From Spare Room to Study
Leaving home for the first time is a momentous occasion—one filled with excitement, independence, and new beginnings. It’s a time when you finally have your own space, where you’re the boss and free to live life on your own terms. But what about the space you left behind? The room that was once yours, now empty, waiting for its next chapter?
Key points
This is the story of a room—once Charlotte’s, then Tom’s, and now it’s become something new. After both Charlotte and Tom moved out and started families of their own, the room became the infamous “Back Bedroom.” It was no longer a place for someone to live, but a catch-all for forgotten holiday decorations, miscellaneous boxes, and the random items that didn’t seem to belong anywhere else. It sat unused, merely a storage space for things too important to throw away but too useless to be anywhere else.
But in a small Victorian Lancashire mill worker’s cottage, every inch of space matters. My house is a two-up-two-down, and with only four rooms, that back bedroom is 25% of my entire living area. I decided it was time for a change—a transformation, to be exact. I was going to turn that neglected space into something functional, creative, and entirely mine: The Study.
The Plan: Turning a Bedroom Into a Study
As someone who has always wanted a dedicated study, I was determined to make this dream a reality. The goal was to transform the back bedroom from a forgotten storage space into a study that reflects my personality and becomes a place for work, relaxation, and creativity.
Step one? Clear the clutter. This is easier said than done, but it’s the most important step in any room transformation. I started by pulling everything out of the room—yes, everything. Those forgotten boxes, seasonal decorations, and random “whatchamacallits” all had to go. Some items found a new home in the cupboard under the stairs, while others made their way to charity or the bin. It was time to be ruthless. Only what truly mattered stayed.
The Vision: Crafting a Space for Creativity
Next, I began envisioning what I wanted this room to be. A study, after all, can serve many purposes. Would it be a quiet reading nook, a workspace, or perhaps a mix of both? For me, I wanted a combination: a place where I could sit down with a good book or dive into work without distraction.
After some planning, I decided on a few key elements:
- Desk Space: A solid desk is the cornerstone of any study. I found a beautiful wooden desk at a local thrift store that fit perfectly in the room’s limited space. It has just enough room for my computer, a notepad, and a cup of tea.
- Bookshelves: No study is complete without bookshelves. I installed a few floating shelves along one wall to keep things minimalistic. These shelves would house not only my favorite books but also a few decorative items that give the room character—things like old maps, vintage trinkets, and framed photographs.
- Lighting: Good lighting is essential. I invested in a stylish floor lamp that gives off a warm glow, perfect for evening reading sessions. Natural light is limited in my cottage, so adding layered lighting options was important.
- Comfortable Seating: While a desk chair is important, I also wanted a cozy armchair for those moments when I just want to relax and read. After much searching, I found an affordable but comfortable armchair that fits snugly in the corner of the room, providing the perfect spot for a cup of coffee and a good book.
The Process: Tips and Tricks
Transforming a room, even a small one, can be daunting, but here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Take your time: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your study. Break the project into small, manageable tasks. Start with clearing out the room, then focus on painting or installing shelves. Don’t rush it—enjoy the process.
- Be smart with storage: In a small house, storage is key. I installed some clever under-desk storage solutions to keep clutter off the desktop. Floating shelves also helped me make the most of the vertical space in the room.
- Keep it personal: A study should reflect who you are. Don’t be afraid to display items that inspire you or bring you joy. Whether it’s a collection of vintage postcards or family photos, make the space yours.
The Result: A Room With Purpose
Now, that forgotten back bedroom is no longer a dumping ground for holiday decorations and mystery boxes. It’s a fully functional study—a space where I can work, read, and think in peace. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but the results have been worth the effort. The back bedroom has become a place with purpose, giving new life to an old space.
