We have a family room in the basement that we use, that has the tv, sofa, and the kids toys. Then we have a living room upstairs that has a nicer sofa and love seat ect. They are both about the same size. We don't use the upstairs living room and I have the wasted space.

Any ideas on how to change it into something more useful?

It is right next to the kitchen, and it is open to the entry way ( it is a split enrty) I am open so let your brain spill out any ideas.

We have thought of putting our computer in there and putting up some type of screen or maybe a wall.


TIA

If it were my house, I'd leave it as it is, especially if the nicer furniture is in there. Personally, when I have company over, I like to have atleast 1 room that isn't toy cluttered with the TV blaring and the furniture doesn't have juice stains all over it. I love formal living rooms with the "do not sit in except for holidays" furniture and no kids allowed.

But since you're looking to turn it into a more functional room- what I would do is make it into a library of sorts. I love the ones in movies where the walls are built in bookcases filled with every book imaginable. I'd line a wall with floor to ceiling bookcases (my hubby is handy, so he could make that for me if I wanted). In the corner by a window, I'd put a couple overstuffed chairs so you could sit down and read. And in the room, I'd put a desk with the computer. That way there, you have a quiet room to read and relax in and the kids have a quiet place to do homework.

OK- I'm done dreaming now, LOL!

Laura

Boy that'd be great for us! School room/computer room/exercise room/sewing-crafts room! I'm jealous. :)

I would probably keep the formal living room also-I love to have a room to entertain in that there is no big tv in the center of, grown-up space is important. But, you can always use it as a breakfast room, casual furniture that will also lend itself to homework, crafts, plants etc. Maybe you could find some middle ground by putting in an armour that could house a mini office or sewing/craft set-up for daytime use, then close up when you want to use the room for entertaining.

Is the room large enough to split into a few different conversational area zones?

Like if the room is large enough you could do a nice little sitting area with some nice chairs set around a pretty table with a tablecloth. Like a coffee/tea breakfast conversation area?

Or a corner set for assorted tropical plants or small table fountains and maybe a built in windowbox or planter?

Or a reading area?

Or possibly a desk section for bill and/or letter writing.

I think multiple function rooms are much less "wasted space".

I wouldn't change the room completely to suit one function. I think having an elegant space that isn't used as often is a bonus and a special place.

I would just leave it as a living area. It sounds like a great "quiet" place to read or do homework. Since it is next to the kitchen homework questions could be easily answered while you are fixing supper.