In many newer homes you often see an area called a "bonus space." This can be anything from an oversized staircase landing to a wide hallway that has room to house a small desk and chair.
These spaces are not large enough to be called rooms and often don't have a window or door that can separate the space from the rest of the house, yet they can be used for something purposeful. Depending upon the size and shape of this extra square footage, there are a number of options.
Sometimes the size and shape of the bonus space will dictate its best purpose. If, say, the bonus space is oddly shaped (perhaps under a grand staircase) and has a soaring vaulted ceiling as a result, then an art niche boasting dramatic, vertical artwork might be a good option. If this particular layout has a large window, then a reading nook or a botanical-room garden nook may fit the bill.
A small games table, like the one pictured here, might be a good use of a bonus space if card or board games are your thing. A small home office as I mentioned above, or computer station can be a good use of a bonus space as well. It might be too small for a proper home office, but might be a good spot for paying bills or for the kids to use the computer in plain view.
A bonus space may simply be useful for decorative display, like a hall table with mirror or console table to display smaller art pieces. A glass-front cabinet filled with a collection of figurines, for instance, would be a good display option. If you're a collector of anything from stamps to maps, the bonus space could be your little sanctuary in which to enjoy and study your collection. Displaying and enjoying your collection in a specially designated area of the home gives your hobby its proper due.
In a space that has a niche in the layout, then a built-in window seat or day bed with built-in bookshelves would make for a cozy reading nook and afternoon nap.
People who enjoy hobbies, such as crafting, sewing, fly-tying or carving, for instance, could transform a bonus space into a wonderful, compact workroom.
Avid readers might consider having a floor-to-ceiling custom built-in library in a bonus space along with a comfy chair and ottoman. If the bonus space is small, (such as along a wide hallway) then something on a smaller scale, like a book nook, might be the answer. You can openly display books, but also family photos and brick-a-brak on the built-in shelving.
Don't for get about the pets. If Fido has a designated sleeping area where the sun can warm his bed, he may just stay off of the good furniture. Items such as litter boxes and food dishes can be stored in this out-of-the-way area to help keep your home neat and tidy. Even a birdcage with some floor plants in a tropical vignette can work in a bonus space; especially if there is a window where Tweety can get some sunshine. Displaying a fish tank or terrarium in the bonus space is another possibility.
Having a designated play area for smaller children can be a good use of a bonus space; especially if the space is open so you can keep an eye on the kids while you work around the house. Incorporating fun items such as a playhouse, colourful graphics and a toy chest can help keep the kids happy and content.
For the wine/bar enthusiasts, a bonus space might make a great bar area for your family and guests. Use a wall of mirrors behind the bar if appropriate to visually open the space and to give it a little pizzazz. Install a bar that fits the space and ensure there is display and storage for wine glasses and bottles of wine. A small bar fridge and/or wine fridge will lessen the need for trips to the kitchen. If there is a plumbing hookup nearby then install a small sink for added convenience. A sound system might also be a great addition to your bar vignette.
Musicians can finally have a place to practice when a bonus spaced is thusly designated. A stool and a guitar don't take up a lot of room, but it is necessary to have a proper place to play where you can leave your equipment when it's not in use. It's difficult to do so in other areas of the home because you always have to put the stuff away when you're done. Because of this, you are less likely to bother to practice at all because it's such a hassle. With a designated area, the music will surely flow.
My friend is a painter and has a designated studio in her new home. She designed the home to have this feature because of her love for art. If you're really into the creative arts, then you should give your talent a room in which to blossom. Again, it's difficult to get creative in, say, the living room when you have all of the supplies and paraphernalia to take out and put away. It really hinders the creative process.
When you have a bonus space in your home you get to open up so many possibilities to follow your passion. Take advantage of that if you can.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
