Ask Maeve: I Need My Own Space With Roommates
Maeve helps New York City roommates create unique space in a shared home.
I have a roommate and we share our main living space. I find it really hard to relax at home, like I don’t have anywhere to unwind. How can I do this, create space for myself, but also not get in the way of my roommate? Please help. - Mark, New York City
Dear Mark,
Having roommates is fun, and often necessary as living alone can be expensive. But as you mention, at times it can also bring challenges, like how to carve out space for yourself when someone else is always around. I'm no stranger to small space solutions, as I've shared space in my own small homes for years. So here are a few of my top tips for how to work it out: #sharedspace
Define Your Space
It sounds like you have your own room. If so, that's great, we are going to start there. Your main living space doesn’t need to be the only place for you to unwind. You can create a #sanctuary in your room as well, where it’s private. There’s no shame in nesting in your room. It’s not about hiding. It’s about learning to craft a home environment that is nurturing for you.
Start by thinking about what it is that you need around you to unwind. Perhaps it’s a cozy place to sit, combined with a TV, or a good book? Or, it might be uninterrupted time to close your eyes, think, listen to music, take a nap, or stretch out. Once you know what it is that you need to relax, it’s time to create that environment in your room. #cozyhome
Depending on the size of your space and your resources, you might have to make some compromises, or create a mini-version of what you wish you had in your main living space. For example, if you don’t have space for a sofa, but need a cozy spot for hanging out, introduce a comfy chair into your room. There’s almost always room in a corner, and if you are truly short on space, you can instead consider a few jumbo throw pillows for the floor (or get creative and hang a hammock from the ceiling (a bit more work, but if you are handy, a fun thing to try out!). #decor #smallspacesolutions
Expand Your Footprint
Once you’ve had a chance to adjust your room, you can try introducing small things into your common space as well. An easy place to start is with a small basket or bin of things to help you relax, like books, games, music, placed on a #shelf or in a corner of the living room. #bins #baskets
You can grab it when you want to hang out and put it back when you are done. Another use a nap-sack or bag that you can easily carry into the room. This is a great way to be able to have your space and some comforting things in the living area without feeling like you’re in the way.
Chat with your roommate about it first so you are on the same page. And possibly your roommate will feel more comfortable relaxing as well, and you can then hang out together. #communication
Try out one or two of these small changes until you have one working. It's always best to take baby bites when you embark on charge. And keep in mind, living with roommates is the ideal time to learn how to craft a home, as when you are ready to transition to your own space – or perhaps move in with a partner – it’s great to have skills under your belt about how to make home work for you. #babybites
I hope this helps -- let me know how it goes!
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