What would YOU do with a 650 sq ft extra living area?

[Aimeedyan]

That's the question in our household =) It's upstairs and looks like this currently:

You can see the layout here:

Sorry I couldn't capture the entire space but you get the idea.

I am leaning towards making part of it a 2nd living area with tv, sofas, etc and then leaving room for a play area for when we have children (toys, playhouse, etc). I can't figure out what decor style I want to use, though. I'm thinking maybe beach house casual since that's pretty casual and comfortable but I can't decide. Course it'll be another 1 year+ before we have the cash to purchase anything for it but it's fun to dream and window shop!

So, just for fun - what would YOU do with the space and how would you decorate it?

 

[chell]

Looks like a nice room. You don't want to do what I would do because I would just store more of my junk in there.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

a playroom/hang out room...a place for you and your friends to spend time but also for your kids and their friends to spend time as well.

 

[Tiggeroo]

second living room with emphasis on quiet relaxation. Books, chess set, maybe a small tv in an enclosed armoir.

 

[PaulaSue]

Honestly I would make it the master bedroom and bath. I wouldn't/couldn't sleep with the kids on different floor. (My girls were around one until they went to their room but you know what I mean.)

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Playroom/gameroom/hang-out area for the kids!

TOV

 

[lucyanna girl]

Need more info - how many family members and what age? Do you have a den and/or office elsewhere? Is your family lifestyle casual or formal?

 

[chell]

Ooh, it could be your DIS/Disney room.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Need more info - how many family members and what age? Do you have a den and/or office elsewhere? Is your family lifestyle casual or formal?

Right now, just DH and I plus 2 dogs that like to run circles in the wide open space. This is (hopefully) our forever home and we hope to have children in a few years. We currently have an office upstairs and a downstairs living space that we hope will be more "formal" when children come. Meaning, toys stay upstairs most of the time.

We know we'll place a desk/computer up there in a few years when the current office becomes a child's room - plus I won't have computers in a kids room.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I'm assuming that being in TX you don't have a basement? If that is the case I would make it a family room. You can aim to keep the kid's toys up there, but that's hard to do when they are young. I can't imagine only having one living area with kids, but I know that we managed when we lived in TX. Now, though, we are lucky enough to have 2 living areas on our main level. plus a basement rec room and a playroom. Sounds good, but the problem is that the toys tend to take over if there is that much space. I need to do a big purge of toys before my son's birthday party.

Have fun figuring out your space! Looks like a nice sized room with plenty of windows.

 

[lucyanna girl]

How about a retreat from the world for the two of you right now? Big, over-sized sofa, a chair and a half with ottoman, big screen television. Soft throws and pillows for you and DH to curl up on and dream of the future. Just don't use too light colors and these pieces will be a good place to hug a baby or toddler up and sing a lullaby or read a book in a few years.

 

[mtblujeans]

Looks like a nice room. You don't want to do what I would do because I would just store more of my junk in there.

 

[chell]

Whew. I was starting to worry that I was the only one who would use it for junk storage. Now I feel better.

 

[mtblujeans]

Whew. I was starting to worry that I was the only one who would use it for junk storage. Now I feel better.

Oh, yeah....you are NOT alone!

 

[grlpwrd]

I would make it a sanctuary just for you... after you have kids you're going to need it. lol j/k

Really, I think all women should have a sanctuary of their very own regardless of motherhood.

 

[lindalinda]

It looks perfect for a kids playroom, thats what i would do. I know you dont have kids yet, but when they are little its really great to have a big space for all the toys. i wouldn't even put a real couch in there, maybe those sectional fold up kind? I dont know what you call them. And maybe put in a lot of built in storage under those windows, window seats that lift up for storage. I just finished my basement, and me and my son designed it (hes 14 and wanted a hang-out) It turned out wonderful and very cool. Black leather couches and red chairs, even one of those big red hands! lol We put in a stainless steel bar to look just like a diner with red barstools that swirl and black and white vinyl floor. Then we hung vintage diner type signs in the diner half and 23 framed movie posters and rock star posters in the living half. It turned out very impressive. Now all we need is a genuine pinball machine so Im saving my pennies (those things cost a bundle!) Have fun with it, it will be great!

 

[Tinijocaro]

second living room with emphasis on quiet relaxation. Books, chess set, maybe a small tv in an enclosed armoir.

Ditto- We only have one living room, no hwere to go to have quiet reading time. Keep one for tv, games, all that, the other for reading, thinking...

Jackie

 

[disneylizzy]

I have teenagers and I think there is nothing better than kids being free to get together with their friends in a space they feel comfortable in, especially if said space is at home. I would devote it to the kids - big screen TV, playstation, XBox, maybe a big game table for Texas Hold'em or Foos ball. Comfortable couches and chairs. Everything easy clean. I have boys, so maybe scenic outdoor photos framed.

I guess you have plenty of time ahead - great space!!

 

[Nite0wl71]

Since my youngest is almost 13, I would turn it into a library. We all love to read and I can just imagine lots of books, some big comfy chairs and a table to do puzzles on.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Whew. I was starting to worry that I was the only one who would use it for junk storage. Now I feel better.

Knowing me, I'd be using a bedroom or two for junk...think about it...I could then close the door and nobody would ever know!