Simple & creative ideas for decorating your bonus room

by Ann Hayward 07/22/2024

Bonus rooms are a major selling point in modern homes, but choosing a purpose for them can be tricky if you don't already have an idea in mind. With so many possibilities for using the extra space, it helps to start with the basic needs of your household. How will you best use this space? To help inspire you, here are some simple and creative ideas for decorating a bonus room:

Guest bedroom

A popular choice for bonus rooms is to convert them into guest bedrooms. It's helpful to have a place for friends or family to have to themselves when visiting overnight. However, it can also be helpful to have a guest bedroom, even if you don't intend to host anybody. Many homeowners like having a guest room ready as an auxiliary nap room, for instance.

Regardless of the intended purpose, adding a bed, night stand and comfortable lighting will transform any empty room into a guest bedroom in a pinch. Try using a convertible sofa for a multifunctional and space-saving approach.

Home office

As it's become more common to work from home, it's become more important to have a designated workspace. Setting up your bonus room as a home office is an excellent way to add function and purpose to the space, while also helping yourself or other household members who need a quiet place to work. Invest in a quality desk and chair, add task lighting and the necessary technology, and you'll have a home office ready for action.

Game room

Sometimes your recreational activities might conflict with those of your family or housemates. One great way to curb this issue is to turn your bonus room into a designated space for play time apart from other gathering areas. Creating a game room for anything from virtual reality to board games to poker nights will help you have fun without disrupting other parts of the house. Include plenty of comfortable seating, media storage and fun decor to complete the transformation.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]