We've been getting a lot of questions about the bonus room recently, like how we're liking the space, and now that we're no longer using the home office, how is that space going to be different than the bonus room?? Let's get into it!
The Bonus Room
Charly Sectional | Rug | Sling Chairs | Floor Lamp | Frame TV | Side Table | Table Lamp | Arch Cabinet
Paint Color: F&B Stiffkey Blue in Modern Emulsion
Since finishing the bonus room it has become the most-used room in our house! It has really become this great family hangout spot and you'll typically find us in there in the evenings and on the weekends. This is exactly what we hoped the room would be, so that's extremely reassuring our instincts are on the right track in this house. Any time we're wondering where the girls are, it's likely they're lounging on the sectional reading books or watching a show. They also spend a lot of time at the desk playing on their computers.
The lockers are getting a lot of use too--but maybe not exactly in the way we originally planned. The girls have been storing all of their keepsake papers in the bottom drawers. It's nice because we haven't really figured out a place for those yet, but any time I tell the girls to go put their recent drawing with their papers, they know exactly where I'm talking about! I can't say the backpacks make it up there automatically... They need a little reminding, but it's nice to have a place for them regardless, and they eventually make it up there. With three lockers, each girl has their own little storage space in this room which is nice and makes cleaning up (and finding things!) a breeze.
Lockers | Lantern | Sconce | Vase | Runner
Since the music room has evolved into more of a study, we have been considering hanging the guitars where the black cabinet is. We're still figuring it all about but I think it's a great option!
The Game Room
Behind these doors is the used-to-be office space, now be known as the rec room! There may or may not still be a kitchenette (it’s kind of the only full wall in there), and we're thinking of getting a pool table and maybe one of those double basketball hoops?! Skee ball! We envision it being a game room/play room, while the bonus room leans more towards media. Using this room as an office space was short lived, but it feels right that we get to use this room in a different way. I get excited thinking about hosting family and our kids hosting their friends and having loads of fun in this room!
The Playroom Becomes the Bunk Room
So then what about the playroom behind the hidden door?? Half of the playroom is getting turned into an upstairs laundry room! This is happening sooner than later actually and we can't wait to share more. The question is, now that we have a game room, do we still need a designated playroom? We realized we could benefit more from turning this space into a bunk room for sister and cousin sleepovers! We are still finalizing the plans but I think it will be a great use of space and we can still store toys, games, and extra blankets in here.
One thing we do know is that we've been paying attention to how we use each space and how each space wants to be used. We're honestly figuring it out as we go, and giving ourselves permission to change our minds as well! I think we're heading in the right direction and can't wait to see where we end up!
Shop The Bonus Room
Leave a Reply
WE'RE CHRIS + JULIA
Portfolio
Projects
Hi there, I have a question about the type of vertical board you used in the bonus room. Is this a tongue and groove vertical board or something else? What width of plank did you go with?
It's 5" tongue and groove
I am so excited to see this bunk room vision develop!! No kids, but I am always so drawn to bunk room inspiration pictures— so much room to play with patterns and create a really neat space.
OMG hidden door bunkroom sounds AMAZING. Can't wait to see what you create <3
I love the idea of an art space, although if I think about it I always end up wanting to do art inside in the kitchen (in the winter) or outside, where I can keep an eye on the potential messes!
I think it's possible that a lot of your readers hear "bonus room" and think of the types of activities you actually intend to use the game/rec room for. Because you prefer to keep your downstairs living area TV-free, to me this room becomes what most people might refer to as a den or family room. It looks so cozy and perfect for movie nights!!
yeah you're probably right! we need to call it the family room huh
Love the idea of a bunk/play room, at least until the little ones gets bigger. You'll be grateful for the smaller, contained space, where they can still sit and play with their toys on the floor; until they're older and most of the play migrates to the larger, open game room space. Also, you may wish to consider an arts/crafts area. It sounds like you have a burgeoning artist(s) on your hands. Perhaps a space to set up an easel with great light, open ventilation, a sink and a protected floor for painting. Of course, you're also an artist, so perhaps room for two?
The bunk room seems like a great idea. Girls will always want sleepovers. Also, we have a pool table and love it. Definitely a fun entertaining activity. Keeping the kitchenette seems smart for snacks and such for all the teenagers you’ll have eventually 🤪
My absolute favorite thing is that each place is being used with such intention. I mean, we can all hope that we use our homes to its fullest capability, but love that you guys share the thoughts behind each space... etc. Thank you for taking us along for the first phases, change of direction, and the absolutes from the get go!!!
I love all these planned fun zones and the bunk room. It'll be such a great option for teenage group hangouts!!
I've found that having a place for everything is key - even when everything is not in its place! Just knowing I can pick it up (or have the kids pick it up) and put it in a designated spot is great. It's when I go to tidy up and don't know where to put something that I get stressed.
Wow, lots of rooms - how lucky your girls are to have these spaces for media and other activities. Given what you said about the backpacks, have you thought of making a space close to where they come into the house (garage door area or front door so either that back hall laundry room area or maybe the part of the kitchen at the front of the house near the front door) for their back packs? My kids always drop their stuff when they walk in the house, so I added a sturdy row of wall hooks for backpacks and coats, and a big basket for shoes, right near the door and it has worked magic! They actually hand their backpacks and coats. Shoes are a bit different- generally just left by the door randomly, but at least coats and backpacks are. in place! Actually works for my coat and shoes too - I don't think you have posted anything about where you and Chris and other adults put your coats and shoes when you walk into the house, which I am guessing is mostly from the garage. Would love to see this space!
I agree with you about the backpack area. I can’t imagine making my kids lug their heavy backpacks up and down the stairs every day when there’s plenty of space to keep them downstairs. It seems so unnecessary. Especially if the locker/desk area isn’t even where they do their homework.
It IS where they do their homework, haha, but we're still figuring out our systems for sure!
I agree with this Suzanne! I would love the lockers upstairs for the purpose they are serving, but I like having all of our day to day stuff right by the door. We have a locker/cubby system in our garage that keeps all of our coats, shoes, toques, mitts and backpacks. That way it's easy access and I'm not nagging my kids to run upstairs and grab their backpacks before school. Excited to see the bunk room and game room come to life!