Some homeowners use every square foot to its maximum potential, even their attics, basements and garages. But if you’re like the rest of us, these spaces become graveyards for moth-eaten clothes, unused sports equipment and unfulfilled renovation dreams over the years.

Now that spring cleaning is in full swing, it’s time to find a better use for those spaces in your home that aren’t exactly inviting at the moment, but have potential to increase property value and make living at your house more fun. Here are a few ideas to pique your inspiration:

Home bar

You don’t have to spend a fortune at the neighborhood bar to enjoy quality time with friends. Bar equipment can get expensive, so you might want to hunt down an old dresser to serve as the shell of your dry bar. This is the perfect place to display favorite sports memorabilia, bar signs and dart boards— or go the other direction with a pre-Prohibition theme and class things up. Because you’re in charge of the menu, stock your favorite beer selections and give fun personal names to your house cocktails.

Movie theater

The in-home movie theater is a classic “dream house” feature. Now you can make it a DIY reality, even in a smaller space. Find an affordable projector that can connect to your laptop, and paint the largest wall in the room white. Hunt down vintage movie theater seating, or even push together a few rows of couches and chairs of equal height. Track lighting on a dimmer along the ceiling is perfect for ambiance. With all the online streaming services available these days, you’ll be all set for movie and TV showings, and be the envy of everyone you know.

 

More ideas!

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