Re-Defining Spaces in Your Home

It's that time of year when our thoughts return to the indoors in a big way.  We're marking those "last time of the summer" events, as we recognize the end of the grilling, mowing, and camping seasons, and anticipate the beginning of the cocooning season.  This is also the time of year when many of us are facing a nest that is emptier than it has been in the past.  With all of these factors in mind, it's a good time to re-evaluate the space usage in your home.
For empty nesters, finding yourself with a recently vacated bedroom presents the opportunity to make use of that space in ways that were, up until now, a luxury.  Perhaps you'd love to have a charming room created just for overnight guests, a home office, a quiet library area, or a room that will accommodate your special hobbies. For many of us, we'd like all of those!
In converting an old bedroom to new uses, start by making a list of what you'd like it to do for you.  Keep in mind that, although it may no longer need to be a full-time bedroom, your children will likely return for overnight visits, bringing others as well when they have families of their own.
Consider appointing this room with furniture which will multi-task.  A day bed or futon, which can function as both sofa and bed, is very handy.  Daybeds will even accommodate a trundle underneath, to increase sleeping capacity in the room.  A well-planned home office united can also double as hobby and storage space, and segues well into a small, quiet reading area.

If you are passionate about one thing in particular like reading or music, or have multiple hobbies such as scrapbooking, stamping, and sewing, here is your chance to dedicate a space just for that.  In such a case, you might even consider decorating your room in that theme utilizing novelty fabrics, wall coverings and accessories which highlight that favorite activity.  Really tap into your imagination and creativity, and have fun with it!

Those who don't have newly available space in the home would still do well to use this time of year to critique how the current space is working.
Does the onset of cooler weather call for rearranging your furniture, orienting it away from the outdoors and more towards a fireplace?  Might you need to bring the rocking chair in off of the porch and add some cozy cushions for additional wintertime seating?
Or, are you attracted to the idea of bringing a warm outdoor feeling inside for the winter?  If so, think about finding a previously under-utilized space which could be transformed into al fresco-style dining with an outdoor table and chairs.  Finish it off with floor plants, bright cheery fabrics and accessories, and you'll have a little corner of 'summer' to see yourself through the cold winter months.
The harried lifestyles of our society today often lead us to yearn for a peaceful space to unwind.  Although you may not have an entire room that you can claim as such, look around your home for even a small nook which could be transformed into a quiet corner.  Almost all of us have a spot in our homes that has become more of a forgotten catchall than anything else, and herein lies potential!
In your mind's eye, empty this space of all of its current contents, and imagine re-furnishing it with a soft area rug, fresh color, and just enough furnishings for an inviting little retreat that will beckon you to relax and refresh at the end of your day.
Taking a fresh approach to the space usage in our homes is a great way to prepare for the cold months ahead, and can actually make us excited about spending them indoors!