(NC) As we spend more time at home during the pandemic, we’re thinking about our spaces differently so we can make the most of them. Reinvention can help you extend your functional square footage and ensure your home keeps up with your evolving needs. Here are some inspiring ideas to try: 

Rethink your outdoors
We’ve all fallen in love with spending time outside, as it’s a safer way of seeing friends and family separate from our household. But as the temperature dips, it’s time to get creative to keep these get-togethers going. You can continue to enjoy your backyard with an outdoor firepit or heating lamp. Your garage can function as a man cave with a well-loved couch and foosball table, while a screened-in porch can make the perfect sunroom when you add a comfy armchair and fuzzy blanket. To help make your garage, covered porch or patio feel cozy and inviting, lay down some subfloor panels from Dricore. They insulate against cold, hard concrete to create a softer and warmer environment.

Reimagine your closets
Who says a closet can serve only one purpose? There are many creative ways to use these small spaces throughout your home. If you have a walk-in closet in your bedroom, consider turning it into a snug nursery with a basinet and a couple of chests of drawers for your clothes and the baby’s things. If you have a traditional sliding-door closet in the kids’ room, try pulling off the doors and using the resulting nook for a dedicated playspace or at-home learning spot. If you’re planning on keeping your closets for storage, then invest in quality organizers to fit more things and free up space in other areas. 

Reclaim your basement
A chilly, damp basement is uninviting and doesn’t encourage you or your family to spend time there. But what if you could turn it into a warm and comforting space? Dricore subfloors can also help in here by helping to protect against moisture, mould and mildew so you have peace of mind knowing your flooring is safe. Once you have this essential step down, you can transform your basement into a valuable area of your home, like a gym or playroom. And because subfloors provide cushioning and warmth, you can feel comfortable walking around in your bare feet while doing yoga or letting the kids have fun on the floor.