| It is a busy, busy world, and as much as mothers | | | | fewer options for decorating. In cases like that, you |
| would love to serve up a five-course meal every | | | | might want to create a small library area with a |
| single day, the reality is that the family may be | | | | computer. |
| brown bagging fast food at least once a week. | | | | Choosing furniture for this area depends on your |
| Other days your family could be split up due to extra | | | | plans, but attempt to choose non-intrusive pieces if |
| curricular activities and you only have one or two for | | | | you have an open floor plan. Shelving for books and |
| dinner as opposed to 5 or 6. If this sounds like you, | | | | a hutch that will hide away bits and pieces of paper |
| you probably feel as though your dining room is the | | | | work and your computer are best in areas like this. |
| most wasted area of your house. Don't waste the | | | | You can find hutches that will double as a striking |
| space by having furniture you rarely use. Maximize it | | | | piece of furniture, but when you open them you |
| by changing your dining room into a more flexible | | | | have a full workstation. |
| room for your family. | | | | For a reading nook, choose a comfy chair and |
| Having a huge dining room table, chairs and a china | | | | appropriate lighting. One large overstuffed chair will be |
| hutch are well and good if you plan on using them, | | | | sufficient in a smaller space, and adding a tiny table |
| but if your home is bursting at the seams and you | | | | and a cozy lamp will add to the ambience. Be sure to |
| don't have any space left for unused rooms, your | | | | have a cuddly blanket for cold evenings, and a few |
| best bet is to remove the furniture and start over. If | | | | throw pillows to be more comfortable when reading. |
| you are certain that you will never use the table and | | | | Define your space by adding a large area rug to the |
| chairs, sell them and add to your renovation budget. | | | | floor. In a small room, an area rug that will cover the |
| Alternately, you can find a place to store the items | | | | space in front of the chair will add an extra element |
| until you feel as though you can use them. | | | | of coziness. In an open concept home, the area rug |
| Deciding what to do with the room means sitting | | | | will define your space as separate from other living |
| down and analyzing what is missing from your home. | | | | areas. |
| Have you always wanted a reading nook? Do you | | | | There is nothing that frustrates a homeowner more |
| need a games room or a play area for your children? | | | | than wasted space in a house that is already pushed |
| A room off the kitchen that has a door can be used | | | | to its limits. Ensure that you are happy with every |
| for almost any type of activity. If the space is wide | | | | nook and cranny of your house by repurposing |
| open and you have an open plan home, you have | | | | rooms and putting your space to good use. |