A home should be a reflection of its residents. It should be what they want and need in terms of function and aesthetics. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A lack of flexibility in housing can often lead to people feeling discontent in their homes, regardless of how nice or functional they may be.
Many studies support the importance of a home tailored to its residents. For example, one study by the University of Texas at Austin found that “people who lived in homes designed for them were more satisfied with their living situation than those who lived in generic homes.” It makes sense, as it allows people to feel more comfortable and at home in their surroundings.
Another study by the University of Waterloo found that “individuals who had some control over their living environment reported higher levels of satisfaction with their home and life in general.” It indicates that having some say in how our homes look and function can significantly impact our happiness.
Then, each individual needs to have a home that is perfectly suited to them. It can only happen if housing is flexible enough to accommodate everyone’s needs and wants. So next time you’re feeling discontent in your home, ask yourself whether it’s because it’s not quite right for you. If the answer is yes, then take steps to make it more flexible and suited to your needs! However, every room has an assignment, making your options limited. Fortunately, these areas can provide you with those flexible spaces.
Outdoors
No area is more susceptible to change than the outdoors. You can change your landscaping, add or remove features, and redecorate as you see fit. If you have a big backyard, consider adding a deck or patio. If you live in an apartment, you can still make changes to your balcony or porch.
However, you might not know what you want until it is too late. So, it’s essential to take some time to think about what would work best for you and your space. Would you like a place to entertain guests? Or do you need more privacy? Once you know what you want, making changes will be much easier.
The garden will also provide a blank canvas for you to build upon for an ideal space. You can plant flowers, vegetables, or even a tiny tree. If you have the area, adding a garden shed can also be a great way to add more storage to your home.
Basement
The basement is one of the most versatile areas in a home. It can be a storage area, playroom, home office, or even an extra bedroom. The possibilities are endless!
The basement is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for more storage. You can add shelving units or build custom storage solutions to fit your needs. Consider adding a Murphy bed or futon if you need an extra bedroom.
Add plenty of light and ventilation if you want to use your basement as a home office. You might also want to install soundproofing insulation to minimize distractions from the rest of the house. Unfortunately, it can take a lot of work to renovate the basement, making it challenging to make time and provide effort for the task. Fortunately, you might want to consider affordable basement finishing contractors to do the job for you.
Guest Room
A guest room is one of a home’s most valuable flex spaces. It can be a bedroom for your expected guests, a home office, a playroom, or even a nursery.
If you have guests often, consider making your guest room more comfortable with a queen-size bed and nightstand. Add a desk and chair if you want to use them as a home office. If you have young children, you might want to use it as a playroom or nursery.
The guest room is the perfect place to add more storage. You can add a dresser, chest of drawers, or armoire. If you need more space, consider adding a Murphy bed or futon. Keeping the guest room clean and tidy might be challenging, but it will be worth it when your guests are happy and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
There are many areas of the home that you can change to suit your needs. The outdoors, basement, and guest room are all great flex spaces. With some creativity, you can make these areas work for you!
If you’re unhappy with your home, ask yourself whether it’s because it’s not quite right for you. If the answer is yes, then take steps to make it more flexible and suited to your needs! Making changes to your home can be challenging, but it will be worth it in the end.
