As someone living in around 1,500 square feet, wishing I had just a little bit more elbow room to move around or have a few dedicated areas for specific needs (my home office, a playroom for my kid, a hobby room for myself and my husband’s special interests), I chuckle at the thought of having enough “dead” space to be pondering what to do with it. However, I know plenty of homes, particularly new builds with excess square footage, have areas that might leave you scratching your head over what its purpose should be. A loft at the top of the stairs, perhaps? A big, empty basement? Maybe even a strange alcove in your primary bedroom, or under your staircase.

There’s also the scenario that you simply don’t need something like a formal dining room, an extra bedroom for guests, or even a full-sized mudroom or laundry room. I love the idea of truly personalizing your home to how you want to and need to use it, which means rethinking what you’re told a room is on a floor plan versus what it could be for you.

So…what can you transform those empty or confusing spots into? Well, I have some pretty fun ideas to explore today. Let’s get those creative neurons firing.

design by emily henderson | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland reveal: you’ll never guess what this bookcase is hiding…

But first, for a little close-to-home inspiration. Remember this bookcase in the upstairs landing of the Portland project Emily designed years ago? It secretly opened up to a hidden playroom with a skylight for light and ventilation:

design by emily henderson | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland reveal: you’ll never guess what this bookcase is hiding…

It was so cool and such a good use of space that otherwise would have gone to waste. Is it big enough for an adult to stand in? No, but the kid-friendly space was a pocket-sized and cozy little play haven that excited everyone who saw it.

Room Rethink #1: Keeping Room

So, let’s say you have a breakfast nook and then a larger dining space right next to it (I’ve seen that in some homes). Or perhaps a den that’s closed off and used more as a space to collect all your random odds and ends. Well, how about you turn it into a keeping room, instead?

I just love the idea of a keeping room, which traditionally was a warm, multi-purpose gathering space in early Colonial homes that was located next to the kitchen where the family would congregate for warmth from the hearth, talk, and do chores while the cook worked. It served as a cozy, informal family room, sometimes also called a hearth room, that was a place to relax, keep company, and even sleep or shelter small animals in winter to take advantage of the heat from the fireplace.

Today, it’s not really a necessity thanks to the marvels of central heating, but having a casual and comfortable little sitting room just off the kitchen to gather, read, or even have small bites and sips is such a charming concept.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Residency Bureau (@theresidencybureau)

Let’s look at this keeping room that squeezed in a large dining table and a sofa. It’s not often you see a leather tufted couch in the dining and kitchen area mix, but I think having varied seating types like this makes for a really interesting (and useful) arrangement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles (@atlantahomesmag)

You can even bring some cabinetry over and create an open butler’s pantry or coffee bar, which would be clutch for entertaining in an intimate setting.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Halvorson (@rachelhalvorson)

While not all keeping rooms need a fireplace anymore, it sure does make things cozy. This whole set up that opens up to an outdoor veranda feels like an entertainer’s dream.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camillia Bloomsbury (@camilliabloomsbury)

Here’s a more traditional and rustic keeping room in Leanne Ford’s previous Los Angeles home. As you can spot, it’s just off the kitchen and a simple (but beautiful) landing spot to stay near the action in the absence of a big, open floor plan.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tammie Price | Simple, Country, Living and Decorating (@ourprairiefarmhousegoods)

This quaint keeping room by Our Prairie Farmhouse Goods makes me want to take up knitting or needlepoint to sit and keep my hands busy (and warm) while someone else makes me some kind of porridge or stew. What a nice-sounding life.

Room Rethink #2: Home Library

Here’s one nearly everyone can fit into their homes one way or another: a library. Now, you might be imagining a Beauty & the Beast expanse, but as you’ll see, all you really need is some empty wall space to achieve this bookworm dream.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laura Graziano (@lauragraziano.writer)

The above home, by Gil Schafer, is very obviously an absolutely gorgeous luxury home, but I love the takeaway of these floor-to-ceiling bookcases. I can imagine this in a landing area between rooms, on one side of a wide hallway or transition space, or even, as I’ll explore in a moment, on one wall of a dining space.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anthony Rodriguez (@136home)

This whole carousel of images is chock-full of home library inspiration, but the first image is why I included it, because it’s the most realistic for most of us, I believe. I like the idea of building shelving up above the headspace of a small reading nook with a ladder for access. Ideal for a corner in any living space you’re looking to fill with character and purpose.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mittfunkis | Magdalena (@mittfunkis)

A dining room-meets-library is one of my life goals. Few things feel as lush, lived-in, and character-filled then surrounding your dining table and chairs with multiple bookcases and a cascade of hardbacks and paperbacks.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenna (@jennareadsbooks)

Add some closed storage below to check the boxes that a sideboard or credenza otherwise would; they’ll help you stash extra dinnerware, serving platters, linens, small appliances (if you have a small kitchen, as I do), board games, crafts, homework supplies, and beyond.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elle Hervin (@elle_the_home_bird)

Elle the Home Bird’s dining space proves you don’t need every wall covered in books to have the library impact. One area is more than enough to get the point across.

Room Rethink #3: Cloffice

The “cloffice” (or closet-office) has been a very buzzy term this year in interiors. If you have a whole bedroom to dedicate to it, it’s part clothes storage/dressing room, part office. If you need a work area but don’t have a dedicated room, it can mean sacrificing a small step-in closet to transform it into a desk nook. Either way, I love this clever use of space.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by domino (@dominomag)

What a luxury it would be to have a beautiful sitting room-meets-office-meets-walk-in-closet in my home. So many families I know have “man caves” in their homes, but I think it’s time women start claiming some space of their own for their own time away. A cloffice or parlor might tickle your fancy.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Molly Kidd (@mollykiddstudio)

Such a chic cloffice by Molly Kidd Studio. The loungey bench really brings it home, imho.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Noorein Kapoor Design (@nooreinkapoordesign)

This is more closet and vanity than closet and office, but the make-up area by the window could easily be a desk, as well. It reminds me of my days in the beauty and accessories closet at Brides magazine during my summer internship…but with more light because my area was better suited for a hobbit than this masterpiece by Noorein Kapoor Design.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julia Longchamps Design (@julialongchampsdesign)

If visual clutter prevents you from locking in and focusing, perhaps closet built-ins with doors and drawers would be better for you. Honestly, this makes me think that the giant walk-in closet I had in the Boca Raton apartment I lived in prior to moving to LA could have definitely fit a desk and, with some styling, could have been a wonderful cloffice. Think outside the box!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amber | Home & DIY (@westonwillow_)

Take that step-in closet in your guest bedroom and tuck in a clever work area! That way, you can fit in a proper bed, as opposed to a pull-out sofa, and still have enough room to move around. Bonus points for going bold with a deep red like Amber from West On Willow did above.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katie Sullivan | Pretty Domesticated (@prettydomesticated)

Oh, and don’t overlook a small closet in an entryway or hallway either. Where there is a will (and need), there is a way!

Room Rethink #4: Quiet Corner

If we’re clever and resourceful, so much of our home can be truly optimized to squeeze in more function. And while I know not everyone is a reader, a quiet corner (or reading nook, whatever you want to call it) can really shake up your day in terms of variety of where you hang around at home.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Errez Design (@errezdesign)

If you don’t need the space under your stairs to stash things away, get inspired by this amazing built-in upholstered bench. I can imagine myself tucked in there with my noise-cancelling headphones on, shutting out the responsibility of parenting and partnering for just a few minutes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mirko Gentile (@akindofhome)

Gosh, is this so stinking charming. With or without the round, deeply-inset window, creating a window seat and then adding a small pedestal table and another seating option feels like the only way I want to fill a corner in bedrooms and expansive living rooms from now on.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MacMullen Real Estate Team (@macmullenrealestate)

Another under-the-stairs option with a step-up lounge area. Wrap it in compact bookcases or keep it stripped down, your choice.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Veere Grenney (@veere_grenney)

Should you have extra floor space in a spare bedroom or even a loft area, why not extend the idea of a window seat into a window BED? Curtains keep it private and cushy, and I bet you’ll be happy to have this during the holidays when you’re trying to figure out where to pack everyone into.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nic Howett (Architect) (@nichowett)

Different style, same effect.

Room Rethink #5: Craft Or Hobby Studio

Both my husband and I have some crafty hobbies: I sew on occasion (or pick up random DIY ideas here and there), and he does photography. Having a dedicated studio for both of our pastimes sure does beat him moving everything around in the garage to shoot, and me taking everything off the dining table (which also includes my work setup) every time I want to sew something up.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovely Harbor (@lovely.harbor)

Wow-wee, this looks like a proper studio space, but I’m sure you can pull inspiration from it for something more small-scale. An open wood island in the center of a room paired with some wall storage is a genius use of space if you have a hobby like sewing (for cutting your fabrics), scrapbooking (to lay all your pages out), and even gift wrapping.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovely Harbor (@lovely.harbor)

Though don’t forget, all you need is about two to three feet of depth in any spot to get something like the above. And while you may see a sewing machine, just replace that with whatever your desired hobby might be: journalling, sketching, clay modeling, pen paling…whatever.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sean Symington (@seansymington)

Another center-island idea. The adjustable chair makes it so that you can either stand or sit, which is a really nice option to have if your hobby or craft keeps you popping up or plopping down.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karina Jambrak Australian Artist (@karina_jambrak)

Art studio much?? What a beautiful use of a converted attack space or room above the garage. I think we’re so quick to think about creating areas for guests whenever the few times a year they come, that we forget to prioritize our own needs and desires that occupy the majority of your home’s time.

Room Rethink #6: Speakeasy

And lastly, I give it up to our gal Mallory for helping me think of this one. Cheers to you, Mal, for helping us realize even a tiny broom closet can turn into a sexy, secret speakeasy.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emily Henderson (@em_henderson)

Case in point. Don’t miss her reveal of this space in her apartment here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nancy Osborne (@nancyosbornere)

Not a big reader? Skip the book nook and go all-in on a hidden bar. And don’t skip the luxe materials, because they are really what make these compact spirit closets feel extra special.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Fahmy (@haus_of_meeshie)

Or perhaps you have a whole basement to contend with? Pull inspiration from your favorite favorite or cocktail bar and just scale it down to fit the size you are working with. Punchy tile floors, saturated color drenching, and even some fun signage will get you there.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Pearce | Interior Designer + Blogger (@katepearcevintage)

Another home bar by a great person to follow, Kate Pearce Vintage. If I were scrolling quickly, I’d think this was in the lobby of a hotel.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Interior Designers of Insta (@designers_of_insta)

It’s giving secret hideaway. (Click through to see how well the door to this home bar fits into the wall paneling.) Oh, and remember: Just as Emily created a hidden playroom, you can take this speakeasy concept and apply it to anything your heart desires. I find everything feels extra cool when it has an element of a secret passageway.

Until next time, friends…

Opening Image Credits: Design by Mallory Wackerman | Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Mallory’s Speakeasy Reveal

Whenever I leave for a trip, I really try to clean my house really well. I’m talking sheets laundered, bed made, every room vacuumed, surfaces wiped down, you get it. I tell myself that “Future Jess” is going to be so happy. And surprise, Future Jess is ALWAYS extremely grateful that Past Jess made her life so easy and nice when she gets home. The same principle could apply to you right now. There could be a couple of things you’ve been wanting to add or upgrade, but they’ve been pushed down the list. Think now of crossing those things off, while saving money, and all before the start of the new year! Future You would likely be unbelievably happy and grateful. So today, we’re looking at Wayfair’s pretty wonderful End of Year Clearance Sale to round up some of these simple but very impactful easy home upgrades. I mean, up to 60% off and fast shipping, while checking off “want to do” boxes is a Christmas present in and of itself. Let’s get into it.

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There are not many of us who couldn’t benefit from some more storage… especially really beautiful storage. I LOVE both of these cabinets, and if I had the space, would happily have one in my home. Plus, both of these cabinets offer open and closed storage. That means you can show off your pretty things and hide away the items that are best kept out of sight until they are needed. I know arches have been all the rage, but both of these feel so classic that they will seamlessly work stylistically for many years to come. Oh, and did I mention that they are HEAVILY on sale and each comes in three different wood tones? So yes, this is such a smart (and pretty) purchase to make your 2026 start on the right foot.

design by mallory wackerman | styled by emily bowser | photo by veronica crawford | from: a full look inside mal’s 500 sqft resort-like hollywood oasis

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Remember when Mallory had the genius idea to use storage benches as her banquette seating in her studio apartment? Well, it looked so good, but they definitely weren’t inexpensive. Luckily for all of us, Wayfair has a nearly identical option for a fraction of the price! It also comes in black and white oak and is under $300. See? I told you it was good! Again, the more storage the better, and these would make great dining benches, a perfect entry bench, and awesome in a bedroom. So many uses and options.

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Do you have a room that needs both an architectural feature and some soundproofing? These wall panels are for you. Practically every home I’ve lived in before this one hasn’t had great insulation, meaning sound travels. These are a very cool and chic way to help that problem! Maybe if you’re getting your kids an instrument for the holidays, consider getting these as a present for you to help dampen their practising:) Everyone wins!

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If you’ve looked into good Roman shades, then you know they can cost A LOT. Enter these thermal, blackout, cordless shades that are 68% off. So basically, you are getting really awesome shades that come in a bunch of colors and size options for such an incredible deal. The reviews are also really great, so I highly suggest you check these out. And I can tell you from experience, your room will feel different in the best way when you add window treatments.

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A new rug makes a room feel brand new, guaranteed and we really love this one! A little color so it’s not too neutral but not too bright to distract. The perfect modern traditional rug, if you ask me.

design by jess bunge | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: jess’ long and skinny balcony reveal!!

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I know we are practically in winter, so prepping your outdoor space for the spring sooner rather than later (especially if you have some time off around the new year) isn’t a bad idea. These wood tiles are such a great way to personalize and make your outdoor space look more polished. I used something similar on my balcony and still love it. The wood is so pretty that there’s no need to paint them, like I did with mine, but it’s also an option if you want.

photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: about those integrated appliances in the mountain house kitchen

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Move over, garage fridge, and hello, refrigerator drawers! A true dream of mine, if I ever own a home. These are great because they can be freestanding or easily integrated into your cabinets if you are renovating. Emily has them in her mountain house and her farmhouse, if that tells you anything:) Oh, and they are 68% off…

design by mallory wackerman | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: see how mallory turned her coat closet into a speakeasy

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Speaking of fridges, maybe this is the year you finally get that freestanding beverage fridge. If you are like me and are renting, this may be the more practical option to the drawers I was just talking about. But of course, you can be a homeowner and get one too:) As an avid beverage consumer, this would undoubtedly level up my 2026. Did I mention it’s under $200??

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And finally, if you don’t really “need” anything but are looking for a small but impactful upgrade (especially for those cold winter nights), warm light light bulbs are a game-changer. These ones are a bit more decorative and have a vintage feel, but that only makes them better in my book. A quick, affordable fix. Isn’t that the best kind??

So while I don’t want anyone to feel pressure to upgrade their homes, sometimes making small changes (particularly when the deals are so good) is just a nice thing to do for yourself. With that said, we highly recommend checking out Wayfair’s End of Year Clearance Sale that’s happening until January 1st. Great pieces for awesome prices that will get to you fast.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Mallory Wackerman | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: A Full Look Inside Mal’s 500 Sqft Resort-Like Hollywood Oasis

Shifting Trend in Furniture Industry:

The making of household materials using wood has been part of Ethiopian history for centuries. Furniture manufacturing has also seen a rise in the last decade. With the ever-growing construction of hotels and residences of different types, the furniture business has been entertaining quite a surge in demand in recent years. However, the expected benefits of this rising demand have been lost to imports with little appetite for locally manufactured furnishings. However, a slowly shifting interest of the public in locally manufactured furniture might see a more expanding local sector with a potential for exports, writes EBR’s Trualem Asmare.

It is believed that furniture design in Ethiopia dates back to the Axumite dynasty, one of the ancient civilizations in the world. Ethiopian furniture has lived as a reflection of the history of the country in a designed materialistic form. Furniture plays a crucial role in interior design in Ethiopia with a historical-cultural mix being augmented by western trends. The matter is also influenced by trade relations with Arabia, India, and Rome that have lasted for centuries. One can now see the evident various types, designs, shapes, and materials of the furniture.

As much as the use of the different kinds of woods to create home furniture has been part of the country’s history, its advancement doesn’t represent its age. Ethiopian furniture has been dependent on imported raw materials and products. According to Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry, the country imports 30Pct of the finished furniture it demands from abroad. However, the figure is much higher when considering the volume of imports of inputs and semi-processed materials. Hotels, apartments, and governmental offices are among the groups of the major customers of imported furniture.

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Shifting Trend in Furniture Industry

#pranaevents #ATP #fintex2023 #wood #woodwork #furniture #homefurniture #apartments #wooddesign #homedecor #decor #sofa #couch #table #cofeetable #bed #lighting #lights #homelights

We are happy to announce that Lykie Events Ltd, Prana Events, and ATP (African trade partners) have signed an agreement of understanding with the Association of Designers of Kenya (ADKE). The agreement's goal is to establish a framework for the companies' interaction, engagement, and collaboration in order to advance the furniture, interior, and finishing industry value chain in the east African region.

We were delighted to be part of The Construction Sector Dialogue themed "creating sustainable solutions in the construction sector."

The conference was held @the Serena hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

Read More here

What is Wood Staining?

Before we tell you how to stain wood, it’s important to know what wood staining or refinishing  actually is.

To stain wood, you’ll need a freshly sanded wood surface. From there, you apply a coat of stain to transform the wood’s color or emphasize the wood grain.

The process of staining and sanding a piece of wood is called refinishing. When you refinish a wood surface you strip the wood of any pre-existing varnish or stain.

Next, apply a new coat of stain followed by a wood finish of your choice, such as polyurethane, and that’s it!

Don’t forget to take a look at this amazing woodworking guide to learn more about paints and stains on wood and what you can do with it!

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With the growing population in Africa demand for home and office furniture market in Africa is simultaneously increasing. When people move into a new home, they need wardrobes for their clothes, chairs, a dining table, sofas, kitchen cabinets and all kinds of furniture. Like households, offices also buy a lot of furniture too. 

African is fast emerging as an important market for furniture on a global scale. Total furniture market imports into Africa amounted to more than US$ 5 billion in 2018. Ten main furniture importing African countries each of them importing over US$ 100 million of furniture.

Furniture Market In Africa

Africa’s rapidly growing urban population and their spending capacity, along with the growing economy are the primary reasons why furniture business is enjoying the best time of its life.

This is just a short glimpse of a rewarding business stream which is waiting to be explored. Several African countries have good potential for developing their furniture industry, both for internal consumption and for exports. The more promising prospects are in South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria, but also Namibia, Tunisia, Kenya, Zimbabwe are possible candidates for a relevant expansion of their furniture production.The global economy is prophesized to grow by 2 to 3 percent between the years 2011- 2020. Africa is projected to grow approximately by 6%. The reason behind these projections is the rising middle class in the African cities. These people are the dwellers, who migrates from the rural areas and villages to the cities for employment prospects. This class includes salaried job holders, small and medium scale business owners. 

The sales for the imported custom made furniture has been increasing since the last 3 years. In order to start up furniture business in Africa, one should know the needs and demands of the customers being targeted. Some buyers are more concerned about beauty, quality and durability of the furniture, and will pay high prices to get furniture that meets these requirements. Some other buyers are highly influenced by cost and their choices are restricted to the price of the furniture. They will love to have beautiful and high quality furniture only if it can fit into their budget. Some customers prefer imported furniture and some prefer the local one. 

The key to succeed and make money is the ability to fulfill the needs and taste of buyers. Some of the countries like Nigeria, in order to develop the local furniture industry and to create the employment opportunities introduced a ban on the imported furniture. In countries like these, it is advisable to form joint- ventures with the local manufacturers. There are certain advantages which one could get in forming a collaboration with local manufacturers. It will provide you a platter of the information about the latest market trends, taste, opportunities and much more. Not much research and development would be required. Furthermore, setting up a business in a joint venture with local manufacturer would prove to be cost effective as compared to establishing one’s own enterprise. 

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The 2020 expo sales team traveled to Turkey, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Kenya; carrying the idea of networking with international trade fairs and the furniture sector key players;

Build potential business relations, connected with individual companies and promoted the FINTEX 2020 expo.

The FINTEX 2020 team travelled across Europe to promote its upcoming second session which will be held from March 5 – 7, 2020 at the Millennium hall, Addis Ababa.

Europe

• FINTEX 2020 – promoted at the biggest furniture and lighting market in Istanbul, Turkey;
• FINTEX 2020 – International sales team traveling to EMO Hannover 2019,

The leading trade fair of the sector;

• The FINTEX 2020 team had fruit full meetings at M.O.W. trade show; one of the largest expos in Germany; it covers about 85,000 sqm exhibition space;
• FINTEX 2020 was at Copenhagen promoting the Ethiopian furniture, interior and finishing expo;
• FINTEX 2020 – promoted in the largest interior, design and furniture fair in Finland;
• Sweden, Stockholm; – promoted FINTEX 2020

East Africa

•    Several Turkish furniture companies held B2B in Nairobi, Kenya with Ethiopian companies in the furniture and related sectors; FINTEX was part of it;