Designing Spaces That Grow with Your Family: From Summer Break to Back-to-School

We’re all about a transformative home remodel at The Designery. But we all know that it’s impractical to start demolition every time your family grows or routines change. Adjusting and customizing specific areas, converting them into multifunctional spaces, is something everyone can do.

So, if you’re looking at a full house over summer break, want to be more organized by the time school starts, or simply want more breathing room, keep reading. Today, we’re exploring design options that help your home grow with your family.

Multifunctional spaces for the whole family

Multifunctional spaces are supposed to be areas that serve two or more purposes. Whether or not a room becomes famous for more than one activity, these spaces make it easier to get more done. 

From efficient storage to promoting togetherness, they suit all phases of life. 

A nook to knock out your summer reading list

The family bookworm won’t get bored between trips to the beach with their own dedicated reading space. Add custom shelves with a small seating area in the coziest corner of the living room, bedroom, closet, or even the hallway.

PRO TIP: Choose a spot with natural lighting for reduced eye strain. If a window isn’t available and space is scarce, some well-placed wall sconces will work. 

Take outdoor living to new levels

Cabin fever during summer break is a very real thing. And now the kids are inviting all of their friends over? Get outside! An outdoor kitchen on the patio feels like building an addition to your home–with a lot less hassle. Double the size (and success) of your summer gatherings without making a mess indoors. 

PRO TIP: Pre-fabricated, outdoor-rated kitchen cabinets make planning and maintaining patio kitchens a breeze. 

The perfect place to stash their stuff

Decking out entry points with cupboards, benches, hooks, and other organization solutions saves time and mess. Make it a family policy to leave backpacks, rain boots, jackets, and all the other odds and ends everyone drags in in one convenient space. There’ll be less of a rush in the mornings and less tidying to do everywhere else.

PRO TIP: Keeping a catch-all in the kitchen? Clear off counters by adding a few drawers to the mudroom or foyer storage space.

Introducing the cloffice

Is summer break disruptive to your usual work-from-home situation? This is your excuse for a walk-in closet remodel. Add a small desk, a little task lighting, and enjoy the peaceful focus that comes with being shut away in your own sanctuary. Choosing a wall-mounted desk can keep floor space clear, too.

PRO TIP: Ensure the closet is well-ventilated. It’s as beneficial to preserving garments and goods as it is healthy breathing. 

Creating in the kitchen

Some of life’s best moments of togetherness happen in the kitchen–provided there’s room for everyone. Upgrading to a larger kitchen island with a durable, high-quality countertop can be the ideal place to put little hands to work on cooking lessons, craft projects, homework, and more. 

PRO TIP: Engineered quartz countertops get high marks for being scuff and stain-resistant without compromising the upgraded look of your kitchen. 

What about play areas?

Worried about letting kids take over common areas? A hybrid play room/living room doesn’t have to be as visually startling or out-of-control as you fear. 

• Look into storage, like cabinets or consoles that blend with your existing décor and design scheme. Furniture with hidden storage is an even bigger value.
• Choosing custom for some of these pieces can offer an even larger return on investment. You get higher quality, plus continued relevance as your needs change. 
• Vertical storage, like cubbies with baskets, is also versatile and space-saving.
• Add some color with rugs and cushions in the play zone. Bright floor cushions make great kiddie seating that’s easy to stow away. 
• Opt for low-maintenance flooring that’s easy to clean. LVP, for instance, is durable and kid-friendly, and looks more upscale than other vinyl flooring. 

Designs to carry your family through every stage

Multifunctional spaces that help your home grow with your family begin with careful design. From there, quality materials, craftsmanship, and installation help it endure for years. 

Here are a few ways The Designery can help you convert or optimize your home (no major remodel necessary):

• Work with a professional designer. They’re skilled at finding solutions for the dimensions of your space, as well as your lifestyle and budget.
• Choose what you need. You’ll have access to the materials and products you and a designer are considering. Select only what you love.
• DIY or schedule an install–it’s up to you. After you collaborate with the designer, you can take the products and plan and do it yourself. Or we can schedule and perform expert installation, complete with a final walkthrough.

Plus, your first design consultation is free. Book now and get all of the benefits of a new and improved multifunctional design before the beginning of the school year.