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Custom Cabinetry mudroom lockers for coats, shoes, ets. | Eureka, IL

5 Rooms to Renovate That Aren’t Your Kitchen or Bathroom

If you find yourself scrolling through our Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest page, it’d be easy to see that a majority of the home design projects we work on are kitchens and bathrooms. There’s a few reasons for this, one being that everyone likely has a kitchen and at least one bathroom in their home, both probably used often. Another reason being that since we specialize in custom cabinetry, it makes sense that we do a lot of work in these rooms that always contain some kind of cabinetry. While we love working on custom kitchens and custom bathrooms, these are not the only spaces to consider when itching for a change of scenery.

Maybe you already love your kitchen and bathrooms and are excited to create the rest of your dream home, or maybe you’re not ready to take on a big kitchen project but are hoping to add some personality to another space to really make it your own. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you brainstorm your next renovation project that is sure to inspire!

1. Home Office

It’s no secret that over the last couple of years, working from home has become much more common. Whether you work from home every day, follow a hybrid model, own your own business, or just like having a separate work space, a well-designed home office could be the space you need to feel productive from home. Start with desk that sets the tone or design a built-in one! Add open shelving to curate an inspiring aesthetic and cabinetry to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. Get creative with your color palette (like this moody deep blue) to encourage your workflow.

2. Beverage Bar

Speaking of working, you may find yourself making a cup of coffee to get ready for the day or perhaps enjoying a cocktail after clocking out. If one or both of these describes you, adding a beverage bar to your home could be the perfect project! This could be a coffee bar right off the kitchen, a kitchenette near your dining room, or a full bar in your basement. Beverage bars are a great opportunity to customize a unique space for entertainment! Choose a bold paint color or countertop, add custom storage, or throw in a beverage fridge or sink to maximize the functionality. Create the perfect bar to entertain guests right in your own home!

3. Mudroom

If you’re looking for a smaller project that adds some additional functionality and organization, you might need a mudroom makeover! A mudroom is a space usually near an entryway used for taking off shoes, hanging coats, storing bags, etc. Your entryway is often a dropping ground for these cluttered items whether you like it or not, so having a place that provides a more organized storage solution is a must! Most people opt for some kind of bench seating for putting on/taking off shoes, hooks or hangers for coats, and extra cabinetry for storage. We’ve seen families put in custom mudroom lockers so that everyone has their own space! Even if you’re working within a smaller space, though, there’s plenty of opportunity to create a Pinterest-worthy mudroom that is sure to keep your entry way clutter-free!

4. Laundry Room

A laundry room might not be the favorite place in the house to spend time, but it could be made more enjoyable if the room was designed to your liking! Since this room is usually contained away from entertainment spaces, you’ve got a little more freedom to try something fun! Consider painted cabinetry in a lively color or pick out a patterned tile for the floor or a backsplash! Even if you’re into a more neutral look, there’s still some fun features to add like open shelving or a drying rack. If you’ve got extra space, consider adding a large cabinet to act as a linen closet or extra countertop space for a folding station. No matter your style or space, take back your laundry room with a refreshing redesign!

5. Library

Last on our list but certainly not the least, what if you designed your very own in-home library? If you’re an avid reader and/or find yourself with a large collection of books, imagine creating a personal reading spot that stores all your stories. It could be as amazing as a whole wall of books with a sliding ladder like the one shown here, or it could be as simple as a built-in bench in your office space that becomes your designated reading nook. We recommend adding plenty of shelving and experimenting with light fixtures to convey the mood you’re after. If a library isn’t exactly your thing, run with the idea of creating a space to indulge in your favorite hobby- like an art studio with lots of storage and a large workspace! Whatever it may look like for you, designing a space dedicated to something you love surely won’t disappoint!


If this list has your creative juices flowing, consider chatting with one of our designers to go over some ideas for your next renovation project. As the weather gets cooler, you’ll likely start spending more time indoors. Why not give the inside of your home the refreshing update it deserves? Whether it’s redesigning an existing space to add more style and function, or creating a brand new space just for you, investing in the spaces that you and your family spend your time will always be a worthy cause! Contact us at Gravel Lane Design to see how we can help on your next home remodel project. If you can dream it, we can do it!

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