and practical choice. For gamers out there, this room can double as a gaming room as well!

Ergonomic Furniture

As you’ll be spending long hours in front of your desk, it’s important to hoose a comfortable and ergonomic chair and/or a spacious desk that suits your work style.

Storage Solutions

Don’t let your documents be littered all over the place. Consider adding shelves, filing cabinets, or storage units to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. A clutter free space is essential for maintaining a productive environment.

Lighting Matters

Good lighting is crucial for reducing eye strain and enhancing productivity. Good lighting also helps you appear better on those dreaded Zoom meetings. To maximise lighting, Aim for a combination of natural light and well-placed artificial lighting. For the gamers, you can opt for lighting with multiple colour options so you can switch moods between work and play!

Technology Setup

Beyond your PC or console rig, Ensure that your home office is equipped with all the necessary technology, such as printers, photocopy machines and projectors. Most importantly, make sure that the internet connection here is reliable.

Guest Bedroom

Turning your spare room into a cozy guest bedroom is a hospitable and practical choice, especially if you frequently have family and friends visiting. Here are some ideas to create a welcoming space for your guests:

Comfortable Bed

Invest in a comfortable mattress and quality bed linens to ensure a good night's sleep for your guests. A double or queen-sized bed is ideal for accommodating different types of visitors.

Storage Solutions

Provide ample storage space for your guests to unpack their belongings. Consider a wardrobe, closet, or a set of drawers to keep their clothes and personal items organized.

Privacy and Décor

Use curtains or blinds to give your guests privacy and control over the amount of natural light in the room. Decorate the room with soothing colors, artwork, and cozy textiles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Basic Amenities

Ensure that your guest bedroom is equipped with the essentials. This includes a clock, a mirror, and a power strip for charging devices. We know you can’t operate an Airbnb here, but if you create a “welcome package” with toiletries like shampoo, soap, and towels, you’re sure to score points with visitors.

Home Gym

Fitspos unite! As we all know, staying active is crucial for our well-being. But, sometimes, heading to the gym can be inconvenient, or for those of us with social anxiety, intimidating. That's where transforming your spare room into a home gym comes in.

Fitness Equipment

Depending on your fitness routine and preferences, choose the right exercise equipment for your home gym. This could range from cardio machines such as a treadmill or exercise bike, and weights such as dumbbells, barbells, or even a full-on bench press. Yes, we know that you may not be able to fit everything in your spare room, which is why most gym equipment stores offer an all-in-one multi-gym machines which allow you to perform as many exercises as possible with one machine.

Padded Flooring

If you are incorporating weights into your home gym, you will need to pay special attention to the flooring of your home gym. Install rubber or foam mats to absorb impact and protect your floors from falling weights (I’m looking at you, people who throw).

Mirrors and Ventilation

Large mirrors on one wall can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They help you maintain proper form during workouts, or allow you to shamelessly flex your muscles without judgement. Beyond that, they also help to make the room appear larger and bounce of natural light. Before things get too sweaty here, remember to have adequate ventilation to keep the air fresh and create a more comfortable exercise environment.

Music and Entertainment

For those of us who workout, we know how powerful  music is during a heavy set or intense cardio session. Install a sound system or place a Bluetooth speaker in your home gym for that extra motivation. For those of you who find cardio boring, you might also consider installing a TV or tablet holder for streaming workout videos on Youtube or your favorite Netflix shows. Don’t forget to soundproof your rooms!

Family-Friendly Playroom

Still unsure of what to do with a spare room in your house? Think of family, Family life often revolves around the little ones, and having a dedicated playroom can make a world of difference. A playroom is where your children's imaginations can soar, where they learn and grow through play, and where you can bond as a family.

Play Spaces

Children thrive in environments where they can play freely and use their creativity. Play is essential for their cognitive, physical, and emotional development. A dedicated playroom allows them to explore, learn, and have fun in a safe and controlled space. Be sure to keep the floor in the room padded, and make sure that there are no sharp corners in the room. Watch out for electrical outlets too, and you’ll be able to minimise injury in this space.

Cater to Every Age

Kids won’t stay kids forever, so your room should grow with them as well. That’s why it may be a good idea to have activities for every age in the play room. For young kids, create a soft and colorful space with age-appropriate toys and books. For older children, set up areas for board games, art and crafts, or even video games. You can also design zones for different activities, like a reading nook or a building block area. Doing this also ensures that when your friends and family visit with their kids, they’ll have things to do too!

Music/Arts Studio

For the artistically inclined, having a dedicated music or art studio is a dream come true. It offers the perfect canvas for nurturing your passion and honing your skills. Musicians can finally have a space to practice, compose, and record without disturbing the entire household. On the other hand, artists can unleash their creativity without the constraints of a shared space.

Equipment and Layout

The equipment and layout of a music or art studio depend on your specific needs and interests. Musicians may require soundproofing, acoustic treatments, instruments, and recording equipment. Painters and visual artists need ample natural light, easels, storage for art supplies, and possibly a sink for cleanup. The key is to create an environment that enhances your artistic pursuits.

Inspiration and Focus

When you have a designated space for your creative pursuits, it's easier to stay inspired and focused. The environment itself can act as a catalyst for your creativity. You can decorate your studio with artwork, inspirational quotes, band posters, or anything that resonates with your artistic spirit.

Connect with Others

Music or art does not have to be a solitary pursuit. The best thing about having your own studio is that you have the flexibility to use it to connect with like-minded individuals. Consider hosting art classes, music jam sessions, or creative workshops. It can become a hub for artistic collaboration and networking.

What to Do With a Spare Room in Your House? Ask an ID

With endless possibilities and the desire for a harmonious living space, you might find it challenging to decide what to do with that spare room in your house. Fortunately, you don't have to make this journey alone. An experienced interior designer (ID) can be your guiding light, helping you navigate the sea of ideas and choices.

When you collaborate with a professional ID, you gain access to their wealth of knowledge and expertise. They'll consider your unique preferences, budget, and the overall theme of your home to provide tailored solutions. Your spare room's transformation will be based on careful planning, functional design, and a touch of artistic flair.

If you're ready to explore the possibilities of your spare room, don't hesitate to reach out to EZiD. Our platform connects you with the best interior designers in Singapore, ensuring your spare room becomes a haven of inspiration. Embrace the transformation, and let your spare room fulfill its true potential. Your dream space awaits, just a click away.

Share this article