Making Something Out of Nothing:
Unused Spaces Transformed

The New Year is upon us, and most of us have resolutions for 1999. After forgetting several birthdays and anniversaries last year, I resolved to be more organized about sending out greeting cards. After all, I have plenty of cards, but I never get around to sending them. Since I now work at home, my office has become very cluttered. What in the past had been my personal space, used for writing letters and such, has now been appropriated for work.

Taking a hard look at my office, I decided to use the empty corner, and install a writing area. I bought some shelving and a small section of counter top, and I now have a small, corner desk, and some much-needed shelving for my magazines and other personal stuff.

Think about possible areas in your house that could be transformed. Have you resolved to exercise but have no idea where are you going to put the treadmill? When was the last time you found a quiet place to talk on the phone or read? Take a critical look at corners, areas under stairways, basements, closets, attics, and entryways. They are all prime real estate for a transformation.