CHANGING HOW A ROOM FUNCTIONS - lifestyle at 50

In between all the hustle and bustle of helping my daughter to move out this week I've been busy making lists of things I'd like to do here at home.  I thinks it's important to rethink how your rooms are functioning for your family every once in a while.  As our family dynamics (and even interests) change, the way we use our home changes as well.

For instance, how I use my studio space has changed a number of times over the years depending on
what craft I am pursuing at the time.  Right now I am doing more blogging work than crafts so I am getting ready to set aside a more designated office space and will be moving some of my craft supplies into a newly spare closet.  (And yes, if you read this post, I closed that deal. Wink, wink!)

I am a list maker so I always start with an "if money were no object" wish list and a "bare bones" function only list.  I like this approach because when I meet in the middle (which is usually what ends up happening) I don't feel let down that I didn't get all I wanted because I got more than my bare bones needs.  For some reason that line of reasoning works for me.

If we use my studio space as an example my wish list includes a pretty desk for my computer that is large enough for me to spread out worksheets and blog post ideas, plus shelves for organizing paperwork and topic related books and magazines.  On the bare bones side is a designated place to work on my blog.

cost plus desk

cost plus drawer desk

Now that I have the idea (my wish) visually in mind, I will look at what already exists in our home and see if I can re-purpose something to function in this capacity.  As I see it, I have three options...

#1 - Traditional Student Desk

#2 - Drop Leaf Table

#3 - Farm Table

#1 -  The obvious choice would be the student desk but it is too small.  I feel cramped when I sit there to work.

#2 -  As for the drop leaf table, the oval shape is awkward and it just doesn't feel sturdy enough.

#3 -  So that leaves me with the farm table.  This is actually a great option.  It is certainly large enough and with the addition of a few cubbies (that are currently holding scrap book paper) I think it will function perfectly.

Obviously any of these options will require a big purge and re-org before they will function as an office desk but then so will the whole room (which is why I procrastinate).  My actual list for this room simply says...reorganize, purge, relocate craft supplies to spare closet.  It doesn't have a time frame on purpose, it's just a list that I refer to when I have an hour free or even a whole afternoon.

So now times that by the fourteen other areas of my house that have a similar list going and it can be a bit daunting to say the least.  But having it written down for me helps me keep focused and motivated.

Don't worry I'm not going to share the full list with you (at least not today) because that would just cement to you how crazy and controlling I really am, but this will help keep me motivated to change things as time and money will allow in the coming months.

office inspiration via pinterest

inspiration office via pinterest

I used my studio as an example of changing how a room functions but for you it could be an old play room that your kids have out grown that would be better used as a library or media room.  The goal is not to feel overwhelmed by all there is to do but to always to be working toward loving the home we're currently in.

It has been a while since I set out to plan a few updates to our 1954 cottage and I had forgotten how much fun it is and how necessary for my sense of order.  Part of it is the change in family dynamics with my daughter and her family moving out, but another part has to do with hearing how other people are fixing up and loving on their homes.  I want to feel that again, too.

Whatever the motivation, I hope you feel inspired to make a few changes where you are, too.

xo, Patty

If you'd like to see more of my cottage style you can check out my post on our Master Bedroom Inspiration.

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