FT NEWS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many urban Indian homes have been functioning as offices, schools, conference areas, entertainment zones and home gyms. Space is limited in compact homes and some functions are here to stay, even after the situation normalises. But don’t let this get you down. Instead of stressing over space constraints, the need of the hour is to optimise what we have got and create versatile spaces which can fit into different roles. Here are some clever ideas to incorporate additional functions and features within a compact home.

Add a home office
As more and more people are working from home, it is essential create a formal home office set-up which is ergonomic, has good lighting and incorporates sufficient storage.

• Niches are great spots for home offices. Tuck in a compact desk – and voila!
• Awkward corners are great places, too, for conversion into a home office. Pick a spot that’s away from the high-traffic area of the home. Purchase a glass table if you do not want to give it a bulky look.

• Who knew cupboards could be used as tiny rooms? In this image, a closet functions as a home office that can be closed with a folding or sliding door when not in use. Extension wires can come handy to power the computer, and light the spot with a lamp or two.
• You can also create a home office within your bedroom. Try to set up a workstation near the window so that the space is bright and you can refresh yourself with the scenery outside every time you look up from work. In case that’s not possible, see how this space is made cheery with plants on the shelves above the desk.

Squeeze in a home gym
Whether it’s for online yoga classes or just a personal fitness regime, it has become essential to have a workout space at home.

• In this example, a hallway functions as the perfect yoga and Pilates zone. The clever use of decorative mirrors not only visually expands the space and makes it look bigger but also allows one to monitor their posture while working out.
• Alternatively, place gym equipment such as the treadmill or exercise bike in a corner or an under-utilised area of the home.
• If the balcony is spacious, it can also be used as an exercising spot. Place a treadmill or, if there is some privacy and greenery, lay down a mat for yoga.

Put together a home bar
As socialising is out for the near future, why not create a nice ambience for when the workday is done and it’s time for a drink.

• You can use the shelves in the living or the dining area and convert them into a bar.
• A narrow closet or a niche in the living room wall can also form a home bar with some clever DIY shelving.
• Alternatively, consider a bar cart with wheels, like in this image. It can be rolled out as and when required.

Upgrade the children’s study area
Since schools have switched to online distance learning, it is important to upgrade the children’s study area.

• Set up the study area near a window to bring in maximum light and ventilation during the online school hours. If the ambient lighting is insufficient, then introduce additional task lighting with a desk lamp for evening studies.
• Install an anti-glare screen protector, as it reduces glare on the laptop screen and prevents eye strain.
• You can also look into noise cancellation headphones to block indoor noise, especially if the bedroom is shared by siblings.

Invest in a home theatre system
The TV room or the living area is an ideal place to install a home theatre system and create a good cinematic experience at home.

• A simple way to install a home theatre system within a compact living room is by connecting a 5.1 speaker set-up to a wall-mounted TV that works as the screen. Install the speakers on the wall. You can go for ceiling-mounted speakers to keep them out of direct view.
• This living-cum-dining room has a retractable projector screen that functions as a home theatre. The motorised screen disappears into horizontal slot in the false ceiling, when it is not in use.

Make maximum use of your balcony
Since the balcony forms an excellent indoor-outdoor space, it should be used for different functions.

• Create a nice shaded seating area so that one can enjoy the outdoors and rejuvenate while having one’s morning or evening tea, reading or even working on the laptop.
• Create a balcony garden and beautify the space with a lot of potted plants and garden accessories such as railing planters, a birdhouse and so on.
• Illuminate the balcony with soft lighting – string lights, recessed lights, rope lights and lanterns create a relaxing ambience so the balcony can be efficiently used in the evening, too.