The Work Room

The best “added” room in the houses I have helped people build is called the “work room.” It is an extra space (sometimes it’s a good-size room that also doubles as a first-floor laundry). It’s the place where all the packages get tossed and the extra stuff gets put when you’re hosting a party and you have to clean up fast. It has a sink so you can use it as a food prep area for parties, or as a place where caterers can stock supplies. It has a good amount of counter space and storage cabinets—a couple of the cabinets floor to ceiling. It turns out to be everyone’s favorite extra space even though no one needs it during the planning phase. It’s also a great place to leave out the wrapping paper when you are in the Christmas last-minute rush or a place to build the volcano for the third-grade science fair. In my daughter’s house, it’s the room in which the little ones are given baths and get their diapers changed; the floor in her work room has a durable stone tile with a drain—it’s also become the place where her two-year-old paints. If you can, build it!