When businesses downsize or shift their operations to remote work, they may find themselves with a surplus of commercial property.

Rather than letting these spaces go to waste, some savvy businesspeople have been repurposing their former headquarters for personal use. Whether you’re looking to turn your old office space into a home or just a fun place to hang out, here are some tips for transforming your headquarters for individual use.

Assess Your Space

Before you start tearing down walls or painting the place pink, you should take some time to evaluate your space. Consider which rooms you want to keep intact, which ones you want to repurpose, and which ones you can do away with altogether.

If you’re planning to turn your headquarters into a home, for example, you may want to designate one room as a bedroom, another as a kitchen, and another as a living area. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a cool hangout spot, you may not need something so formal.

Make Structural Changes

Once you have a clear idea of your space’s intended purpose, you may need to make some structural changes.

This could include knocking down walls to create larger, more open spaces, adding partitions to create rooms, or even installing a new staircase or elevator. You may also need to consider things like insulation, plumbing, and electrical wiring if you plan to use the space as a residence. Keep in mind that structural changes can be costly, so make sure to budget accordingly.

Incorporate Personal Touches

Now that you have a functional space, it’s time to make it your own. Whether you’re using your headquarters as a home or just a hangout spot, you should aim to incorporate personal touches that reflect your style and personality.

This could include anything from artwork and memorabilia to furniture and fixtures. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!.

Create a Floor Plan

As you start to bring your vision to life, it may be helpful to create a formal floor plan. This can help you make sure that each room has a purpose and that there’s a flow to the space.

A floor plan can also be helpful if you’re planning to hire contractors to make any structural changes or install major fixtures.

Consider Lighting and Acoustics

One thing that many people overlook when transforming a commercial space into a personal one is lighting and acoustics.

Depending on the size and layout of the space, you may need to invest in new lighting fixtures or window treatments to create the right ambiance. You may also need to add soundproofing or install speakers to ensure that the space sounds as good as it looks.

Get Professional Help

If you’re not a professional contractor or designer, you may want to consider hiring some help.

A contractor can help you with any structural changes you need to make, while an interior designer can help you choose colors, furnishings, and fixtures that reflect your personal style. They can also offer guidance on things like lighting, acoustics, and flow.

Choose Your Furnishings Wisely

When it comes to furnishing your new space, it’s important to choose wisely. If you’re working with a limited budget, consider purchasing secondhand furniture or repurposing things you already have.

You can also look for deals on new furniture or accessories online or in local stores. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits with your overall vision for the space.

Add Technology and Entertainment Options

Finally, don’t forget to add some technology and entertainment options to your new headquarters. Whether you want a state-of-the-art sound system or a high-end gaming setup, there are plenty of ways to incorporate technology into your space.

You may also want to consider adding a home theater, a bar or lounge area, or even a small gym.

Conclusion

Transforming your former headquarters into a personal space can be a fun and rewarding project. Whether you’re looking to turn an office into a home or just create a cool hangout spot, these tips should help you get started.

Just remember to take your time, bring your personal style to the space, and have some fun along the way.