Flex Rooms are popular in homes along the Outer Banks of North Carolina
Many home designers, especially here on the Outer Banks are opting for a “Flex Room.” A flex room is exactly that…whatever you want it to be, and versatility is key, so it’s flexible.
WHAT ARE THEY
A flex room is essentially an extra room or bonus room in your home, that you are not using as a bedroom. This allows you the freedom to choose to use this room in a variety of fun ways. This room may be built in as a ROG (room over garage) or an additional spare room.
The benefit of adding a flex room to your home is that not only will increase the value of your home, but also gives you the versatility to change your home as different needs and hobbies arise.
PURPOSE
In beach houses, the flex rooms that SAGA Realty & Construction build may be used as a multipurpose room like a game room, or for one specific function like a movie room. The beauty of the flex room is it may change as the family grows, or kids go off to college. So, what was formerly the epic movie room may now be transformed into a home gym or yoga studio. Then it might even go back to a playroom when the grand kids arrive on vacation or summer break.
DESIGN
Furniture in a flex room can also be more functional and serve multiple purposes. For example, an ottoman may be used for storage and also seat for a Wii match. Design that maximizes the space is key. The Flex Room may not be in the center of the home, it might be on the first level closest to the pool, but it may likely be the heart. Some flex rooms may even include small kitchenettes, or a wet bar, a microwave for snacks and a fridge for your favorite cold beverage if it used as an entertainment space.
Watching those DIY renovation shows on the cable networks you will find many transforming basements into flex rooms, but here at the beach, that isn’t an option. So here are some of the fun flex room uses you may consider as part of an Outer Banks beach lifestyle:
HOME THEATER
Imagine the hours of laid back fun in your home theater after a day on the beach
One thing everyone enjoys while on vacation or summer break is watching a good movie or two, especially if it rains and the beaches are closed. Fill this space with individual movie style leather recliners or a large sectional to spread out with your popcorn. It would even be fun to decorate this room with vintage movie posters.
GAME ROOM
Keep the video games out of the living room and provide a big screen TV with a comfy sofa or beanbag chairs and you’ll find this space is popular for youth and adults alike. Set up the room with surround sound and window shades for hours of fun.
HOBBY ROOM
If you designate the flex room as a hobby room, consider creating the space with free-standing bookshelves and cubbies to store your supplies. An industrial table or workspace to spread out your projects and extra lighting for that close-up work. Stools that are easy to move and get around are also a good idea.
MUSIC ROOM
If you’re musically inclined, then a music room is a must-have in your home. A piano, drums or other instruments can live here as this space is perfect for practicing, as well as storing musical instruments and record collections. You can even add extra soundproofing.
HOME GYM
Create your very own workout space in a home gym
A yoga mat, some cardio equipment like a stationary bike, a punching bag and some free weights would create an awesome gym. Wireless Bluetooth speakers on the wall to stream your favorite music while you work out would complete the atmosphere.
PLAYROOM
This is the spot for all the kids’ toys. Give them their own flex playroom and they will have fun for hours on end. Make it colorful and unique just for them, with small tables, easels for artwork, cubbies for books and puzzles, and a chalkboard paint wall for drawing. See through storage containers on shelves make it easy to identify the contents. Scatter the room with big throw cushions and a kid friendly area rug to play on.
LIBRARY
Line the walls with bookshelves like the Ikea Billy Bookcase that can easily be removed when you want to change up the room use. A fluffy area rug, some over-sized comfy chairs, and cool side-lamps would make this room a book lovers dream.
ENTERTAINMENT ROOM
Flex rooms make great entertainment spaces
This would be the place for a foosball, billiard table, ping-pong, or pub shuffleboard (if you have a long enough room). On the walls you can have darts and flat screen TV’s to stream the games. You would want a tile or hard surface floor in this room to easily clean up spills. And why yes, you may even incorporate a small bar here.
OTHER USES
Other uses may be a home office, meditation room, a nursery, additional living room, or even just a quiet room with a view to sit and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Or you may choose to make this a combination flex room, so it could be game room plus sofa bed or built in bunk beds when the grand kids come to stay.
The doors can be anything you want from French glass doors to barn doors, or no door at all. Because it is a flex room, the color may change over the years as the usage changes, from dark purple movie theater walls to a favorite team color man-cave. The whole idea is that it’s flexible and can change when you want it to.
We recommend you visit Pinterest or Houzz for some fabulous design ideas for your flex room.
Check out this beautiful new home below in Salvo, N.C. This home can be used as a second home or a proven investment home (vacation rental.)
Most of the luxurious homes SAGA Realty & Construction builds will offer a flex room option, and if you don’t see one on the plan, we can incorporate one for you. To see our floor-plans and layouts, just click here.
Call us at 252-441-9003 and we’d be pleased to show you some plans and ideas for your next beach house, for that fantastic beach lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of!