Remodeling Non-Traditional Spaces

Tammy Doyle • August 26, 2020

Share this article

When it comes to home remodeling, the first rooms that come to mind are kitchens and bathrooms because they tend to show their age the fastest.  However, there are many other rooms or creative ways to update other spaces in your home to make them more functional for you. Remodeling is just as much about making space effective as it is about making it pretty. 

For example, who says you can’t have an organized laundry or mudroom? These rooms tend to be the catch-alls of the home, but when designed and organized properly, they can be both functional and beautiful. First of all, the right cabinetry can have a huge impact in these rooms. Cabinets can help organize the space so things can be put away but still be easily within reach when needed. Along the same lines, where there’s cabinets, there is countertop. This could become a built-in folding or ironing station.

Maybe you don’t have room for cabinets? Wall shelving or over-the-door hanging organizers will do just fine. There are even companies that specialize in small space organization. In a mudroom, a bench with storage underneath and cubbies above, also known as a hall tree, can help store and organize shoes, coats, and bags. And don’t worry if you don’t think you have the space to be creative. There are professional organizers and designers out there that are happy to help! Pinterest is also a great place to find inspiration.

Do you have an extra storage shed, barn, garage or outbuilding on your property that’s not being used to its full potential? If it is salvageable and you don’t need it for storage, why not turn it into a usable space? You will first want to make sure the structure is sound and weather-proof. Once that is confirmed, the options are endless. Maybe you want to create a home gym to focus on your health. It might cost a little more up-front than going to a commercial gym, but it will save you time and money in the long run.

Or maybe you want to let your creative juices flow in an art or craft studio, and you haven’t found the space to make that happen yet. Alternatively, maybe you just need a place to go and have some peace and quiet away from it all.  “She sheds” and man caves have been popular for a while now, and we continue to see them. If you do not have an extra building for these options, you still have the option of converting existing space in your home, like an unused bedroom or basement.  If those don’t exist either, there’s always the option of an addition.

An area of the home that’s typically an afterthought and not at the top of most people’s remodeling list is the entryway or foyer. Yes, this space in most homes is usually on the smaller side, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be interesting. Changing out your front door will not only add to the appeal of your foyer, but also to your home’s curb-appeal. If you have a small foyer, consider a front door with glass in it, even if the glass is obscured, this will still provide some much-needed natural light to brighten up the space. There are also other ways to add interest to a foyer, such as creating a feature wall or adding a unique light fixture.

Another non-traditional space to remodel is a bedroom. Most people think there’s not much that can be done to a bedroom, but that’s not the case. Ideally, most people want to add space, but if that can’t be done easily from existing square footage in your home, you could consider an addition. For example, a master suite doesn’t always feel like a suite, especially in an older home. By adding space to the room, it can feel grander and less cramped. 

If you don’t want to go to the expense of adding onto the bedroom(s) in your home, there are still ways to up the design-factor. Adding elements like a tray ceiling, wainscoting, or even a small fireplace can make the room feel more custom and homier. If your room is too dark, consider adding more windows. Even something as simple as changing the wall colors, or adding crown moulding, can have a big impact.  

The ways to update your home are endless. Just remember, the space should not only be beautiful, but also functional to you and your family’s lifestyle. It’s time to think outside the kitchen and bathroom box!

This article originally appeared in the September 2020 edition of Lakeside on Lanier.

Recent Posts

By Tammy Doyle April 13, 2026
As a homeowner, you might wonder how often you should remodel your home to ensure it stays functional, beautiful, and aligned with your needs. The answer isn’t the same for every household; various factors, including your home’s condition, your family’s lifestyle, and even local climate conditions, impact this decision. Let’s explore what determines the ideal […] The post How Often Should I Remodel My Home? appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle February 14, 2026
2026 Home Remodeling Trends in North Georgia: Designing for Health, Wellness, and Everyday Living As homeowners across North Georgia are rethinking how their homes support their health, comfort, and lifestyle, remodeling trends are moving beyond aesthetics and focusing on wellness-centered design, improved indoor environments and spaces that promote relaxation and movement.  From Gainesville and Cumming […] The post 2026 Home Remodeling Trends in North Georgia: Designing for Health, Wellness, and Everyday Living appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle February 2, 2026
2026 Home Design Trend: Outdoor Living Spaces That Support Health & Wellness By Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling As homeowners look ahead to 2026, one home design trend continues to rise above the rest: outdoor living spaces designed specifically for health and wellness. No longer limited to patios and grills, outdoor areas are being thoughtfully remodeled into […] The post 2026 Home Trends appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle January 20, 2026
A well-designed commercial space plays a critical role in how a business operates and how it is perceived by customers, clients, and employees. For businesses throughout Hall County and the surrounding North Georgia area, commercial remodeling offers an opportunity to improve functionality, modernize interiors, and better support daily operations. Whether updating an existing layout or […] The post Commercial Remodeling Solutions for Functional and Professional Business Spaces appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle January 16, 2026
2026 Home trend by TTDR.docx The post 2026 Home Trend appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle January 13, 2026
As more families in North Georgia choose to live under one roof, the need for well-designed, multigenerational homes has never been greater. Creating a living environment where grandparents, parents, and children can all thrive requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and an understanding of how daily life unfolds for every age group. Addressing these needs during a […] The post Remodeling for Multigenerational Living: Design Ideas That Work for Every Age appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle January 6, 2026
Modern home remodeling is evolving quickly, and today’s homeowners are looking for more than just stylish finishes. Integrating smart home features during a renovation is an excellent way to enhance comfort, convenience, and long-term value. The demand for programmable lighting, automated climate control, smart security systems, and voice-activated technology is rising, especially as more families […] The post Smart Home Features to Incorporate in Your Next Remodel (Lighting, Climate, & Security) appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle September 29, 2025
Common Home Renovation Mistakes Home renovations can be exciting, but they also come with potential pitfalls if you’re not properly prepared. 1. Inadequate Planning One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is inadequate planning. Before beginning any project, clearly define your goals and expectations. While the professionals at Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling can assist with […] The post Home Renovation Mistakes and Tips appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle September 2, 2025
Create a Functional Basement Workspace People are working from home than ever before and having a dedicated, well-organized workspace is essential for maintaining productivity and work-life balance. If your home is short on space, your basement may be the perfect hidden gem. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform it into a […] The post Transforming Your Basement into a Functional Home Office: Design Tips and Ideas appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
By Tammy Doyle July 31, 2025
Importance of Lighting in Kitchen Design The lighting you choose for your kitchen can dramatically change the mood of your home. There have never been so many options and different lighting styles to choose from as there are now. Whether you’re cooking, entertaining, or just enjoying a cup of coffee, the right lighting enhances functionality, […] The post The Impact of Lighting on Kitchen Design: What You Need to Know appeared first on Tracy Tesmer Design|Remodeling.
Show More