Decorating & Design
September 19, 2022
15+ Unexpected Rooms To Have At Home
If you’re looking for the ultimate conversation piece at your next gathering, or you’re simply looking to use your home in new and innovative ways, consider something a little different for your next home makeover. From cantinas to scotch rooms, these homeowners got creative by giving their rooms some nice-to-have amenities.
Scroll down for 10+ cool and quirky room ideas!
Cantina
This Ontario farmhouse comes with a European-inspired cantina. Located in the home’s basement, ancient stone foundation walls give it a cavern feel. It’s an ideal space to have for the family who regularly makes their own tomato sauce, wine and sausages.
Art Studio
Artist Virginia Johnson transformed a separate structure in her home’s backyard into an art studio. The space is dedicated to painting, sewing and pursuing her various creative endeavours. The airy studio has a modern-meets-rustic vibe with concrete flooring, white walls and wooden beams.
Dog Shower Room
Pamper your pooch with a dog shower room! This will help keep muddy paws and shedding dog fur away from bathrooms that family members frequent. You can have fun designing the space with vibrant tile and pup-themed decorating.
Home Library
Anyone with an overflowing book collection will benefit from a home library. At this NYC loft, full-height shelving looks impressive and helps maximize storage space. Placing a cosy chair in the room will invite you to curl up with your latest novel.
Screening Room
Elevate movie nights with a projector that takes over an entire wall. For an authentic movie-watching experience, install blackout curtains to keep sunshine at bay. Bonus points if you put up movie posters and add a popcorn machine!
Greenhouse
This homeowner took the empty space in her backyard and built a modern greenhouse. The structure (which incorporates a chicken coop) provides her fruits and vegetables with extra protection from the elements, and gives her excellent storage space for gardening tools. It even doubles as a party room!
Collection Room
Don’t be fooled — this is not your typical library. To keep their collection of art monographs and catalogues organized, Alan Schwartz and his family dedicated a corner of their home to display the collection. A wooden desk offers a spot to examine the items with ease.
Catio
Cat owners can create an indoor-outdoor space for their cats! A catio is a savvy way to allow your pet to safely enjoy the outdoors. You could build a separate structure and connect it to your home with a cat tunnel, or convert an existing porch into the ultimate catio.
Cloakroom
Give your coat closet an upgrade by converting it into a walk-in cloakroom. In this space, custom metalwork was installed to accommodate long coats, along with an elegant bench for kicking shoes on and off. A mirror and dark walls give it a sophisticated ambience and is perfect for last minute spot checks before heading out.
Homework Room
Promote a creative learning environment for your kids by converting an extra bedroom into a homework room. Here, floor-to-ceiling shelves provide space for books and supplies. A low-profile table with pillow seating is an unconventional yet cosy place for kids to work and get creative.
Scotch Room
A modern fireplace and blue velvet bergère chairs make this scotch room the perfect spot for a nightcap. It can also be used as a games room.
Candy Shop Playroom
Make your kids’ dreams a reality with their own at-home candy shop. This kid-centric space features fuzzy-peach colored walls, cloud-like light fixtures and custom built-ins lined with jars filled with the sweet stuff. There’s a spot for homework and a table for crafting (with a side of candy!).
Hammam-inspired Spa
If you’re a frequent spa-goer, you may consider installing something a little more elevated than a jacuzzi tub at home. In the 2021 Princess Margaret Lottery Showhome, a chromotherapy tub surrounded by soothing seascape art is the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
Speakeasy
In the 2020 Princess Margaret Showhome, designer Sarah Baeumler created a stylish speakeasy on the lower level. There’s no need to run up to the kitchen — this hardworking hub has everything you need: a full-size refrigerator, pantry, dishwasher, wine fridge and ice machine.
Solarium
In this grand Edwardian home, the conservatory was transformed into a light-filled dining area that overlooks the garden. While the homeowners don’t technically use the spacious room as a solarium anymore, there’s a desire to put the bright and airy room to great use. A built-in buffet doubles as a spot to display greenery or build flower arrangements.
Bathtub-Library
This bathtub doubles as a reading nook, and we’re all for it. Elegant sconces provide ample light for better reading, so you can get into your latest novel while enjoying a long soak.