How To Make Outdated Sitting Rooms Modern And Work In Your Space

It may say "sitting room" on the floor plan, but if you aren't sure what to do with that awkward room just taking up space in your house, Veronica Solomon, president and lead interior designer at Casa Vilora Interiors, has some ideas for you. Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Solomon says that sitting rooms were intended to be "more of a formal space." She explains, "I think these were popular before television and casual living became the norm for families. It was the living room, close to the front of the house, where you receive guests." But you don't just have to accept this once-popular living room trend that could be dating your home. If you aren't using that sitting room, it's time to give it a new life. 

If you're not sure what to do with this area, you aren't alone. Formal sitting rooms can be a confounding space for homeowners who don't need them. "People like more casual lifestyles, and TV viewing has become such a major part of home life that the need for a formal living room no longer exists," says Solomon. If you don't need that formal space and don't want a living room everyone is afraid to enter, it's time to get creative. Start thinking about the space you wish you had, and figure out how to turn that useless sitting room into the space you and your family need.

There is no sense in having an unused room in your house just because it's supposed to be a sitting room. It's your home, you can turn that space into whatever you want. If you already have a sitting room — complete with expensive furniture you have no intention of getting rid of — consider making it a more multi-functional room.

What does that look like? Well, Veronica Solomon, who spoke exclusively to House Digest, says, "Incorporating an exquisite writing desk where some work can be done on a laptop" could let you use the room as an office instead of it sitting empty most of the time. People need home offices more than ever, but space is often at a premium. That mostly unused sitting room could be the perfect place to put a desk. Get expert advice on how to set up your home office to make this space functional, but also have it blend seamlessly when it's time to entertain.

If you don't need an office, think about other ways to use the room more often. Add storage for toys, and maybe it could be a playroom when it's not in use, or "if you love reading — create a library," says Solomon. Grab a book and lie down on that couch that never seems to get used. It's the perfect, functional reuse of the space and does not require major construction. 

Still not sure what you want? Veronica Solomon, who spoke exclusively to House Digest, says, "Use it as a hobby space." Take your cue from the library idea, which Solomon says she has created in her own sitting room, and think about what you love to do. If you craft, perhaps this could be a good crafting room. (Use these decluttering tips to keep your craft room tidy so that the sitting room doesn't become an eyesore.) Is your family crazy about board games? Turn it into a game room.

Just want a place to relax away from the television and the chaos of the rest of the house? "Make it a personal getaway/retreat within your own home using soothing colors or a moody color-drenched vibe, even including a TV disguised as artwork," says Solomon. Throw a yoga mat in the corner, and it can also be a multi-functional space to partake in low-impact exercise.

The ideas are endless, and Solomon has more. "Make it a cigar or card room for the gentleman in the family," she says. The goal is to turn otherwise unused square footage into a space that makes you happy.