Military renters know that each home they move into has quirks to overcome and embrace. For example, some lucky renters inherit space that’s often left unused.
Today, underutilized formal living and dining rooms, whether in military rentals or military housing, can possess hidden potential that can dramatically enhance your family's life.
If you have a room that you think is perfect for a redo, remember that the most important aspect of a room update is creating an area that genuinely serves your family's needs. Think about your hobbies and daily routines. Then, let your imagination run wild and personalize the space to reflect your family’s lifestyle.
Before diving into the transformation, gather inspiration! A conversion project is served well by a couple of hours searching Pinterest. It's a treasure trove of creative ideas for all things home décor. Keep in mind while oohing and ahhing that you’re searching for ideas that are safe for temporary or rental homes.
You can also find inspiration from your favorite interior designer, decorator’s blog, or social media. If you don’t have a famous personality that you can count on, check out shows on HGTV or follow some of the influencers that large companies like Home Depot and Lowe’s hire to enhance their websites’ DIY projects.
If you’re still on the fence about upgrading your unused dining or living room space, these popular ideas might just give you the inspiration you’re looking for.
Home offices aren’t going anywhere anytime soon (especially for work-from-home military spouses), so breathe life into a formal dining room by creating a purposeful home office. Give your existing furniture a new job, like converting a buffet or large vanity with drawers into a desk. You can also add comfy chairs and ample lighting for virtual meetings.
Speaking of meetings, don’t forget to account for your Zoom background when planning new paint or artwork on the walls. Easy-to-move pin boards and movable shelving networks keep you organized and inspired, while woven baskets or decorative boxes hide office supplies.
A playroom is a necessity in some parents’ eyes because containing the colorful clutter that covers every inch of a home is almost impossible with little ones in the house. A playroom might even be more important than an existing office space. So, change an unused room (with a door, preferably) into a playroom hideaway for the kids.
First, define the space with colorful rugs and beanbag chairs. Then, add a storage ottoman, clothing dressers, or movable shelving towers (mounted to the wall for safety) for books, games, and craft storage.
Don't forget to incorporate interactive elements like a chalk/whiteboard easel or a magnetic play mat. You can even hang large felt maps with cling-on felt states, countries, and continents. Talk to your teacher friends for more classroom ideas that can transfer to a playroom.
Want to encourage more time spent without screens? Carve out a quiet space in an unused room for a serene reading nook. Place a comfortable armchair or an extra twin or day bed near a window for natural light, add a side table for your lamp and books, and drape a warm blanket over the seating for more comfort.
String or fairy lights add a magical touch for the kiddos, creating an enchanting escape. A reading room is also a great place to let the kids put up the store-bought teepee tents they dream about.
On the other hand, a reading retreat is also perfect for empty nesters who want a designated area to get away from it all. To elevate the cozy factor, add a wine refrigerator or coffee cart. If you have a door or can hang temporary curtains in the doorway, adding a daybed or high-end inflatable mattress quickly transforms the room from a reading nook to a guest space when needed.
Many military families find quality time while watching movies at home. Convert a large living area into a dedicated movie zone for family bonding in a flash. Invest in a projector and screen and create an inviting seating area with fluffy blankets and pillows. Portable options are perfect for military rentals.
Popcorn-themed décor, and possibly a popcorn machine, takes movie watching to the next level. Consider blackout and soundproofing curtains for optimal movie nights.
If you’ve been living with an underused room, you might be unsure how to start. These tips and products will help you get started.
Decorate Your Rental Without Losing Your Deposit has more ideas for transforming your rental home to meet your needs.
With a bit of planning, creativity, and these renter-friendly tips, you can transform the unused space in your home into a haven that genuinely reflects your family’s personality without forgoing your deposit. Plus, when another PCS rolls around, you’ll know exactly how to maximize every room’s potential in your next home.