Transformers: Making Good Use of Wasted Space

So you fell in love with your home because of its architectural charm (read: odd spaces), and you haven't quite figured out what to do with them since. Whether it's a tiny corner in your kitchen or your entire backyard, leaving space untouched is a real estate no-no. You wouldn't let those new boots collect dust, so why do the same with your home? Here's a breakdown of how you can transform those nooks into valuable real estate space.

Attic Cove
Have an attic cove that you're using for storage? Take a cue from Martha Stewart, who uses her attic space as a spare crafts room. Sure, the ceilings are low and you can't necessarily do jumping jacks, but if you're hand-crafting an invitation, it's a perfect fit.

Closets
Unused closets are office spaces or mail centers waiting to be transformed. Most small desks can fit perfectly into a standard-sized closet, and with a bit of handiwork, you can create a designated space for all of your paperwork. We love this bedroom closet's makeover that boasts organized shelving, a light color scheme and gauzy curtains. For a super easy tutorial, check out Aja's closet-to-office rules.


Room Corners
One of my pet peeves is when a room's walls are lined with furniture, creating an opening in the middle of the room. Why not break up a large room with two or three separate seating arrangements? This will leave at least one nook in your room to work with, the perfect spot for a corner desk.

Outdoor Space
Not a big fan of gardening or outdoor entertaining? Examine your lifestyle and figure out how you can best use your backyard space to fit your needs. Perhaps you don't need quite as much square footage as you have, so why not build a shed and convert it into an outdoor living room?

You've got the hang of it now, right? Walk through your own home, take inventory and get creative. Chances are, you'll find quite a bit of unused space that can become functional again with the right inspiration.

Good luck!

Read more:
I Need a Place to Put My Pots
5 Bedroom Space-Savers
Secrets to a Clutter-Free Desk