We don’t all have the luxuries of all single-purpose rooms in our homes. Many homes come with a “bonus” room over the garage (I’ve never understand why they call it a “bonus” – seems to me I paid for it!).

Anyway, our “bonus” room is my favorite room in the house because it works as a play room, guest room and upstairs family room. But what a decorating challenge! Here are some ideas we used (note: click on images to see them bigger).

We arranged the room by function as much as possible. Tip: You can also use area rugs to define spaces.

We selected a warm neutral color that won’t show dirt, and plays well with other brighter “kid” colors. We added a brown microfiber sofa and a furry pink chair for the family room area and angled the entertainment enter to be viewable from the whole room. Tip: chenille is very kid friendly as well, and it’s softer than microfiber!

To give the room some character, we added rainbow dots and splattered them about to spice it up and make it more cohesive.

Toys are great for kids, but no one really wants to look at them all the time. Bins and buckets are a great way to encourage quick pick-up and add color to the room. We used a tall bookcase just inside the door – it fits a lot of stuff.

No, it’s not that attractive, but it’s not the first thing when you enter the room since it’s literally around the corner from the door. I plan to paint it white (in my spare time).

We used the alcove by the window to create a play space for the kids.

As they outgrow it, we’ll perhaps add a desk or other age-appropriate furniture.

The guest room section is simply a full-sized bed with a shelf serving as a functional headboard.

We added an old dresser in the closet, and allow enough hanging space for guests as well.

What is YOUR home’s hardest working room, and how do you use it?