Do you have an extra room in your home but aren’t sure what to do with it? Flexible spaces-often called flex rooms, bonus rooms, or dens- are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into just about anything depending on your needs. Whether it’s a functional home office, a vibrant playroom for kids, or a relaxing reading nook, flex rooms are great way to creatively embrace extra space in your home.
What Is a Flex Room?
A flex room is a multipurpose space in your home that you can evolve with your lifestyle, offering endless possibilities to meet your families needs. These customizable spaces are often on the upper floor next to bedrooms, though some layouts place them on the main level for easy access. Unlike traditional rooms, flex rooms typically lack closets or doors, making them adaptable for a range of uses. Whether you’re looking to create a functional workspace, a relaxing retreat, or a lively hub for creativity, here are 10 inspiring ideas to make the most of your flex room!
Stay Organized With a Family Command Center
Transform your bonus room into a functional Family Command Center! This space can simplify daily routines with a whiteboard calendars, bulletin boards, storage bins, and dedicated charging stations. Add custom shelving and wallpaper to make it both physical and stylish.
This idea works particularly well if the flex room is close to the front door, letting you organize your family before they head out each morning.
Create a Welcoming Guest Room
Give your family and friends a cozy place to stay by turning your flex room into an inviting guest room. Add a comfortable daybed or pull-out couch, stylish lighting, and personalized touches, such as framed artwork, to make visitors feel at home.
Since flex rooms typically lack doors and closets, consider options such as privacy screens and furniture with built-in storage to add functionality.
Get Productivity Rolling With a Home Office
With remote work becoming increasingly popular, a dedicated home office is a clever use for your flex space. Add furniture that prioritizes ergonomics, plenty of shelving for supplies, and stylish decor to boost productivity.
Your home office can also become a creative space for running a business or completing personal projects. Bonus tip: Document any setup expenses for potential tax benefits.
Build Your Own Home Gym
Skip the gym commute by transforming your flex room into a workout space! Add cardio machines like treadmills, weights, and yoga mats, and keep equipment organized like shelving. Mirrors on one wall can enhance the look and functionality while ensuring proper form during exercises.
A home gym lets you stay active at your own pace, anytime, without waiting for machines or dealing with crowded fitness centers.
Encourage Creativity With a Kids’ Playroom
Design an engaging playroom filled with toys, craft supplies, and cozy cushions for your little ones. Add bright colours, wall art, and fun seating options to inspire imagination and creativity. This makes incredible use of a flex space near the kids bedrooms or the family room.
Decorate with kid-friendly colours, add storage for toys and craft supplies, and include comfy seating, such as bean bags or oversized pillows. This room is ideal for unleashing your little ones imaginations while keeping messes contained.
Cozy Up in a Reading Nook or Library
Transform your flex space into a quiet retreat for reading and relaxing. Add a comfy chair, plush rugs, soft lighting, and wall mounted bookshelves to create a calming atmosphere. Whether it’s a collection of novels or an artistic library, this room can be your personal escape.
Add built-in bookshelves to showcase your favourite titles, or use freestanding storage for flexible setup. Personalize the space with your go-to decor, like framed prints or houseplants.
Get Creative With A Craft Room Or Art Studio
If you’re looking for a creative way to put your den or flex room to use, why not turn it into a craft room or art studio? Designate the room as your personal oasis of creativity and explore all your artistic endeavours! Paint, draw, sculpt, or make whatever you deem necessary to fuel your creativity.
Don’t forget about storage solutions – consider shelving units, drawers and multiple table surfaces for organizing all of your essential supplies. Whatever you decide to use the space for in the end, an at-home craft room or art studio can be a great way to indulge in your hobbies without having to leave the house.
Transform It Into a Music Room
For the musically inclined, a flex room is an ideal spot to practice, perform, or produce music. Soundproof the walls to minimize disruptions, add comfortable seating, and set up a display for instruments.
If you work on music digitally, include a desk for your system along with ergonomic chairs for long editing sessions. This makes it a practical and creative space for any musician.
Design a Game Room for Endless Fun
Looking for a fun retreat? Turn your flex room into a versatile game room! Add board games, video gaming setups, or even a poker table for nights with family and friends.
Include creative additions like dartboards, a mini-bar, or bean bag chairs to match your gaming style. Whether casual or tech-heavy, your new game room can be tailored to everyone in the house.
What Are The Best Sterling Model Options For A Den or Flex Room?
Flex rooms are a versatile feature in Sterling Homes award winning floor plans. Whether you need a quiet home office or vibrant space for your family to gather, we have options ideally suited to your lifestyle.
Some of our most popular models with flex rooms include…
The Allure
This charming 1,830 sq ft home boasts a thoughtfully designed upstairs central flex room, ideal for a cozy family gathering space or a dedicated study. With large windows that let in abundant natural light, this versatile bonus area feels bright, inviting, and highly functional- an ideal spot for your family’s unique needs.
The Apex
The Apex model offers an impressive 2,024 sq ft of thoughtfully crafted living space, designed to meet a variety of lifestyle needs. This exceptional layout includes a convenient main-floor den, ideal for a home office or creative studio, as well as a versatile upstairs flex space located near the master bedroom. Whether you’re envisioning a private home gym, serene retreat, or welcoming guest room, this home provides the perfect canvas to bring your dream space to life!
The Assurance
Spanning an impressive 2,263 sq ft, the Assurance floor plan offers remarkable flexibility options for 4-7 bedrooms. With an expansive upper-level flex room and an additional main-floor flex space, this home offers ample space for a variety of needs and activities, blending functionality and comfort.
The Accolade
For families seeking even more space than the models listed above, the Accolade is a standout option. Offering an expansive 2,477 square feet, this thoughtfully designed home includes not one, but two centrally located bonus rooms- one on the main floor and one upstairs. Ideally suited for large families, this layout provides endless opportunities to create dedicated spaces tailored to your needs. Imagine fun-filled playroom for kids one on the floor and a serene reading nook or retreat on the other, giving everyone a place to enjoy and unwind!
The Affinity
Offering 2,005 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, this model boasts a convenient main-floor den and an upper-level flex room, providing versatility for work, play, or relaxation. The generously sized bedrooms are perfectly suited to meet the needs of growing families, ensuring comfort and style for everyone.
The Atlas
With 2,413 sq ft of well-designed space, the Atlas features a convenient main-level den near the foyer and an additional flex room upstairs. These versatile areas are ideal for creating dedicated spaces such as homework zones or playrooms for kids, making this home functional and family friendly.
FAQs About Flex Rooms
Q: Can I use a flex room as a bedroom?
While flex rooms typically don’t meet the legal requirements to be considered a bedroom—such as having a closet or doors—they can still be transformed into a welcoming space for guests. With the right furniture and decor, you can easily create a cozy and comfortable sleeping area that suits your needs.
Q: Which Sterling Homes floor plans in Edmonton include flex rooms?
Sterling Homes offers a variety of floor plans that include flex or bonus rooms, giving you options to personalize your living space. Popular models like The Apex, Assurance, and Atlas all feature these versatile rooms, making them ideal for everything from home offices to creative spaces.
Q: How large is a typical flex room?