Flex space is a popular feature that homebuyers look for when buying a house. It gives them the freedom to personalize extra space for their needs. The flex space can become a mini-office, guest room, or personal workout or gaming zone, depending on your needs. It gained popularity during the pandemic and is now a mainstay in new home construction. These spaces are also known as bonus rooms and multipurpose rooms.
Flex space is not confined to new homes. It can be found in townhouses, single-family homes, and apartments. The features of flex space depend on the property and its design.
What Can Flex Space Be Used for?
Homeowners can use the flex space as per their lifestyle and needs. It can be used for a variety of purposes -
Playroom
A flex room provides a dedicated play area for the children, where they can put their toys, play dress-up, or read their storybooks. You can install a door to the flex room to keep the home orderly and help the kids confine their toys in one room or space.
Home Office
With work from home becoming the new norm, many people are using flex space as a home office. This space will give you privacy to attend conference calls and flexibility to work in peace. You can turn the flex space into a home office just by adding a working desk, chair, file cabinet, and a few stationary boxes.
Guest Bedroom
If you frequently have overnight guests, it is better to turn the flex space in your home into a guest bedroom. This will eliminate the need to pull out sofas or air mattresses. It can also be converted into a secondary bedroom.
Entertainment Space
You can turn the flex space into an entertainment zone. You can either create a billiards room or a private movie theater. This private space allows you to enjoy with your family. You can have a great time watching late-night movies without disturbing others. You can also turn it into a music room or a place to hang out!
Extra Living Room
Most homeowners use their flex room as a living room. This also allows guests to have their private space in a social gathering. Moreover, if you are a multi-generational family living together, then a flex room can be handy. Grandparents can read their books/newspapers, while children can play around or watch cartoons.
Pets Room
Dogs love calm and peaceful spaces. Hence, a flex room can be the best option. Add their favorite beds, toys, and blankets. They can enjoy their time in the flex space when there are guests or when they need some time for themselves. Your pets can enjoy their day in the space built for them.
Library
Not everyone likes their flex room to be loud and noisy. Some homeowners are passionate about books and need a personal relaxing space. Hence, they either transform a corner or the entire flex room into a library. You can install bookshelves and add plush chairs or a window seat, along with some soft and warm lighting.
Flex Room Design Consideration
You can turn any space into a flex space. All you need is a little bit of creativity to make the area more functional. However, there are certain considerations when creating a flex space or a flex room:
Ceiling Height
The height of the ceiling determines the design and the functionality of the flex space. A 9-foot ceiling height is the best for a flex room. It gives you enough flexibility in the space. However, most experts say that a 10-foot ceiling is the new standard.
Insulation
Insulation is required when you need privacy, peace, and calmness around you. It is best to install insulation if you'll be using the space for music or as a library.
Doors
Pocket or sliding doors are best for flex rooms. This is because they offer proper privacy and help reduce the surrounding noise. Sliding doors, such as barn doors, can be a great addition, as they can close large openings without the need for a doorway.
Furniture
As flex spaces are small, it is advisable to use furniture that doesn't overwhelm or limit the space. It is better to pick multifunctional furniture that won't take up much space. Keep trunks to work as a coffee table, and add a desk that can also work as a workspace, vanity, and eating table.
Natural Light
For a flex space to be functional, it is important to let the natural light in, and windows are the best way to do so. Natural light amplifies the spaciousness and provides proper illumination all day long.
Conclusion
Flex space is all about thoughtful planning, usage, design, furniture, and decor. With evolving lifestyles and growing family members, the need for additional space can be met with flex space. It offers countless benefits for homeowners by maximizing space efficiency and improving productivity.
