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
I’m curious how your sectional is holding up! I’m looking to buy from Interior Define but unsure of the construction / quality.
We changed out our sectional recently, but it was good overall while we had it.
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!