The Property Brothers' Trick To Making A Spare Closet More Functional
Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott are known for their creativity when renovating homes. The twins know how to balance function without sacrificing aesthetics. Closets, for example, are often taken for granted and get filled with things like holiday decorations and heavy coats until they're needed for the season. It is recommended that about 10% of the total square footage of your home should be for storage, which can include pantries and linen cabinets, as well as the closets in your bedrooms.
However, if your home has too many closets, that space may not be used to its fullest potential. Closets may sit empty when the space could be used for something useful. On a recent episode of "Brother vs. Brother," Drew Scott faced this dilemma, notes Realtor. In the show, the brothers compete against each other by renovating separate homes. One of the bedrooms had two large closets and Drew believed there was potential to be more than just storage — so, he decided to repurpose it.
Turn it into a office
Even if you don't work from home, a space to focus on work is always a bonus. That's what Drew Scott's thought process was as he focused on renovating the bedroom. He explained, "I would not take a closet away from this house if I didn't think we already had enough closet space elsewhere," (per Realtor.) He opened up one of the large closets by removing the door, allowing a recessed space for a desk with ottomans for seats. He accessorized the work area with a table lamp, two wall sconces, books, and decorative objects to show off the potential of the space.
The judges on this episode praise Drew's decision. Egypt Sherrod notes that since people are working from home, "you've got to have a home office or at least something that's dedicated as a work closet. This is a cloffice — a closet office." This type of space provides flexibility in the home, too. For kids, it can be a great place to do homework. And, if you're short on closets to remodel, why not consider the guest room for a home office/guest space combination?
It works for hobbies too
Maybe you don't work from home, but you still need a dedicated workspace for some hobbies and crafts. You can still get inspired by the "cloffice" and create an area that can store all of your tools and supplies. The key is proper storage. One suggestion is using a cube organizer that easily fits into most spaces and can be customized to the size you need. Baskets, bins, and wheeled trays can also help organize the space.
Moreover, you can take a cue from Drew Scott's renovation, and add a countertop where you can actually complete the craft. Sliding a desk or table into the closet can be an option for some larger closets, but if you're on the smaller side, it might be difficult to find furniture that fits. Instead, measure the space and have a piece of wood cut to size at a local hardware store. Secure the worktop with shelf brackets and you have the ideal workspace for your hobbies.