If you're lucky enough to have a spare room at home that doesn't need to be used as a regular bedroom, it's important to maximise the space.
Realistically, you probably won't have room for a home office, activity room, sewing room, entertainment room and home gym as population growth puts pressure on lot sizes and subsequently extra home space.
However, we've got some clever home decorating ideas to help you turn a single room into an incredibly useful space!
Get the colours right
Sure, the kids might love pink, purple and green stripes on the wall if they're going to use this area as an activity room, but that's not necessarily going to be the best choice if you want to use the space for other purposes as well.
No matter which colour you pick, opt for a single shade – perhaps with contrast window and door frames – rather than a complicated palette.
Check out the whites and neutrals paint range for some fresh inspiration. These muted hues are a good idea if you want the room to appear as large as possible. Resene Quarter Stonehenge is a soft grey shade that adds class to any space, while Resene Surrender is an equally charming silver-grey.
Remember, you want the room to be able to adapt to your changing needs. Pick a versatile hue for the walls and add splashes of colour with furniture, cushions and photo frames, if you wish.
Don't overcrowd the area
Just because you're using the space for multiple purposes doesn't mean it should be overflowing with items.
Invest in some quality shelving or utilise in-built shelves already in the space. Keeping floor space free is a multiple family members are going to use the space at any one time.
There's no need for too much furniture, either. Pick a narrow yet comfortable sofa that can sit against one wall. Add some smaller chairs and a coffee table that's low to the ground, too. This kind of table is multipurpose – little ones can use it when they're colouring in or drawing, while adults can use it for poring over documents from work or their favourite magazines.
A table with a glass cover is a good option if you want to protect wood from being scratched. Plus, it's super easy to clean as well.
Keep kids' creative stuff – from crayons to packs of cards – in a deep tray or in buckets. This will keep the space tidier.
Split shelving
Sure, we all know that in-built shelves are great. In fact, we've already advocated that you use these wherever possible.
However, it's not always a wise idea to install shelves from floor to ceiling. A shelf built into a nook in the wall with no further shelves below it is a must if you have larger items to store. By contrast, install plenty of shelves from shoulder height upwards.
This split shelving approach allows you to keep smaller items organised, while retaining dedicated space for those big ticket items, whether it's electronic equipment, yoga balls or a kid's painting easel.
Pockets of fun
If you want to install a projector to watch movies together as a family, think about what items could break up your line of vision.
Keep space free in the centre in the room and create pockets of fun around the room. That means an exercycle against one wall, a desk in another and a toy box in the opposite corner.
Realistically, you're not going to have a movie running and kids playing with toys while you knuckle down and get some work down. However, keeping each corner of the room dedicated to a particular activity helps keep the entire space organized, rather than being a haphazard jumble!
Get inspired ! 
