12 Rooms That Prove All the More Valuable for Time Spent at Home

As we’ve been spending more time at home than usual, one thing we’ve noticed is that certain spots in the home are proving to be far more invaluable than we first envisioned when purchasing our properties. From the playroom to the at-home gym, these rooms offer up more potential than we’d imagined.

A small, neatly organized office nook off to the side of an open-concept dining room

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Home Offices

Home offices – be it a tiny nook or an entirely separate room – have never felt more essential to the average household than in the present situation. And given the current work-from-home status quo for many, there’s no better time than the present to give your space a quick refresh, like this well-organized gem from the Save My Reno team. For more inspiration, take a look inside the home offices of your favourite celebrities.

A brightly coloured gender-neutral kids playspace in the basement

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Playrooms

If you didn’t have a separate playroom for the kids, you might want one now. (Psst, the basement is a great place to start). Giving little ones a place to expel all that pent-up energy is imperative. This ambitious stunner crafted by Bryan Baeumler features a mini rock climbing wall, tire swing, craft centre and exercise space. Find more design inspiration with these gender-neutral playrooms that will knock kids’ socks off.

A spacious basement home gym with a variety of workout spaces

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Home Gyms

Spending more time indoors these days? Home gyms just might become the central family hub as a result. Whether you’ve got an elaborate setup, like this basement fitness spot from Save My Reno or a small corner where you store some exercise equipment, get up and get the family moving. Find some inspiration with these basement home gym designs you’ll actually want to work out in.

A sleek renovated kitchen with an island and four chairs pulled up to it

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Kitchens

It might not be the first place that comes to mind, but in the absence of a home office – or if you’re simply craving a change of scenery – the kitchen, specifically the island, has seen an uptick in popularity as it provides ample space to spread out while you work from home, such as with this Making it Home with Kortney and Dave beauty. Bonus: it’s also where all the magic happens when you come together as a family to start comforting baking projects or recipes you want to master while indoors.

A spacious, well-organized backyard space that perfectly blends adult and kid spots

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Backyards

Homeowners with a backyard on their property can tackle work-from-home tasks while still enjoying the great outdoors and soaking up some springtime sunshine. This beauty from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition boasts a hammock, garden wall and seating area beneath a pergola. We’ve got even more beautiful backyard ideas if you’re looking to change things up and keep busy while at home.

A long, narrow condo balcony with an outdoor area rug

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Balconies

For condo and apartment dwellers without a backyard to call their own, the balcony – no matter how small or narrow – becomes a pivotal piece of outdoor real estate that you can enjoy while working from home or entertaining the kids. Take the full tour of this Toronto apartment that was furnished and decorated for less than $2,500 or get the scoop on container gardening and how to grow like a pro.

A genius little work space beneath the stairs that acts as both a home office and music nook

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Under the Stairs

If you’ve got an awkward nook under your staircase, consider converting it into a mini home office (or office/music room combo as seen with this Save My Reno charmer). It’s the perfect DIY spring project. If you find yourself with more time on your hands than you’re accustomed to, you can also try one of these genius ways to renovate the space under your stairs.

A small blue and white guest bedroom with a wood accent wall

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Guest Bedrooms

If you and the kids are getting a little antsy after days of using the same rooms – the kitchen, the bedroom, the living room – consider utilizing one of the guest bedrooms as a way of offering up a change of scenery. Make it an office station, hide-and-seek spot or a place to curl up for a family movie. It might not seem like much, but it can help break up the day-to-day routine. If possible, opt for decor and bed sheets that offer a soothing palette, as seen in this Save My Reno masterpiece.

A large walk-in closet with plenty of storage space and natural light

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Walk-In Closets

If your walk-in closet is as spacious and well-lit as this Masters of Flip gem, make use of the space by setting up shop for your 9-to-5 job or making it a new little playroom for the kids. Peek inside this updated home that features the walk-in closet and office of your dreams.

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Audio Rooms

Lucky enough to have a rockin’ audio room? Whether it’s a full-on band setup like this gem designed by the Backyard Builds team or a more simple spot to listen to records or play your guitar, a place to get lost in some music is exactly what we need right now.

A renovated attic space converted into a guest bedroom

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Attics

If you’ve got a renovated attic, enjoy your perch from up high as you work away or give the space a deep spring clean. Although this particular example has been converted into a chic guest bedroom, there are plenty of other genius furniture designs for small spaces.

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Home Theatres

We’re definitely all binge-watching our share of TV and movies these days, so if you have a separate space to set up a projector (and pop some corn!) – make use of it. Here are more home theatre designs that’ll make movie nights a hit.