One of the major selling points of this house was the large bonus space right off of the entry. We designated it for the Chris Loves Julia office as soon as we saw the house. And over the last two years, as our team has grown, it has shifted into a lot of different configurations but always accommodated our growing team.
Desks, Chairs, Rug (vintage), Ceiling Light, Vase, Stems, Frame TV, Fridge, Credenza
Table, Chairs, Bookshelves, Light
Above, you can see how has been configured for the last little while--6 desks paired in the larger area with a conference table in the more narrow area. For the last couple months, we have been straightening out some of the angles of the room and now that we're nearly finished, we've turned our attention to how we should stage the room to sell our home. We have the other home office space already, so I'm hesitant to have another office space, but here are a few other ideas I had. (I plugged the dimensions into floorplanner.com and it was easy and free to do these mock-ups)
1. Office :
We could just keep it the way it is and maybe put a chair and rug on the other narrow-er side.
2. TV/Workout Room
The second option is kind of a flex space. There's already a TV in there so we could set it up as kind of a TV room with a desk on the wall where the sconces are and then a treadmill in the narrow area with windows to really show a lot of different uses.
3. Bedroom
The last idea was to stage it as a main floor bedroom. With the addition of a closet that we added, it technically could be counted as a bedroom now (although there's no attached bathroom). Putting a bed, a couple chairs facing a TV and a desk area (that looks really small in this mockup haha) could be a great way to show potential buyers that there is an option of a main floor bedroom.
So what do you think?? I'll put a poll here to get a general consensus, but feel free to weigh in with additional ideas in the comments!
[crowdsignal poll=10773951]
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I think you should have photographs of the way you have it now and set it up as an optional bedroom. I’m thinking of families with aging parents/grandparents.
As a Realtor, main floor bedrooms are very desirable for lots of reasons. Two of them being accessibility and an increase in multigenerational family living. It might make more sense to stage it as a grand guest room and take your existing guestroom in the basement and make that 100% gym.
I actually could see a family using this space for a family biz or homeschooling (especially during COVID), but I think a bedroom is always great for staging. It could be a great place for grandparents or a teen who wants more space.
If you do the flex space, I think you should stage it with a yoga mat instead of a treadmill. I don’t think anyone gets excited when they see a treadmill ???? plus it would be less bulky in front of the window.
I’m still in love with that original office layout you had. Where there were a couple of desks on the other side and a table where you walk in with a couch on the wall. This would be the perfect homeschool room for me. I’m betting other homeschoolers (of which there are many atm) would love it! Even as a kid hangout/multipurpose area.
I agree with Haneen Matt's comment. It's not worth it as each person will have their own idea of what they will want to do with that space.. I very surprised at the results of the survey because of work from home and would have thought that would have been the majority.. I think its fine as an office. WFH space!
What about an bedroom/studio? Like a mother in law suite?
I honestly don’t think you need to bother staging it. I think people are going to walk through your home and love what they see. I highly doubt seeing the space as your office is going to deter anyone from making a decision. I don’t think it’s worth the time when the rest of your home is designed and decorated so beautifully! It takes two seconds for a realtor to make suggestions to the buyer- “They used this as their office, but you could do X, Y, and Z.” But could take you hours to move furniture around! Seems like unnecessary stress.
In terms of resale value, the bedroom is the best move. People can always turn a bedroom into an office or flex space, but it would be good to show it as a bedroom and list the house stating that it is one to get the best return on investment possible
I feel really strongly that the pandemic has really changed the way we suck the life out of our houses. The treadmill/home gym idea is the only one that really embraces this. I’ve seen game rooms, craft rooms, and play rooms created in the last year that are fun and exciting, aside from the obvious wave of home offices. An additional living space is also something you can never go wrong with.
The value of the bedroom is higher. (I’m a real estate professional) though I like the TV/gym space the best because it shows how versatile the space is. I guess I don’t know your home spades that well to say what would be most popular. Is there another space for an office if you don’t keep an office?
Library with built in shelves!! And small tv/sofa area! ????
Hi guys! I think it makes the most sense right now (esp with so many folks working from home) to stage it as a flex space, giving buyers the sense that the room can really accommodate whatever their needs are during this wild, unusual time. Plus, then you can move your exercise equipment out of the guestroom in the basement while you stage, right?! I can't wait to see what you decide & I'm so excited to hear on Thursday where you've decided to move!! Sending HEAPS of love & prayers for a smooth, peaceful move & transition! xo
I love seeing the work desks and table. It makes it easy to imagine as a craft/sewing/art/work room. Having a dedicated room for gift wrapping, holiday projects or hosting paint parties, etc. would be so nice! I love the possibilities and its location.
I like the flex space. It seems like a good guest bedroom option but since there isn’t a full bathroom near by that would seem like a drawback.
I like a mix of 1 and 3... guest room + workout room
If you are trying to sell your home my advice would be make it into whatever room will allow you to mark the price up. If that’s a bedroom, then I would definitely stage it as that, if it’s an office then keep as is. Again, whichever gives YOU the greatest value! I love your beautiful home, wish I could move it to Maine :)
Office space/kids office plus tv room. Since your tv is downstairs it would be nice to have a Mai floor lounge/study. And you already have an extra bedroom in the basement.
I would do a couch and tv on one end and make the other end the playroom. Then you could turn the nook that currently houses the playroom into a workout area with treadmill or put a desk in there to make an upstairs homework space. I have young children so that would appeal to me! Best of luck on your new adventures!
I am in the minority, but I think the office looks great. With so many people working from home, I think this might encourage people to think outside of the box. It presents it as a true “bonus” space. I think whatever place will look best design wise you should go with.
I think the flex space plays to its strengths, but a bedroom like a mother-in-law suite option or almost-adult child option is a great selling point as well. Also this would make a perfect game room if you had the items to stage it as such. Ping pong, pool, foosball and a snack area.. It’s a *perfect* game space for the next owners. I hope they do the home justice after all your amazing work. You’ve done such a beautiful job.
I voted to imply that it is work out space (a big deal with gyms closed - and perhaps your property is a distance from a gym anyway?) but the office layout made me think that a secondary idea could be setting up for homeschooling multiple children, if kids are not back in building in your area (or homeschooling is a big thing there on its own.)
I would turn it into a game room! Pool table and tv maybe? Would be a nice “bonus room” for someone with teens?
As someone who owns my own business from home and has three young kids who have been doing hybrid school this year, I could see myself loving your office space as a playroom/homeschool room and utilizing the girls office as my own office. OR using the current office as my own office and home gym. I personally have a hard time utilizing our own finished basement. I like being where there is natural light!
Home Gym / Yoga Studio
Since you already have an office on the main level, I would stage this as a bedroom. Many buyers like the idea of having a bedroom on the main level.
Bedroom. A main floor bedroom is actually a dealbreaker for a lot of buyers today who are thinking about aging in place. I also think it will allow you to officially list it as having x number of bedrooms, because if you list it as having x bedrooms and then it has y bedrooms plus a "potential" extra bedroom, people feel tricked, reasonable or not.
The room, as you mentioned, has a lot of tricky corners. That makes it difficult for people to visualize how a bedroom can work in that space. Flex spaces, playrooms, and offices are very easy to visualize. You empty out the room and put whatever you want wherever it works. But a bedroom has to support a certain size mattress with a TV opposite. People need to see that it works to KNOW that it works.
I’ve already commented, but wanted to clarify - the bedroom/guest room/ in-law suite idea seems like you’d draw attention to what’s missing (the bath) instead of seeing the amazing bonus that the space is. Definitely don’t want to want anyone “wishing” for something as they look. Your home is beautiful and I’m sure it will sell in a heartbeat regardless of how you style that space!
I’m a Realtor and I couldn’t agree more. Zoom spots are popular and that room allows for one. Your Realtor should input “main floor bedroom” because it is one... it’s just being used as an office.- Which would be mentioned in the description off the home.
of* the hone
I think the second option would appeal to buyers the most. Or maybe instead of another tv space you do office and workout space. That way you have an office tor potential children for the at home learning and then this more private office space tor adults where they can also workout.
I think however you set it up it's easy to see what an asset that space is. Home school room, large home office, nanny quarters, inlaw suite. best of luck on your next adventure
Love your home, Julia and Chris! So sad to see y'all let go of all the hard work you've put in but looking forward to your next journey! I would personally leave the room as is. I think the buyers in your financial category would have the means to adjust to what they feel is best for the family. As a photographer, I'd turn it into a photography studio. My husband would probably turn it into a home gym. A home full of dance-inspired girls could turn it into a dance studio with ballerina bar. Another dad with a lot of teenage girls may prefer a man cave. Aging parents - I'd spend money to add a small en-suite bathroom in the space and turn it into the in-laws quarters. Home business - I'd keep it as you have it currently. I don't know if there's necessarily a way to cater and appeal to a larger majority of buyers in these current times. Maybe pre-COVID, there'd be a market for a "specific" space but I think in these current times, each and every family will find a different need for that room and what has become "essential" to them in these times, that I think you're better off leaving it as is (it's cute as y'alls office space!) rather than spending the energy and effort to change it up...you've already got plenty on your plate! Don't add to it!
My thoughts exactly! Maybe leave those floor plan options printed out for potential buyers to see the possibilities, but everyone is going to need something different.
Doesn't staging it as a bedroom make your house worth more? That extra bedroom is an upgrade and everyone knows you can use a bedroom as an office.
Does it need to be staged as a bedroom to be counted as a bedroom? In Australia it's common for bedrooms to be noted as 5th bedroom currently use as a study etc. But we also don't have to have a closet, it just needs to be at least a minimum sized room.
I think the space with an alternate use such as office or home gym gives buyers more scope to imagine the possibilities, while still noting it as a bedroom if possible.
You have that nice space in your basement for a guest room with an attached bath.. I would say use the whole room as a gym or a library. Either would be a great addition to your lovely home.
So many great ideas. The only thought I had was you already have great photos of it being used as an office, I would choose flex/bedroom to allow people visualize it in more ways.
I would say main floor bedroom if there’s a full bath on the first floor. If not, then tv/workout room.
I’d recommend thinking about possible buyer scenarios. I think a grownup work from home office with a small meeting area near the windows would compliment the other office that is set up more for young students. Or, perhaps a main level bedroom for older guests who may not navigate stairs well, perhaps with a comfy reading nook near the windows. I’d probably stay away from making it a den as you already have so many wonderful hangout spaces! You might even ask a realtor friend what their thoughts are, even though you’re not planning to list that way! I’m sure whatever you choose will be fabulous. ☺️ Good luck!
Main floor bedroom for older folks or visiting grandparents . I wouldn’t be deterred by a lack of a full bath if it’s just for short term visitors.
YES
Maybe it‘s because I‘m European...
I get why people stage houses and it totally makes sense to me, but staging a room for a totally different function seems to be waaaaay to much in my opinion. Everyone who looks at the house will understand That this room is a flex space and every family has different wants and needs anyway...
I would just leave it as an office and enjoy the amazing space you created for the last weeks.
Move your music room to this space. It has a door so when people are practicing it does not disturb others. Turn music room into a library of sorts.
Hi! What website do you use for layouts? Do you have any suggestions for cheaper options. I have a very small house and only need layout help in one room!
We just used floor planner.com for these! Simple and free.
When my kids were little I would have loved a main level playroom with a door. Now that my kids are older we would use the area as a game room, especially since your house is perfect for entertaining.
With so many people working from home and doing remote school I would keep it the same. This is a great space to accommodate both!
I voted flex space but this is a very valid point.
I agree! It could also be a huge selling point for a homeschool family!
I’m a big fan of #2. Working out at home in that beautiful space would be awesome! Also a quiet spot to escape with the tv and sofa. It seems like a natural place for that- and so much more usable since it’s not in the basement. Also a great room to have grandkids toys tucked away.
Hey Júlia! Loved the idea of a poll! To me, makes no sense having a bedroom without any bathroom near by (if i remember your house floor plan correctly, there’s a 1/2 bathroom down the corridor and the others are downstairs and up stairs?!). Unless you would sugest the future owners building one to become an ensuite (since This bonus room is so big!). The other options sound great! Good luck!
I think since your other office space is so conducive to kids as a homework space, and with so many people working from home due to the pandemic a true grown up office space studio would be great. Larger desk, bookshelves, & seating area... just a thought.
I think the idea of a flex space is nice. Buyer can think of this as a den for tv, playroom for kids, home gym etc. with this option you are showing the most potential of a space. The main floor bedroom idea is nice (and still do list/price the home as having that as a bedroom because it now technically is) but staging it that way without a full bathroom on that floor might deter more people than have them see added value. - thoughts of a Realtor ????
There are many small business owners that would love a space like this! Considering the size of the house, I would leave as is. It actually opens up your potential buyers instead of shrinking it since it can easily be repurposed.
I like a hobby room/studio. You already have an office space so that idea is already planted, and a media room that is cozier than this space. I wouldn’t want gym equipment be the thing I see through the window as I enter the front door. But a studio space can look quite inspiring.
My second choice would be for a main floor bedroom, convenient for less able guests, or family members recovering from knee surgery. ;)
Most people don’t have two office spaces. So I would nix the large office. The girls office serves as a perfect office space for most people that work from home.
I agree with another commenter that mentioned that for the price point, there really should be a full on gym. I would use the current guest bedroom as a gym.
Utilize the large office as a guest bedroom with a kitchenette.
I would also emphasize that you have the ability to put a TV over the fireplace. That way people aren’t turned off by the lack of ability to do so.
Other than that, I feel like the rest of the house is perfect. You already have a TV room in the basement and a separate playroom, so I don’t think you need to replicate those things elsewhere.
I cannot decide between leaving as an office space, like you have it, or a first floor bedroom, The office, obviously because more people are working from home and the dedicated space and room is really valuable right now! But the first floor bedroom is something that is also really nice as parents are getting older and may be needed down the line. I like the idea of what others said about discussing with your realtor in your market and price point what is being noted as important for buyers. Also, love the idea of the different layouts being printed to show people who cannot envision -- i would love that! :-)
I originally voted flex space, but after reading comments, I think I slightly pared down office makes a lot of sense. The girls office is great as is, but there is a lot of value to an adult work space with closed doors. I say, eliminate the work stations, keep the conference table, add a couch/lounge area, and have one grand desk. Keep the cabinetry and shelves, and light fixtures. Either way, a fantastic selling feature!
Whatever you decide, I’d just be sure to make the listing read something along the lines of “flex space currently being used as...” I personally like the idea of a tv area and workout area. Removing the treadmill from the downstairs bedroom makes that lower room feel like a true guest room away from the activity of the main floor. I think a bedroom so closely connected to the main living areas (option 3) feels a little awkward. Even though we aren’t one of them, many families want a convenient space to watch tv too, which that option also provides. It feels like a great bonus area, especially with doors that you could easily close and hide any mess!
If you set it up as an office with lots of desk, you could market it as a home school room too! IF has such a large homeschool population that it might be a great fit for a pod group to use! Just a thought!
Definitely flex space. My first thought was office/gym. If there is a full bathroom close then I think mother in law suite could work, but I'd probably still stage it as a flex space and just mention it would also make a great MIL suite. I kind of thought there was just a half bath though, in which case a bedroom doesn't make sense. Especially if it's geared towards aging parents. I also think you could just leave it completely empty and it wouldn't make a difference at all, haha. But that's no fun!
Flex space!
It allows the potential buyer to think of ALL the possibilities this bonus room could be used for instead of being too specific.
Wouldn't it be ironic and full 360 if it was reconverted to a home theatre?
I really like the MIL suite idea -- those are really valuable here, especially since you already have a fridge in there, and it combines the idea of a couple of your options. Little kitchen table, fridge with some cabinets that you already have in there, bed, and a small loveseat/couch/chair with ottoman? Inter-generational living is on the rise in the U.S.!
At your price point Nothing says luxury like a complete home gym
Love them all but It’s COVID life most people want full gym
Love them all but It’s COVID life most people want full gym
Main floor bedroom
Torn between playroom/homeschool, teen area or professional office space with two desks max. As others have said, perhaps layout options left on a table would give potential buyers ideas. Main floor bedroom is a great idea but without a full, accessible bath, it isn't optimal, especially for aging parents. They would have to navigate stairs anyway so having a suite in the basement makes the most sense, especially if that bathroom has a walk in shower.
I voted keep as an office as many families will remain remote workers even after pandemic. Many companies have decided it works ! So many families would have loved to have a place besides the kitchen table . ????
FWIW both my significant other and I work from home and our teenager has chosen 100% digital learning for the remainder of high school. We ALL appreciate the luxury of a house that allows us each to have an office space separate from where we sleep and relax. Even when it is safe to go back to the office I am not sure I will. This trend is being MUCH discussed among corporate careerists. And its why I voted for keeping an office orientation for this space. Just saying you don't NEED to have a home based business to find a space like this valuable. The kids office just doesn't work for two adults who are on calls all day... but all of this is a little dependent on how you are choosing to sell. If your personal network means you are more likely to sell to a family who works outside the home, then I vote for workout space. I just don't think it takes much imagination if someone wants to make it a bedroom, but its current vibe is much more activity focused imo.
What about office/workout space?
What if you staged it as a mother-in-law-suite? Obviously without an adjoining bathroom... But since you already have the refrigerator? Maybe set up the bedroom as you've shown, but then place the refrigerator and besta's in the front window area with table? Similar to a hotel kitchenette?
I think a flex space makes the most sense, but you've also mentioned you're looking to sell this home privately so in the end it may not matter too much since you most likely won't have open houses and a online listing.
I would leave as an office space. More people are working from home and they need a professional place to work from and be able to meet people. And people have hobbies as they get older, so it is easy to convert into a different type of work area. I quilt and it would be a perfect design studio. And it is nice to have a place where you can shut the door.
I like the idea of the downstairs as the gym, guest room and media room. You have a full bath down there. The homework area is perfect for just that since the lack of a door makes it easier to monitor progress on homework.
I agree with the suggestion of having some options printed out to give people ideas. And you may want to share your ideas about the kitchen and mudroom areas - to give the new owners an idea of the possibilities. And with some rooms, have other options available to show all the possibilities. The music room as a library/reading room. The downstairs guest room as a home gym. After all, you do have four bedrooms/ three baths on the upper level, so for a smaller family, one of those rooms could be the guest/mother in law suite.
I voted for main floor bedroom. I'm casually looking at new houses and this is something that's very, very important to me for accommodating aging parents and distance from guests. A nice main floor guest area, even if it doesn't have an en-suite, is a great feature for a larger home to have.
Your house already has an office, a theater room, a more formal living room, and a music room. There's nothing the flex space would add for me to show that there are multiple areas for working, lounging, and hobby rooms.
I voted flex space, but what I think really could be nice is to stage the current girls office as the adult office and this area as a homeschool/playroom type space. You could re-use many of the items already in the spacec. I'm envisioning the narrow section with desks along each wall and the wider part near the door with a couch, tv, toy shelves. As a buyer with a young child that would be a huge selling space for me.
Ooh I do like this thought!
Love this idea!
Oh this is brilliant!
I agree with this! Swap the two offices.
YES
Leave the office as it is. Adults need a door that closes, both for privacy and noise separation, and b/c there is a certain amount of paper creep in any office situation, which a door hides. The upstairs office space lacks a door, I think, making it fine for kids but less fine for adults. So many people are working from home these days that an efficient office situation like yours would be a huge plus.
I don't believe the upstairs has an office space. Maybe you are referring to the yellow play area in the hallway between the girls' bedroom upstairs?
I think everyone else is talking about the first floor homework room with the green leaf wallpaper! :)
Yes I was referring to the green office off on the first floor. I’d imagine a door could be added there if needed for an adult office. Although as someone who’s worked from home for 8 years- my paper is no more than one clip board and a note book. Everything is digital.
Children on the other hand- that mess NEEDS a door.
As many organizations will be moving to a work from home environment, maybe it makes sense to keep it as an office? I think I'd even keep the conference table in there. The space is beautiful and you already have TV/workout and bedrooms in the house.
I have a question that's been on my mind since you started altering the lay out of this room... Where did all the Chris Loves Julia team go while being renovated? I love the new straight door layout! Looks great!
We have been working in the dining room!
Flex space
I know many people will continue to work from home throughout the remainder of this year possibly even going beyond into a hybrid schedule a part-time home/ part-time office. I think it’s especially nice to have a flexible space to serve as a quiet home office away from where your kids might need to study. also since it has a TV sofa/sofa (You could always make this a sofa bed if you need additional guest occupancy) area it could serve as a main floor playroom for toddlers through high school. I would add in a table for boardgames and also keep the Smeg fridge/small kitchenette type area along with the workout gym area ....perfect combination room!
Plus, Having a workout room on the main floor is much more inviting (conducive to actually working out) than being stuck in the basement...lol!????
What about staging it as in "in-laws" quarters? There is no bathroom, but it seems big enough to put a small kitchenette area where you had the desk in option 3 and the main area could have a murphy or daybed and sitting area with a TV. It would be a perfect area for a parent who may not navigate stairs well.
My personal preference would be a bed and treadmill. That way, they see either possibility (plus the office space elsewhere on the main floor).
I read down the comments, and although I think I would defiantly not choose the office option and lean towards one of the other two, I think the idea to print out the other floor plans to help people visualize the possibilities is really smart! Maybe also ask your realtor who knows that market better than any of us across the nation do?
I didn't vote in the poll, but my two cents: I'm hoping your location is zoned for this kind of business. If it is, I say leave the office space as an office. It looks great. I think most people can imagine what a bedroom or workout room would look like. (And if your location is not zoned for this kind of business, turn it into a bedroom ... quickly! LOL!)
You raise a good question about considering zoning as this is helpful for anyone who may be thinking of selling and wondering how to present office space, Zoning restrictions for businesses in residential areas vary a lot by municipality, county and state. But generally speaking, zoning speaks to what kind of advertising occurs on the outside, what kind of traffic the business generates on the street/neighborhood (Trucks or large vehicles or frequent coming and going of cars generally being the most disruptive for neighborhoods) and or any noise or smells that may occur (think auto body painting or bakeries). Basically zoning represents the "neighborhood" interests. The denser the neighborhood the higher the impact any "business" activity has and the more likely zoning is to be restrictive. But generally speaking, working out of your home for a business like CLJ is unlikely to require specific zoning.... obviously researching as a buyer is critical if this is your intent.
I like the tv room/ workout space. I think the girls homework room serves the purpose of an office space, so I think that makes the most sense.
I would go with the main floor bedroom. There is a bathroom on the main floor, right? Just not actually attached to this room? It would actually be a good spot for a guest bedroom because it keeps all of the more public areas of the house on the same floor.
Your current office setup is pretty specific to owning a fairly large home business. It’s harder to look at that and imagine it being something else.
Then you could stage the current guest bedroom as a designated workout room. I feel like the basement is a better spot for a workout room. You already have a tv room down there, no need to stage multiple tv rooms.
This is a solid point, making the downstairs guest bedroom into the workout room.
This is really thoughtful! I voted for flex space, but upon reading the comments, I think bedroom is your best bet. The only downside I see is some small confusion as it is the first room a potential buyer sees upon entering your home. But it is genius understanding the workout/flex potential in the basement! I've loved watching you make this house a home
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Totally agree with this. The downstairs guest room could also be workout space/office with this size of that room.
I think the flex space will allow potential buyers to see it can be used in many ways. If you have families looking at it then it could make a good main floor tv room/playroom/gym. A large office like that may not make sense for most people. I personally wouldn't want a bedroom right off the entry, especially since I can't remember if you have a full bathroom on the main floor.
I also think you could set up the "office" area as a tv viewing area and leave the large table where it is as a sort of game table. Makes it work as a first floor den.
I’m 2b - office and workout space. That’s what I would most want personally since your other desk space doesn’t have doors!
I know it's not on your list, but another option that might have more universal appeal is an in-law suite... so kind of like option 3 where you have it as a bedroom, but fill the 'extra' space where you have a desk with a sitting area instead.
Yes, with aging parents and many not wanting to go to assisted living, this is a very sought-after feature!
Could you leave as your office but print out and frame the options? As you know some people can't visualize spaces. Good luck with the relocation.
Brenda
The only thing missing in your home is a gym. Put the treadmill in front of the tv. Hang some mirrors on your wall and out some free standing weights and yoga mats down. The little kitchenette would be perfect for a drink and protein station.
This is my vote too
I would set it up as a flex space to signal the potential of the room to buyers. It's unlikely that the buyers will need such a large dedicated office space, especially with a separate home office already in the house. A lounge/craft/gym area can show the versatility of the room and let buyers imagine whatever would be great for their family. If it were my family looking at the home, I would probably set it up as a playroom/kids room.
Personally I would want to know there is a TV space on the first floor so I like it as a flex space - also would make me think it is perfect for a playroom on the main floor!
Home theater/workout space?
Have your realtor describe the space as large flex space that could be main floor bedroom, large office space, home gym, etc. Anyone looking for a large office space or something specific and unique will already be thinking outside the box on whatever space they see. The buyers you don’t want to turn away are the ones who have no specific needs and have no vision to see what something could be. So you should stage it to appeal to those type of buyers who are more “normal.” (I’m a realtor— I can’t imagine your house not selling very easily, especially in this market. )
I feel like at your price point a full on home gym look would be nice.
With everyone working from home more and more, I think it would be great to highlight it as a working space. I would leave the conference table, have one desk, and a seating area.
I think #2 strikes the perfect balance. It's not a given buyers will need that many work stations (#1) and this room doesn't seem like a natural bedroom to me (mostly because of proximity to bathrooms). Option 2 seems like the most natural fit for the space, and gives buyers three uses to contemplate in the space.
Hi! I voted for the unpopular opinion of "the way it is now." I think it depends on what's common in your area, but I could see this being a great homeschool tutorial room, or art studio, or true work-from-home space which we are all doing more of! The office you already have is great too of course! But I could definitely see two distinct uses even for families without home blogging businesses. Plus - it's easier! :-)
I would do a playroom - a first floor playroom separate from the nicer grown up living room, with a door that can be closed on a mess quickly would be very attractive to me :)