With so much in the news about the real estate market, we’re hearing from you, our smart and savvy California Listings readers, that there are some big questions that remain. So, we’re turning to our neighborhood agent partners to answer your burning real estate questions in our new weekly feature—Ask The Expert!
This week, Calabasas and Hidden Hills experts Jeff Biebuyck and Dana Olmes offer advice on flexible space:
Question: What are some key pieces of advice to consider when looking at homes with ancillary living space? How can you make flex space useful for regular remote work and still comfortable and inviting for guests?
Because of COVID 19, the modern home office is now considered an ancillary living space—a multipurpose room that can be used for work, relaxation and/or entertainment. College students and young adults are returning home after leaving the nest to live with their families while taking online courses or working remotely, and many homeowners are seeing elderly family members move in rather than opting for nursing or senior care congregant living environments. As a result, there has been an increase in ancillary living spaces found within homes.
When designing your ancillary living space, start by thinking about how you will use the room. Will it be your primary work space or will you only use it for occasional tasks? If it’s your primary work space, do you need a lot of storage for supplies and files? Do you need a desk that can be easily adjusted to different heights or one with multiple surfaces so you can multitask easily? Will you need to fit multiple people in the room for meetings or will it only be used by yourself on most days? The type of design and layout that works best for your daily routine should inform the way you choose seating, storage options and lighting.
If this space is going to double as a guest bedroom or entertainment area, make sure the design is conducive to these activities. The last thing you want is a chair that isn’t comfortable for overnight guests or built-ins that are difficult to navigate around while hosting large gatherings. The best way to make sure this space works for your multi-purpose needs, whether it be work related or entertainment purposes, is by carefully considering the layout and design.
Functional, comfortable and versatile—these are the key features of an ancillary living space that will make your work and home life easier. By taking the time to design your space thoughtfully, you can create a room that is perfect for your needs.
You can connect with Jeff Biebuyck and Dana Olmes via their California Listings pages at the links in their names to learn more about their listings—including many with ancillary living spaces!