What is a Flex Space? How to Transform your home to fit your Lifestyle

An example from one of our takes of the ultimate flex space; a home office, and entertainment room, with a hidden Murphy bed desk combo in the back corner. Photo courtesy of Dwaina Sprague Interior Design. Heritage Home Project in Vancouver BC

As our lifestyles changed due to the pandemic over the last few years, so did our homes. We saw closets and kitchen tables become home offices. Spare bedrooms become our home gyms, and living rooms formed into children’s homeschools. 

Looking back, these room transformations were made due to the necessity and uncertainty of timelines, but as we look forward to post-pandemic life, ​​homeowners are now increasingly using “flex spaces” as versatile solutions for previously underused areas. 

In this article, we’re going to give you some interior design tips, and inspiration on how to convert an underused area of your home into a customized flex space that best suits your lifestyle needs.

What the heck is a Flex Space?

Ok first things first, we’ve got to explain what a flex space is. A flex space or flex room is an area in your house that can be used for a variety of purposes. These rooms are designed to be versatile and can be used as an extra bedroom, home office, playroom, or storage space.

You may be thinking; “well I have a spare bedroom, isn’t that enough?”. Well, not really. More and more people are realizing that having a whole room in their house that is only used occasionally for guests may not be the best use of space. With space becoming increasingly more precious over the past few years, having a room that is shaped around your everyday needs will maximize function, and leave your other spaces less cluttered. 

Now it’s time for the goods! Here are a few ways to transform your space to fit your lifestyle:

A pantry blended with a modern workspace for a culinary enthusiast to focus on new recipes, and cake decorating. Photo courtesy of Dwaina Sprague Interior Design. New Beginnings Project in Kelowna BC

Think outside of the box

Now when it comes to your home’s most underutilized spaces, think of what comes to mind. It could be a spare bedroom, a formal dining room, or perhaps it’s your home gym that you never use. It could even be a spare closet! 

Your flex space should be designed around the activities that will take place there. For example, if you will be using the space for working, you will want to make sure that it is set up in a way that promotes productivity. Alternatively, if you will be using the space for exercising, you will want to make sure that it is set up in a way that allows you to move around easily and safely. By thinking about what the flex space will facilitate, you can create a more cohesive and functional space. 

A murphy bed is a perfect example of choosing flexible furniture for an awkward space. When you don’t have guests, you have an extra workspace. Photo courtesy of Dwaina Sprague Interior Design from her Heritage Home Project in Vancouver BC

Plan for storage

One way to maximize space and keep your flex room organized is to incorporate plenty of storage. Choose cabinets, furniture, or containers with doors to hide messes and contain items used for activities taking place in the room. Find stylish, yet efficient storage solutions that accommodate your needs, whether that’s for workout gear, office supplies, toys, or other items.

A murphy bed is a perfect example of choosing flexible furniture for an awkward space. When you don’t have guests, you have an extra workspace. Photo courtesy of Dwaina Sprague Interior Design from her Heritage Home Project in Vancouver BC

Opt for flexible furniture

When deciding what furniture your flex space needs, you’ve obviously got to choose flexible furniture. No matter what your room’s size or purpose, you can find furniture to fit it. Look for nesting furniture that can be easily rearranged, tables with leaves or collapsible mechanisms, or murphy beds that can be used as a workspace. Just be sure to measure the room carefully before buying anything!

Examples of Flex Space Rooms

Garage Gym

Clearing an area in your garage, or in an extra bedroom of your home can make for the perfect at-home gym flex space.

1. Hobby Room 

Do you have a passion that you would like to dedicate a whole room to? This decorating idea is perfect for you! Whether you are an artist, a fitness enthusiast, or a collector, a flex space room can provide a special area in your home that is solely dedicated to your favourite hobby. Let your creativity flow and make the most of your space with this great idea.

Even if an extra bedroom isn’t in the cards, try to reorganize your current space to provide you flexibility. You can create a faux room by incorporating room dividers, or standing shelves.

2. Office or Study Room

If you’re looking for ways to make your home more conducive to productivity, consider designating a space as a home office or study. Having a dedicated area for work can help you stay focused when you need to put in extra hours or work from home. 

3. Entertainment Room

You can make your home the perfect place for entertaining by creating your own billiards room, a private movie theater, or even a cheeky home bar. Having a separate entertainment space, you won’t have to worry about disturbing the rest of the family when you want to stay up late watching movies, or when you want to have a wine and charcuterie night. On top of that, your home will quickly become the gathering place for your loved ones!

4. Yoga and Meditation Nook

Calling all yogis! If you find yourself getting caught up in the hustle of life, with no real place to roll out your mat and take some time to practise yoga or meditate. Try opting for a dedicated room or just a section of a room, to create that personal relaxing space where you can go to unwind. 

Good Space Plans Online Loves Creating Flex Spaces! 

Now that we’ve given you the inside scoop on how to transform your home to shape your evolving lifestyle, along with a few of our favourite examples, it’s time to ditch the unused and outdated rooms and get started on your flex space! 

Whether it’s a home office you’re after, an entertainment room, or perhaps you want to let those creative juices flow in your new hobby space. Flex spaces are here to stay, and when used correctly they will transform your home, and life for the better! If you’re not sure where to go from here or need some more ideas, we’re here to help! Good Space Plans Online provides creative solutions to your home space that will transform the way you see your rooms. They truly will become multi-purpose flex spaces! Ready to get started? Book a consultation with us today