Reimagining the Suburban Spare Room: A Moody, Multi-Functional Bonus Room Before & After
Before: photo of Jen & Dave's bonus room before makeover.
After: Jen and Dave's bonus lounge room from July's TUCK IN Issue after the transformation, photographed by Kelly Lawson.
Before: The Suburban Spare Room
Most homes have a room that’s become a bit of a mystery. The one that used to serve a purpose, but somewhere along the way became a catch-all. Over time, that was the case for Jen and Dave, longtime Tuck clients and homeowners featured in July’s TUCK IN Issue. Their spare room, that is approximately 8' x10', had once been their daughter Maeve’s bedroom until she upgraded to something bigger, leaving this room mostly empty and having no real connection to the rest of the home.
But rather than letting it sit unused, Jen and Dave saw potential. With our belief that every room, no matter the size, deserves to feel intentional, beautiful, and practical, and the couple's hopes for the space, we worked together to breathe comfort and purpose into the room. The request of Jen and Dave: to transform the space into one where they could unwind away from the fast pace of family life. A quiet retreat to read, sip something special, watch a show, or host the occasional guest.
Featured on the left: Jen & Dave's bonus room before makeover.
After: From Spare to Sophisticated & Cozy
The after photo of Jen and Dave's bonus lounge room from July's TUCK IN Issue photographed by Kelly Lawson (featuring: Florika Wallpaper, Pi Wall Shelves, Milka Table Lamps, Porter Console Table, Noah Cushion, and Gabriella Embroidered Cushion).
Rather than fighting the room’s small footprint, we embraced its promise to be a cozy hideaway. Firstly, we leaned into the moody palette found throughout their main floor by painting the room in Twilight Zone by Benjamin Moore. After that, to bring the space to life, we created a feature wall with the lush Florika Wallpaper in Onyx, which echoes the home’s deep green and black tones. This, plus the addition of a low-profile pull-out sofa, created the perfect spot to unwind (note: while this exact model is discontinued, we carry similar stylish, comfortable Sofa Bed options). To the side of the room, mounted on the black wall is a sleek Samsung Frame TV perfect for movie nights that disappears into the wall when not in use, with the slim Gus* Porter Console Table underneath as an extra spot to stash items like TV remotes and plants.
Details That Matter:
Styled bar shelf captured by Kelly Lawson (featuring Raye Crystal Scotch Glasses).
Detailed photograph of sofa sleeper by Kelly Lawson (featuring the Gabriella Embroidered Cushion & Noah Cushions).
For small rooms like this, the beauty comes in the details. The sofa bed provides a comfortable spot to relax and also functionality for overnight guests. Additionally, once paired with décor like the Gabriella Embroidered Cushion and Noah Cushions, the two Milka Table Lamps, and a natural rug, the entire room is tied together and exudes a homey atmosphere.
Shop the Look:
Shelf Goals: Tuck’s Mini Bar Must-Haves
Vignette of styled bar shelf captured by Kelly Lawson.
For extra storage, we added two Pi Wall Shelves and styled them with essentials like barware, greenery, and Jen and Dave’s favourite reads. Not to mention Dave's great collection of his drink of choice, rum. As a result of some styling, this new focal point makes the most of the space by mixing beauty with function.
When we can, we love adding bar nooks like this one to homes as a way to add maturity and moments of everyday luxury to a space. If you're interested in creating your own mini bar at home, here are some things we recommend:
Vertical Optic Decanter, Hiball glass, and Tumbler glass.
A Room with a New Purpose:
Now, what was once an in-between room is a destination in its own right. It’s where Jen and Dave go to recharge, read, or relax, perhaps with a glass or two of rum, and where guests are welcomed with comfort and style.
Need Help Reimagining a Room? If you have a room that feels like it’s waiting for its next purpose, we’d love to help you bring it to life! Explore our different home TUCK IN consultation services and meet with our team for help with your next room refresh or transformation project.
