Are you using every inch of living space in your home? If a room goes untouched (except for dusting) it’s time to find a new use for that space. Think about how you live in your home and why you’re not currently using that room.

Many times, homeowners simply don’t like the room. In the case of formal entertaining spaces, it’s not uncommon to buy “fancy” furniture that’s lovely and showy, but not a true expression of the homeowner. Time to add back in your personality as well as a use that will bring the room back into your house!

Step 1. Remap your use of space
As you assess how you live in your home, also think about what’s not working in the current configuration of your entire home. For example, do you yearn for a cozy retreat where you can curl up with a book and listen to music? Have the kids (and their tv, video games, toys or other accouterments) taken over the family room? Would you like to relocate your home office? Have you longed for a music room, game room or library?

Once you start to listen to your inner “wish list” you are on the road to remapping the flow and use of your home’s rooms, being sure to incorporate your unused space. Now try moving around furniture to better accommodate these needs. You many find that you’ll need to acquire new furniture pieces or make over existing furnishings. (Slipcovers are wonderful things and have come a long ways in both quality and style!)

Step 2. Redress your unused space
Underutilized rooms are an opportunity to experiment with the use of color, texture and lighting to create a different mood or feel. Creating a variety of moods within your home adds interest. Think of it this way — do you wear the same thing every day or do you dress to suit your mood? Same goes for food — some nights are pizza nights while others are salmon and salad.

This doesn’t mean your room makeover has to be a complete disconnect from the look and feel of the rest of your house. It can be a fresh twist on your favorite style or color scheme.

Step 3. Give it the “ahhh” test
Quite simply, you know you’ve created a room you’ll use when you fall in love with it. Every time you round the corner, you can’t help but pause and sigh happily. Success!

Remember however, your first attempt might not hit the bull’s eye. If your room doesn’t feel quite right, it doesn’t signal failure. It just needs tweaking. Don’t abandon all hope (and your room).

Start by leaving the problem room alone for a while. This will keep you from “searching” for a solution to your design problem. Trying to force a solution will only create frustration and greater complications.

Instead, let the solution come to you. Take time to live with the room and reflect on what you like and don’t like about it. Talk it through with others. Sometimes articulating your thoughts brings clarity.

If the solution still isn’t coming to you, try looking at the problem from a different perspective. You may be focusing on the wrong thing that needs to be changed. Take to heart Occam Razor’s theory that states “the simplest solution is often the best solution.”

I guarantee you’ll have an “Aha!” moment. And when you do, it’ll feel oh-so-sweet.