Have you ever wanted to build your own private Batcave or dreamt of pushing open a bookcase to reveal a secret room? Quirky home amenities like underground garages and hidden rooms add plenty of personality to your design — and they are often surprisingly useful. Here are a few unusual home features that just work.
Inside
Monitor Frames
A monitor frame is a terrific way to dress up your TV or computer screen to better incorporate it into the rest of your home decor. Monitor frames can look like traditional picture frames, either with an ornate bezel finish or in the wood of your choice, but there are also plenty of other options. You can choose to frame your monitor with a handy shelf attachment for your remote control or a fun set of corner trims. You can even give your monitor animal ears!
Floating Vanities
Opting for a floating vanity will give your bathroom a serene, modern design, but it also has practical benefits. Floating vanities create more floor space, make it easier to clean your bathroom, and protect your cabinets from water damage. They also allow you to customize the height of your vanity, so it is perfect just for you.
Sauna Room
After a workout, there is nothing better than hitting the sauna to decompress and relax your muscles. Together with exercise, a sauna session can decrease muscle soreness and even lower your cholesterol. Take your home gym to the next level and set up a sauna room so you can get these benefits from the comfort of your home.
Utility Sink
A utility sink can have all kinds of functions — it is the perfect place to wash delicate clothing items, soak stubborn stains out of fabric, water your houseplants, or even give your pet a bath. With resin or stainless-steel options to choose from, your utility sink will be right at home in your laundry room or garage.
Hidden Rooms
A hidden room might sound like something out of a mystery novel, but adding one to your home does not just create extra whimsy and charm. Building a hidden room can add extra storage space, create the perfect hideaway for a reading nook or man cave, and even offer home security benefits. Consider adding a bookcase door for extra privacy – and a fun party trick.
Outside
Underground Garage
An underground garage is a unique way to maximize your yard space and protect your vehicles from weather and intruders. These garages can be built into hillsides or underneath the house itself, and there are plenty of ways to customize them. An automatic gate makes for easy entry and exit, while a subterranean car lift creates sleek, convenient parking possibilities.
Swing Table Set
Take your porch swing up a notch and entertain your guests with a swing table set or bar. These unique pieces add a rustic, playful flair to your outdoor dining area, and they can be designed to fit any landscape – from a two-person bistro setup to a full eight-seat dining table. Choose between rope or chain swings and select your favorite wood finish for extra customization.
Which of These Unusual Features Will You Add to Your Home?
Your home should reflect your personality, and it is OK to think outside the box to make that happen. Incorporating unusual home features can make your space feel more like you and offer extra benefits that traditional designs cannot compete with. Which of these features will you add to your home next?
About the Author: Annie Parnell is a writer, radio host, and audio producer based in New Orleans. She loves music, pop culture, reading, and all things outdoors.
