Many homeowners have a bonus room or loft space in their house (upstairs, in the attic, in the basement or even in their garage) that be utilized as a playroom, home office, guest bedroom, or additional living room. When our sample homeowners added a bonus room upstairs in their new-construction build, they didn't quite have a plan for the bonus room. Once they moved in, they realized it was an awkwardly large space and in definite need of character. The bonus room lacked any kind of storage and organization to fit their family's needs. The room remained relatively unused for over two years while the homeowners contemplated a plan.

They decided to make the bonus room a functional part of their home and eventually settled on creating two defined spaces in the rectangular room. They opted to create a home office workspace for working and a casual lounge space to relax in. Read on to see how their bonus room idea turned out.

Bonus Room Ideas

Add a Built-In Desk

A contractor was hired to create a built-in desk with shelving and an entertainment center for their television. The added desk was to provide a learning space for homework or for working from home. The entertainment center created the perfect area to sit back and relax after a long day.

The built-in desk has six drawers for additional storage space and can accommodate a fairly large computer monitor. To transform the space from a boring blank wall into a pretty and functional space, they added bookshelves, vertical shiplap, a picture-light, and a beautiful brass drawer.

Decorate With Art

They chose to go with a moody, soft black paint for their built-ins so the brass hardware would really stand out. The shelves were styled with a mix of wood tones, pottery, books, and greenery. A fun striped chair and a pair of ottomans were kept under an oversized piece of art to add to the casual vibe of the living space.

Create Storage Space

Because these homeowners have a young child, they wanted to ensure they had enough storage for board games and a basket of toys that can still be hidden. They had the contractor install the vertical shiplap behind the television and add cabinet doors for easy access.

Add Cozy Elements

They chose to add a dark gray chaise-lounge sofa for cozy movie nights with plaid throw pillows, a stylish rug over the carpet to define the space, and a modern round coffee table. A large vase with faux greenery, a home decor book, and a pottery bowl with beads complete the look.

Prioritize Needs

When planning to remodel your bonus room/loft area, it is important to prioritize your family’s needs. Adding two separate, yet different built-ins gave this room character, storage, and division.

Sit Back and Relax

This bonus room makeover has turned a large, awkward room into a cozy yet functional hangout that is perfect for work or school during the day and lounging and watching movies in the evening.

Katie Cooley is a wife, mom, and decor enthusiast who loves iced coffee, traveling, and anything on Bravo. She offers e-design services on her home decor and lifestyle blog, decorkate.com.