If you’re lucky enough to have a spare bedroom, why let it gather dust as a catch-all storage space or an occasional guest spot? With some fresh ideas, that extra room can turn into a space that’s useful, enjoyable or even a little out of the ordinary. Ready to shake things up? Here are some creative ideas that’ll make your spare room unforgettable.

Study Space or Homework Hub

Create a handy study spot or homework zone. Start with a comfy chair, a roomy desk and shelves to keep books, gadgets and supplies in order. For kids and teens, add a little flair with corkboards, dry-erase boards or even a chalk wall to keep things fun and functional.

Jam Room or Recording Space

Whether you’re making tunes for fun or something more serious, having a space just for your music helps you stay inspired. Install sound-dampening items like foam panels or use heavy drapes to keep the noise contained. Add storage spaces for musical instruments, your recording gear and a few comfy chairs for jamming with friends.

Vintage-style Wardrobe or Sleek Walk-in Closet

Whether you lean toward vintage vibes or modern sleek, a personalized dressing area brings both flair and practicality to your space. For an old-fashioned dressing room, add a vanity and a standing mirror (fainting couch not required). For a more modern take, install clothing racks, shelves and cubbies for shoes to keep everything tidy.

Fun Zone for the Kids

A few smart choices can create a fun and safe place for your kids to play, learn and let their imaginations run wild. Use bright storage bins for toys, lay down cozy rugs and add pint-sized furniture. Wall shelves can hold books and favorite items, and a small craft area can be the perfect place for their creative masterpieces.

Creative Space

Bring your artistic ideas to life. Set up your workspace by a window to make the most of natural light, or use soft, adjustable lighting for a cozy vibe. Keep your supplies in neat storage bins or on shelves for easy access. A sturdy desk or an easel can anchor the space, and you can decorate the room with pieces that inspire you.

The Sweat Spot

Create your own workout haven. Lay down padded mats or gym flooring to protect the floors. Add gear that suits your routine such as dumbbells, resistance bands or even a stationary bike. A wall mirror can make the area feel bigger while helping you fine-tune your form. Keep the energy up with some motivational posters, a speaker for your favorite playlists or a screen for workout videos.

A Tranquil Space

Design a tranquil retreat by dedicating your extra bedroom to meditation or yoga. Choose calming, neutral tones for the walls. Decorate with minimal furniture to keep the space open and uncluttered. A comfortable yoga mat, cushions and a few candles or essential oil diffusers can set the mood for relaxation.

Craft Corner

Love diving into DIY projects? Turn your extra room into a creative haven. Set up a sturdy desk or table with plenty of storage—think bins, shelves or drawers. Use hooks, magnetic strips or small containers to keep smaller items handy and organized. Add some personal touches like posters, fun wall art or your pieces to make the space practical and uniquely yours.

Green Retreat

Green up your home by creating an indoor garden. Choose plants suited to indoor conditions, such as succulents, ferns or herbs, and invest in plant stands or shelves to display them. Install grow lights if the room doesn’t get enough natural sunlight. Add a comfortable chair or bench to enjoy your lush, calming oasis.

Book Nook

For book lovers, an extra bedroom can become a dream library. Line the walls with bookshelves to store and display your collection. A comfortable armchair or reading nook paired with soft lighting will create the perfect environment to get lost in a good book. Add some warm touches like a cozy throw blanket and an area rug to make the space inviting.

Space for Fido and Friends

Give your pets a cozy hangout. Set it up with comfy beds, scratch pads or some fun toys to keep them entertained. Use bins or shelves to store food, treats and grooming gear. If you have bigger pets like dogs, think about adding a crate or play area. Add a touch of personality with cute, pet-inspired decorations to make the room feel like it’s just for them.

Tiny Tavern

Elevate your entertaining game with a home bar. Install a stylish bar cart or counter and stock it with your favorite beverages and glassware. Add bar stools for seating and decorate the space with trendy accents like neon signs or framed art. A mini fridge can keep drinks chilled, and a small sink or water source can add convenience.

We’ve Got Plenty of Spare Rooms

If you’re looking for the perfect spare room attached to the perfect home, visit Sierra Vista by Starwood Land. Our builders have a knack for crafting dream homes with as many rooms as you need and a few you might not have thought of yet!

Building a new home? Nail the right upgrades now, and future-you will thank you profusely. Think dream kitchens where your culinary genius shines, or backyard retreats that scream staycation. Best part? You skip the whole future renovation circus. Move in, kick back and enjoy a home that’s totally you with these must-have upgrades.

Functions or Fabulous Extras?

Here’s the take on structural choices versus upgrades. Structural changes mean layout magic—like adding a bedroom or expanding the primary suite. Upgrades? That’s your aesthetic glow-up—chic flooring or drool-worthy appliances. Nail these decisions during the build to save cash, avoid headaches and let the experts shine.

The Heart of the Home

Your kitchen should be a chef’s paradise. Upgrade your countertops to quartz or marble for a workspace that’s as stylish as it is tough. Install soft-close cabinets and custom storage that make organizing feel almost effortless. Finally, go all-in with built-in appliances like a smart fridge or a double oven. These changes will make your kitchen look like it walked out of a design magazine and add some serious value to your home.

A Space for Gathering

Let’s talk about the family room, a.k.a. the space where Netflix marathons, game nights and accidental naps happen. Upgrade number one? A stunning fireplace. Next, elevate your space with exposed beams for that wow factor. Finally, don’t forget pre-wired surround sound, because your favorite action movies deserve better than a tiny Bluetooth speaker sitting on the coffee table.

A Special Retreat

Your primary suite should feel like a retreat. Extend the primary bedroom to make space for a sitting area. Even a bay window bump out can create a cozy reading nook. In the bath, indulge in a spa-like walk-in shower with dual showerheads or a freestanding tub. And don’t skimp on custom closet organizers because having a place for everything is surprisingly life changing.

Remote Work

With remote work and Zoom calls here to stay, the home office has officially graduated from nice-to-have to essential. Start with built-in bookshelves or cabinets to keep your workspace organized. Add upgraded lighting to avoid looking like you’re sitting in a cave during your next video meeting. Consider soundproofing the walls. Whether you’re dodging barking dogs or the kids latest video game tournament, you’ll thank yourself for the peace and quiet.

Where the Fun Happens

The game room is where fun happens. Install durable flooring that can handle everything from spilled drinks to rowdy board game sessions. Add plenty of outlets (seriously, you can never have too many) for gaming consoles, chargers and whatever else your family dreams up. And for the pièce de résistance? A built-in wet bar or snack station. No more running to the kitchen mid-game—because let’s be real, nothing ruins Monopoly faster than someone stealing your snacks.

Where the Movies Happen

A media room is often an upgrade on its own and it’s easy to see why. Whether it comes standard or you’ve opted to add one, there are three things you can do to enhance the space. Start with tiered seating to create that true movie-theater vibe. Acoustic wall panels make a huge difference for sound quality and help block noise. Remember that wet bar we talked about? Your media room could use one, too.

What About Your Car?

Let’s face it, the garage is more than a place to park your car. Add overhead storage racks or built-in shelving to maximize space and keep things organized. Upgrade to an insulated garage door to keep the space comfortable year-round (and reduce your energy bills). Consider adding an additional garage bay to use as a workspace.

Better Outdoor Living

In Texas, outdoor living is practically a lifestyle, and a covered patio is the perfect spot to enjoy it. Start with an extended patio to give yourself extra space for entertaining or relaxing. Add an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and sink. Consider ceiling fans and recessed lighting to keep the space comfortable and functional no matter the time of day.

Upgrade Your Life at Sierra Vista

Thinking of upgrading your home and your life? Head over to Sierra Vista where your dream home is just a few upgrades away!

Houston is bursting with cool spots, tasty food and fun things to do. Thinking about a day trip? You’re in for a great time. Whether you’re into checking out fascinating museums, enjoying the outdoors or grabbing a bite at some awesome local spots, this city has something for you. Wondering how to pack it all into one day? Don’t worry, we’ve got some ideas. Do as much or as little as you want—either way, it’s bound to be a fantastic day.

Museum Mornings

Start your day bright and early, because mornings are prime time to dive into Houston’s iconic Museum District. First stop? The dino exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Next, stroll over to the Children’s Museum Houston, where your little ones can burn some energy while learning through interactive exhibits. Wrap up your Museum District tour with a quick peek at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. While this one might seem more suited for grown-ups, kids can enjoy spotting colorful sculptures or large-scale paintings.

Before Lunch

Before lunch, make your way to Hermann Park, which is practically next door to the Museum District. Whether it’s a ride on the miniature train, paddle boating on McGovern Lake or a family photo in front of the iconic Sam Houston statue, this park is full of easygoing morning adventures.

Time to Refuel and Recharge

After all that morning exploring, your crew is probably ready to eat. Luckily, East Downtown (EaDo) has some of the best family-friendly food spots. For something casual, try a Tex-Mex classic like Ninfa’s on Navigation. Grab some Vietnamese-inspired dishes at Huynh or enjoy juicy burgers and loaded fries at Rodeo Goat. Once you’re fueled up, take a quick stroll around the neighborhood to admire some of the colorful street art and murals.

Parks, Zoo and Buffalo Bayou

After lunch, head to the Houston Zoo, a summer favorite for families. Start at the giraffe feeding platform (watching these gentle giants up close never gets old) and then make your way to the sea lion show. Once you’ve wrapped up your animal adventures, head to Buffalo Bayou for some outdoor fun. Rent bikes or take a walk along the trails where you’ll get a stunning view of the city skyline. Cap off the afternoon at Graffiti Park, a vibrant open space where street art takes center stage.

Wrapping It Up Evening Style

As the sun starts to set, Houston offers plenty of options to wind down and wrap up your day. If your family loves shopping (or window shopping), stop by the Galleria. If you’re in the mood for some entertainment, check out what’s showing at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. For dinner, head back toward Discovery Green where you’ll find plenty of restaurants nearby. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll through the park’s lit-up pathways or let the kids splash around in the interactive fountains before heading home.

Make Sierra Vista Your Home Base

Sierra Vista boasts a great location just 20 minutes south of downtown Houston. That means if you can’t hit everything on our to-do list, you can easily go back for another round. Come tour our builders’ model homes and bask in our community vibes. Who knows? Sierra Vista could be your new home base for Houston adventures.

Let’s face it: choosing lighting for your home is less about illumination and more about nailing your interior design flex. Get it wrong, and you’ve got hospital vibes in the bedroom—yikes. Get it right and your home is light, bright and beautiful no matter the time of day. How do you choose? Here are a few considerations:

Bright Ideas Explained

Good lighting is like a good playlist—a chill tone, a little flair and the right tune for the job. Ambient lighting is the base coat. It’s what keeps your space from feeling like a dungeon. Accent lighting draws attention to details and sneaks in a little extra pizzazz. Task lighting is all about precision and making your life easier, one spotlight at a time by illuminating numbers to crunch or novels for next week’s book club.

Decoding the Mystery of Bulbs

The right bulb can transform your space, but the wrong one? A vibe killer. One factor to consider is brightness. Measured in lumens, brightness determines how much light a bulb emits. Color temperature, measured in kelvins (K), changes everything. Warm white (2700K–3000K) gives off cozy blanket for energy. Cool white (3500K–4100K) is bright and functional. Daylight bulbs (5000K–6500K) mimic natural light. Also consider energy efficiency. LED bulbs are the gold standard. They use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, saving you money.

Light Fixtures That Totally Slay

The right fixtures pull your lighting plan together, so your home feels cozy, functional and totally Instagram-worthy. With big windows, your lighting should complement the daylight. Subtle recessed lights or pendant fixtures keep the vibe light and airy. Rooms with soaring ceilings or quirky angles need lighting that rises to the occasion. A jaw-dropping chandelier adds grandeur, while well-placed track lights keep the spotlight exactly where you want it. Your lighting shouldn’t feel like it accidentally wandered into the wrong house, either. Choose minimalist designs for modern spaces, rustic charm for traditional homes.

Lighting Tips for Every Nook

Get your glow on by matching lights to the room and watch your home go from meh to magnificent in no time.

• Kitchen: A well-lit kitchen equals fewer cooking disasters. Use bright overhead fixtures for full-room glow, then layer in under-cabinet lights and pendants over the island for task lighting worthy of your culinary genius.
• Family Room: Start with ambient lighting—perhaps a chandelier or fan—and toss in accents like lamps or sconces. Dimmable fixtures? They’re the MVPs for toggling between drama-filled movies and low-key hangouts.
• Bedroom: Keep the bedroom chill. Use soft, warm lighting from an overhead fixture, plus bedside lamps or sconces for the perfect mix of ambiance and practicality.
• Bathroom: Vanity lights and recessed fixtures keep mornings efficient, while dimmable options soften the vibe for those rare, luxurious baths that make you feel like royalty.
• Home Office: Bright, crisp lighting keeps procrastination at bay. Blend a desk lamp with overhead fixtures, because dim lighting belongs in candlelit dinners, not your next Zoom call.

Get Lights Right at the Design Center

One of the best opportunities to get your home’s lighting right the first time is during the design process at your builder’s design center. Before your appointment, think about how you’ll use each room and what type of lighting will best support those activities. Don’t hesitate to ask the design center staff about your options. While standard lighting packages may meet basic needs, upgrading to higher-quality fixtures or adding features like dimmers can make a big difference in the long run.

See the Lights at Sierra Vista

You don’t have to wait for a design center appointment for lighting inspiration. Just visit Sierra Vista’s model homes. Each room is brightly decorated with the trendiest fixtures so you can get light right the first time. Visit us today.