Some of my earliest memories take place at my grandparents' house. The house, built between 1890 and 1900, has been their home for decades, and her family moved into it when her mother was just 10 years old. It had some memorable features, including a huge vegetable garden, a storm cellar, and apparently a ghost (which I'll talk about in another article). But the room I remember most vividly is the study.
The study, with its sliding doors, wood-paneled walls, and bright blue shag carpet, was located between the living room and dining room. When the family asked what happened to the burrow, her mother said, “It was just there.” In a way, that's exactly the point of the nest. Flexibility for literally any purpose.and Thanks to the informal and versatile nature of the den, these retro spaces are making a big comeback in modern homes.
According to Mary Cook, founder and president of the interior architecture and design firm Mary Cook Associates, “Den is an Old English word meaning a shelter or resting place for wild animals.Today, it is used by people. It is defined as a small room in the house where a person can pursue activities in private.
Cook explains that mid-century usage focused on the head of the household, as a place for a father figure to relax and maintain the family business. “Eliminating the need for paper storage allows the den to better utilize other features such as a guest bedroom, fireplace, and bar,” says Cook.
After phasing out residential floor plans for some time, the pandemic lockdown period has reshaped how homeowners and renters alike share their homes. “At first, the novelty was fun, but as time went on, the limitations of our home became apparent,” Cook says. “Homes weren't designed to keep the whole family together all the time.”
Other developers have noticed recent changes in the use of such multipurpose den spaces. “A lot of people are still working remotely part-time or full-time and are looking for this space,” said Jeff Benack, director of Chicago-based Lexington Homes. “Also, as people spend more time at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, and many continue to do so, we have created a space to create a yoga/exercise room, reading room, or craft room. As people create new ways of living, homes have been forced to adapt.
Jill Jewett, president and co-owner of Finger Companies, said: This flexible feature has proven to be more in demand than ever as it provides just the right amount of additional space. Especially for residents who know they don't need to expand their bedroom to the next level if their den can meet their needs. ”
Different generations flock to the cave for unique uses. “The Belgravia Group is the developer of Portico in Scottsdale and Triangle Square in Chicago,” said Liz Brooks, executive vice president of marketing for Belgravia Group. [condominium] They are considering a floor plan with a den because they so appreciate having the same extra space as a single-family home. What's more, younger buyers and renters appreciate how a den evolves with the family, starting as a reading nook or home gym and eventually becoming a space for families not yet ready to transition into a larger space. It will be able to accommodate a playroom or a modest children's room.
One unexpected but creative use that Brooks often sees is as a den as a studio.
“Many entrepreneurial celebrities have built a following with regular podcasts and are looking for flex spaces that can function as 'studios,' so MLS listings refer to these spaces as 'Zoom Rooms.' “I've seen some real estate brokers call it that,” Brooks says. . (Don't let anyone share this thought with your podcast-obsessed husband.)
Although it pales in comparison to my grandparents' authentic retro den, our den currently functions as a home office. Eventually, it could transition into a reading nook with a daybed for guests or a playroom for future children. But as my family and lifestyle evolves, perhaps I'll come up with a whole new use for the incredibly flexible nest!
