Fashion a spot for self-expression

Maybe there’s a space at your current home where everyone automatically gathers. Often, that space is in or near the kitchen. Sometimes it’s at a bench on the front step or porch.

In an apartment or condo, it might be on a balcony or near the living room window. At another person’s place, it might be on the old set of chairs just outside the patio door.

There might also be a spot or two where family members can sit quietly.

And for the new-home buyer — even when choosing a floor plan already designed by the builder — these spots can be just about anywhere in the home. That’s especially true when these places are planned out during those months of waiting for construction to finish.

To get ready, think of the purposes these nooks might have. One family might like a place to do puzzles and play board games. Others might want a space to listen to music or play musical instruments. Maybe karaoke is your family’s game?

Perhaps some people like a cozy, well-lit spot for reading, creative writing, crafting or sewing. And some might want an attractive place for video calls with friends and family members who live far away.

Some might want two playrooms. The one for grownups might be for finger foods with afternoon teas, coffees, craft cocktails or wines. The kids’ playroom might include built-in storage for toys and seating for video games.

And in the best scenarios, these spaces each have multiple purposes that might even include fitness or home gym spaces. After all, it’s a priority of newhome builders to design homes with flexible or multiuse rooms.

Make it comfy

Whether planning one or more special areas for relaxation or gathering, look over your existing furnishings and decide if some might serve better purposes than they do now.

Consider pieces such as an upholstered accent chair with an ottoman or a bench that has a built-in cushion and storage under the seat. Choose seating options that can be rearranged.

Upholstered chairs with armrests may look nice on either side of a table. But opting for one that’s armless may improve the uses of the space. A pedestal chair or a folding chair can be useful for practicing musical instruments.

Other furnishings

Small tables make sense for spaces that need to feel welcoming, relaxing and clutter-free. Consider a mixture of round and angled tables, a corner shelf unit or even a wide table for puzzles or games. Floating shelves add practicality and openness.

Look for tables with built-in charging stations for devices to maximize outlets in the space.

Should the space convert to a stage for karaoke, kids’ plays or performances? A stack of painted wooden pallets can serve as a cool coffee table by day and be deconstructed and turned into a stage.

Electrical and lighting

From lighting and devices to a sewing machine, electric guitar, amplifier, a karaoke machine or a gaming station, electrical outlets are key!

Will your space benefit from task lighting or will lamps do the trick? When planning lighting, take note of the direction any windows face. This will help inform decisions about window coverings.

Certain uses of space, such as reading, writing or crafting, might benefit from natural light during the day as well as task lighting installed during construction. Other uses might benefit from dimmer lighting to calm the mood.

Color and decor

Whether your style is minimalist or maximalist, choose a theme, a vibe and a tone for the room. This task can start with color.

Warm reds and browns in woods and fabrics will calm, welcome and soothe. Cooler colors such as grays, greens and blues add liveliness. Balance comes by creating a stable blend of warms and cools by incorporating yellows and violets.

Next, look at fabrics: Area rugs, curtains, pillows and blankets not only make great decor, but help with acoustics.

Artwork adds personality. If this nook is your own private space, use its walls and surfaces to express yourself. Whether with your own art and photographs or with prints, textiles and sculpture, embrace the opportunity to add a personal touch.

Finally, remember greenery. This spot may be a good place to train your green thumb on indoor plants.