How many ways can you use a bonus room?

No matter how much space you have in your home, you could probably find a use for an extra space that isn’t designated for anything in particular. It’s not part of the open concept where you don’t have privacy, or an extension of the owner’s suite where you might feel the use overlaps with the room’s restful purpose. At Ideal Homes, we’re finding that more homebuyers are interested in something extra. Think about it. How many ways can you use a bonus room? A home office is definitely a possibility. Whether you work from home occasionally or full-time, a dedicated home office space allows you to organize your work while also separating business and pleasure. How about a game room? Set up a table for board games, jigsaw puzzles, and poker night, or maybe gaming stations with a little air hockey or foosball on the side. Keep your fun and games in one room and out of the mainstream open floor plan. A bonus suite, like the options included in our new Stafford floor plans—give you more than one room. We can include a full or half-bath, making this area ideal as a guest room. Many homeowners are looking for a bonus room that they can use as a hobby room or craft studio. It’s often discouraging to have to haul out your supplies when you’re in a creative mood, and then stash them away again when your time is up. A craft room lets you organize all of your tools and supplies, keeping everything at the ready when the spirit moves you. A library or study gives you a quiet place where you can read, research, do homework, or simply get away to enjoy a peaceful escape. For anyone who has ever shoved an elliptical or treadmill into a corner—where it is ultimately ignored—you can use your bonus space as an exercise room. You might want to change the flooring to something cushioned and sturdy, like rubber tiles. A home theater is a great use for a bonus room. Set up your large screen television with your streaming devices, DVDs, or home theater system. Add comfortable seating, a concession stand (popcorn machine, refrigerator), and room-darkening shades, and you’re ready for a red carpet event or movie marathon. Then, there’s the man cave. Imagine all the simple pleasures you can include in this special space. The recliner that the woman of the house won’t allow in the living room. A wine fridge, kegerator, or small refrigerator. A video gaming station, dart board, or other diversion. Let him make it into whatever he wants, while she just smiles and looks the other way. Before you buy a new home, think about the ways you can use a bonus room. Ideal Homes currently has a selection of quick move-in homes that include this valuable feature. We also offer the optional bonus room in many of our 55 new home plans available in Ideal homes’ new home communities throughout the Oklahoma City metro region, including Edmond, Norman, and Moore. Contact Ideal Homes for the inspiration to move to a home that truly fits the way you want to live.