Hidden Spaces Become Useful Spaces

Design Notes

Hidden Spaces Become Useful Spaces

Space is a valuable commodity, especially in our homes. Everyone needs a dedicated space to enjoy their craft, but the essential areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, take priority, leaving little space for a man cave or craft room. A designer needs to think outside the box to create something useful out of the unusual. Homeowners have more to work with than they realize. Here, we share a few hidden spaces in the home that can be turned into a functional and useful area.

Hidden Spaces In An Unused Closet

Do you have a spare closet that you are not using very much? What about a little closet in the hallway or the guest bedroom? Maybe you have an old walk-in pantry that you don’t use or a linen closet that isn’t being used. These hidden spaces can be turned into a great little usable space, like:

Reading nook—Small closets make great places to encourage reading for the little ones. Add some soft floor padding, a beanbag, a shelf to put their favorite books, and a lamp to read by. They may love it so much they never leave.
Small office—Looking for a place to pay the bills, write a quick note, or make a grocery list? This is the perfect space to create a little office station.
Craft space – closets are the perfect size for a craft room. You can pack a lot into a small area by utilizing the walls through pegboards and shelves. Add a wall-to-wallboard to create a worktable, and you’re ready to express your creativity.
Beverage station – tired of not having enough space to have a beverage area at parties? Well, closets can solve that problem for you. Adding a simple countertop and small refrigerator can create the perfect self-serve drink station for your next gathering.

There are multiple ways to utilize the space you already have; it just requires some out-of-the-box thinking. Spend some time looking around your home, taking inventory of your hidden spaces, and considering if they are being used to their fullest potential. Be sure to mention it to your designer.

Hidden Spaces In The Basement

Wanting to add a home gym to your home or maybe a game room, but not sure you have the space? Basements are a goldmine of hidden spaces and untapped square footage. Not only does a finished basement give you the extra room you’re looking for, but it also increases the value of your home. Some ideas for this area:

Game room: This is great for family game night or neighborhood sports night. There is nothing like having an area to gather and have fun without feeling cramped or putting anyone else out of their space.
Wine cellar: Basements are the perfect place to create a storage area for your amazing wine collection. Plus, the basement tends to be one of the coolest spots in the home.
Home office – work from home? Need an office space to yourself where you can work undisturbed? Look no further than the basement. This area offers you an ideal space to get the needed work done for your job without having to tell everyone to be quiet.
Workshop – do you have a hobby that takes up more space than just the dining room table? Maybe you enjoy woodworking ( we get that), or perhaps you are a budding artist. Each requires sufficient space to work and the freedom to leave your tools out instead of cleaning up the mess whenever you need to stop. The basement was created with your hobby in mind.
Gym—Most would agree they would prefer to work out at home, and the basement is the perfect place to create a little home gym. Since it is usually a cooler area with fewer windows, this space can be ideal for a “get in shape” and “judgment-free” zone.

The possibilities are endless. By finishing the basement or reworking the existing space, you can carve out an area that is perfect for you.

Hidden Spaces In The Attic

In older homes, primarily, untapped storage and functional hidden spaces are located right above your head. One of the best advantages of finishing the attic is the added insulation, which can improve your home’s temperature and humidity. It also adds resale value to your home since more space is available. Ideal uses for this area include:

Playroom—If you are looking for the perfect space for the littles to play, the attic could be your solution. The slanted walls don’t bother the kids and make a great spot for bookshelves and toy storage.
Guest suite—The attic’s open floor plan makes it an excellent choice for adding a much-needed guest suite for extended family and friend stays. By adding a bathroom and a couch, you can create a private retreat for your guests.
Entertainment space—The attic is the perfect place to host sports watch parties or celebrate a special occasion. Add a beverage station and a couple of bean bags for more seating, and you will be all set for football season.

Choosing to use the hidden spaces in your attic can give you more square footage to create the functional areas you need in the home. View this gallery to see some other unique attic spaces.

From Unused To Useful

Since we specialize in the unique, we love helping our clients make the most of their space and thinking outside the box. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your home, no matter where it is. Let us assist you in taking those hidden spaces scattered around and creating functional, useful spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Browse our project gallery to see how we have helped our clients achieve a space ideally suited to them and their lifestyle by finding those hidden spaces and maximizing their potential. We proudly serve 16 counties, including Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Hendersonville, Watauga, and Greenville, but we do not limit ourselves to them. Be sure to visit our showroom located in beautiful Uptown Shelby.

byStacey Walker/onDecember 7, 2015/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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