Tips for Designing Your Flex Space
Ernest Homes knows how important it is for your home to have plenty of space. Our floor plans are built for comfort and flexibility, so you’ll often find extra areas that can be used for multiple purposes. For example, several plans – including options like the Sherwood, Hatteras Signature, and Hilton – provide generous lofts or flex spaces you can use any way you like. Many of our floor plans also offer upgrades that ensure you have all the room your lifestyle needs.
With all of that additional square footage, you may need a little help deciding how to design it or what to use it for. That’s where we come in. Check out a few tips and ideas to make your extra space everything you’ve dreamed of.
How to Design a Flex Space
Designing a comfortable and useful loft or flex space means balancing form and function. A few thoughtful choices can turn a simple room into one of the most hardworking areas in your home.
- Choose furniture wisely. Think minimal and multi-purpose. Because lofts and flex spaces can be smaller or more open than traditional rooms, it’s easy to overwhelm them with bulky furniture. Choose pieces that are appropriately scaled and truly useful—like a sleek desk with storage or a loveseat instead of a full sectional.
- Hide the bed when possible. If you use your flex space as a guest room, consider a sofa bed, daybed with trundle, platform bed with storage, or Murphy bed. These options free up valuable floor space during the day while still offering a comfortable place to sleep at night.
- Layer your lighting. Natural light from windows or skylights is ideal during the day. For evenings, wall-mounted sconces, ceiling fixtures, or slim floor lamps provide targeted light without taking up much room. Aim for a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting so the room works well for everything from reading to working to relaxing.
- Use mirrors to open the room. Because flex spaces are sometimes tucked into upper levels, they can feel smaller or more enclosed. A large mirror on one wall or several smaller accent mirrors will bounce light around the room and make it feel larger and brighter.
How to Use Your Loft or Flex Space
Not quite sure how to use your loft or extra room? Here are some popular ideas to spark your imagination:
Home office or library. If you work from home—or just want a quiet place to focus—a flex space is perfect for a dedicated office. Add a desk, ergonomic chair, good lighting, and a few bookcases. A comfy reading chair and small side table can easily turn the room into a cozy library nook, too.
Lounge space. Love hosting friends and family? Create your own “hangout” lounge with a comfortable sofa, accent chairs, and a media console. Add a small bar cart or high-top table for snacks and drinks. This setup keeps the main living room calmer while giving everyone a place to relax, watch movies, or catch the big game.
Hobby or craft room. Whether you love painting, music, sewing, or gaming, a flex space is an ideal hobby zone. Use storage cabinets, shelving, or pegboards to keep supplies tidy and out of the main living area. Having a dedicated space for your favorite activities makes it easier to enjoy them more often.
Playroom or game room. A loft can be an amazing kid-friendly zone. Think soft rugs, toy storage, a table for homework or crafts, and a TV or console for video games. It’s a fun, contained space for the grandkids or kids to play while helping keep toys and clutter out of your main living room.
Personalize Your Ernest Home with Flexible Spaces
With Ernest Homes, many of our new home floor plans include flexible areas that can adapt as your needs change—whether that’s a loft, bonus room, or dedicated flex space. Whatever you choose, make the most of your new Ernest home and design your extra space in a way that truly supports your lifestyle.
To learn more about our homes and communities in Coastal Georgia, or to find floor plans that include lofts and flex spaces, contact us today. Our team is happy to help you explore options and find the home that fits you best.
