Are you in the market for a new home? Then get familiar with the term flex room, one of today’s biggest buzzwords in real estate. Flex rooms are essentially rooms or spaces that you can use for a variety of purposes. These popular spaces are also referred to as bonus rooms and multipurpose rooms, and sometimes as prayer or meditation rooms.

The purpose of a flex room is to provide homeowners with flexibility as their needs and lifestyles evolve. For example, a Baby Boomer’s home office may turn into a hobby room after retirement. But the over-55 crowd is not the only demographic with a flex room on their house-hunting wish list. Young families preparing for their future needs see this room as essential for their growing households as well.

Popular Uses for Flex Rooms

Now that you know what a flex room is, you are probably trying to figure what’s the best use for this bonus space. With flex rooms, the possibilities are endless. Below, are eight popular ways homeowners use their flex rooms. These ideas may inspire you to add a flex room to your wish list.

1. Home Office

According to the New York Times, 43% of Americans work remotely at least some of the time. With that figure, it’s not surprising that many homeowners are using their flex rooms as a home office.

Do you have young kids that love to interrupt you while you’re working? Opt for French Doors in your office. This will give you some privacy when you have to hop on a conference call or to focus on a project.

2. Playroom

Let’s face it, kids are inherently messy. Having a dedicated space for their toys, games and dress-up costumes will help keep your home from getting cluttered. For storage, purchase a toy chest for the room or have your homebuilder include built-in shelving.

We recommend installing a door in this room so you can close the door to the playroom when you don’t want guests to see your kids’ mess.

3. Media Room

Are you the type of person that loves to binge watch TV or host Star Wars marathons at your house? Transform your flex room into a media room. You can make your media room as extravagant as you want. Most media rooms include a wide screen TV, a surround sound system and comfortable seating (e.g. sectional couches and recliner chairs). Another popular option is to swap your big screen TV for a projector.

4. Yoga/Exercise Room

Create a dedicated space for your Peloton bike and free weights. Usingf your flex room as an exercise room is perfect for fitness buffs that like to work out without the hassle of going to a boutique gym.

If sun salutations and downward dog poses are more your speed, turn your bonus room into a yoga room. Depending on the type of exercise you do, you may need to customize the room with mirrors, TVs or padded floors.

5. Music Room

Does your child aspire to be the next Ed Sheeran or Ariana Grande? Turn your flex room into a music room. Your child will be able to practice their guitar skills for hours on end without disturbing the rest of the household. It also gives you the space to store or display their musical instruments.

6. Craft Room

If making jewelry is your idea of relaxing, convert your flex room into a craft room. Pulling out all of your craft materials every time you work on a project can be a major hassle. Having a room for painting, drawing and other crafts will provide you with an experience that is more enjoyable.

With your craft room, everything you need will be at the tips of your fingers. Design your craft room with a table/work space and cubbies or shelves to store your supplies. Set up a bulletin board to display your or your kids’ masterpieces.

7.  Extra Living Room

Homeowners who love to entertain often choose to utilize their flex rooms as an additional living room. This will allow your guests to have another place to mingle during your social gatherings. An extra living room also comes in handy if you have a multi-generational household. Grandparents can read their newspaper in peace in the extra living room while your kids watch cartoons in the other room.

8. Combination Room

Who says that you have to wait a few years to get multiple uses out of your flex room? Your flex room can serve two purposes at once now. For instance, your home office can be a guest room as well.

To do this, you need to be strategic about how you furnish the room. For a home office/guest room, choose a smaller desk and desk lamp. This will allow you to set up a day bed in the other half of the room.

With combination rooms, storage is a key factor. Purchase furniture and storage containers that can hold supplies and other personal belongings.

Are you still on the fence about building a home with a flex room? Keep in mind that a flex room may affect your home’s value. According to Consumer Reports, having a flex room can boost your home value 4 to 6 percent.

To learn more about our new home communities and which offer flex rooms, visit khov.com.

Last Updated on November 11, 2019