Sometimes, you just need an escape hatch.
Kids are loud.
Dogs are barking.
The vacuum, or laundry, or dishes are screaming your name.
And you just can’t turn the music or the zoom meeting up loud enough to ignore it.
I get it!
“Sometimes I feel like I have literally nothing left to give,” shared NYT Bestselling Author, certified breathwork coach, and Restorative Writing teacher Alex Elle. “That’s when I retreat. I’m not ashamed or afraid to take the space I need.”
When it comes to home, it may feel like there are only so many places to hide, especially in North Texas where generally basements don’t exist and builders don’t outfit the attic for storage much less a reading nook.
The feeling of too-much togetherness was accentuated during and after companies and schools sent employees and students home due to the Covid Crisis. Home offices and dedicated study spaces became necessary items on search lists and rehab projects. However, those weren’t the only criteria changes:
Dressing Room: Transforming a rarely used room into a space designed for getting dress and preparing outfits can offer a peaceful prep area for the day or a date. Depending on budget, investing in the right cabinets, shelves, lights … and maybe a chair or makeup table … can offer the respite your need.
Playroom: All homes have at least 1 living areas. Seeking a home with a second space or one with more bedrooms than are needed allows children to learn autonomy as well as offering mom and dad peace. Organization and creativity are key to making the room a desirable destination for littles.
Home Management: This room is different than the work study and is often serving double duty in new construction homes with the laundry. Hiding utilitarian items behind cabinets coupled with open counters and shelving and a desk with bill slots has become a desirable space for those getting chores done to multi-task.
Home Gym or Meditation Room: One of the downsides to the home office is the comfort in not needing to drive anywhere. Unfortunately, that can include going for exercise. Rather than hitting the pantry, consider a property with a dedicated area for physical fitness. Whether outfitted with weights or yoga mats, this room will be a stress reliever.
Media Room: Home is meant for family and family time. Sometimes best served with popcorn and no one talking. A room designed for watching movies may be just what the doctor ordered.
And the list goes on: Maybe a music room, or a library. Some folks want a wine room and others a space to enjoy the sun.
Changes in the way we live … work from home, multi-generational living, etc … have given way to more needs in the home and more dedicated spaces needed. With ingenuity, flexibility and thoughtful consideration to family comforts, your house can be made into everything you want, or I will find you the one that is.