Are you a singer, dancer, or musician with the need for a spot to practice at home? If so, you’ve probably already considered your basement, attic, or spare bedroom. Maybe you’ve begun the process of transforming your space and need ideas on how to make it useful for your other needs, such as for work or school. Maybe you’re just looking for ideas.
Whatever your reasons, here are some practical tips on getting the job done!
Know how it will affect your home’s value.
Whenever you decide to make improvements to your home, you’ll want to consider their financial value as well as the quality of life they provide. Adding a multi-purpose space is a great way to make your home more attractive should you decide to sell. Buyers want plenty of room, and giving them more usable space may help raise your home’s appraisal value.
Plan it out ahead of time.
It’s not enough just to know that you want to space, you need to know how, exactly, you’ll use it. If you’re taking online dance classes, for example, you’ll want to plan to have a place for your computer and ensure your internet signal is strong. A home dance studio will also require hard floors; Liberty Dance Center recommends padded wood or, at the very least, some type of subflooring if you’re transforming the basement.
A home dance studio can also double as a safe space to work out or do yoga. A few additions to consider to maximize your fitness space are:
- Hang mirrors. Mirrors not only maximize natural light, but they also make your workout area feel larger and give you an opportunity to watch your form as it unfolds.
- Keep your essentials handy. If possible, add a few small built-in storage areas to keep things like towels and bottles of water.
- Install a ballet bar. A ballet bar is not only good for dance but can also be used to steady yourself and for stretches. Dinamica Ballet explains that this bar should be level with your elbow or within a few inches between your hip and waist.
Anticipate your other uses.
Since you want your performing arts area to work for other needs, make a list of these and plan ahead here, too. If you use your space as an office, for example, install a Murphy desk, which is essentially a folding table that stores neatly on the wall until you need it.
Sound absorption is another consideration, particularly if you are a musician or tend to turn the volume up when you dance or work out. Having a rug that you can roll in or out depending on the room’s current use will also come in handy. Room & Board offers more advice on how to choose a rug and notes that a larger one gives you more floor space.
Finally, talk to the rest of your family. If they use the space frequently, there may be problems. Don’t assume that an empty room is always left that way. If your household protests, discuss how the dance/fitness space can benefit everyone. Ultimately, you may need to consider moving to the garage or detached storage building or providing them with another area in the house to complete their respective tasks.
Building a studio in your home is not a difficult task. It takes some planning, that’s for sure, but it’s doable. Having the space will benefit you in many ways, and if you think you may sell your house later, you may even put some money in your pocket at closing.
Thanks to Derek Cannon @ hobbyjr.org for sharing!
Image via Pexels
