Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Checklist: Other Optional Areas Most Homes Forget to Plan For

(But That Make Daily Life Significantly Easier)

When people plan a home, they usually focus on the obvious spaces: bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas.

But the difference between a home that looks good and a home that actually works often comes down to a handful of quieter, less obvious areas — the ones that support daily systems instead of daily aesthetics.

These aren’t required rooms.
They’re optional areas that, when planned intentionally, reduce friction, clutter, and stress over time.

Below are the most commonly forgotten spaces that have an outsized impact on how a home functions.

1. Mechanical & Systems Closet

Most homes already have one — it just isn’t treated as a “space.”

This includes:

• HVAC / furnace

• Water heater or tankless system

• Electrical panel

• Internet modem & router

• Surge protection or backup power

Why it matters:

• These systems create heat and noise

• They need clear access for service

• They often become accidental storage zones if not defined

Even if it’s just a closet, planning it intentionally prevents future chaos.

2. Central Tech / Network Hub

Beyond desks and computers, most homes benefit from a single, designated tech brain.

This can include:

• Modem and router

• Ethernet sw

• itch

• Smart home hubs

• Cable management

• Ventilation for electronics

• Battery backup or surge protection

This hub doesn’t need its own room — it just needs a name, a location, and airflow.

Without one, tech quietly spreads everywhere.

3. Trash, Recycling & Compost Workflow (Indoors)

Trash systems are often implied, but rarely planned.

An intentional setup considers:

• Daily trash location

• Recycling sorting

• Compost (if used)

• Bulk bag storage

• Odor control

• Easy path to outdoor bins

This usually spans the kitchen, pantry, and garage or utility area.

When this system isn’t clear, mess accumulates fast.

4. Cleaning Supply Command Area

Storing cleaning supplies is not the same as designing a cleaning system.

A true command area includes:

• Central caddy location

• Vacuum and mop storage

• Charging station for cordless tools

• Wall mounts for brooms

• Clear access for cleaners (if you use them)

This space keeps cleaning contained — instead of scattered across the house.

5. Linen Storage (Separate From Laundry)

Laundry rooms handle processing.
Linen storage handles availability.

Depending on the home, this might be:

• A hallway linen closet

• Bathroom-adjacent towel storage

• Guest linen separation

Not every home needs this — but when it exists, it prevents towel pileups and guest confusion.

6. Outdoor Storage (Beyond the Garage)

Yards, patios, pets, and kids generate gear.

Often forgotten:

• Yard tools

• Hoses and irrigation supplies

• Outdoor cushions

• Sports equipment

• Seasonal items

• Kid outdoor toys

This can be a shed, cabinet, or bench — but naming it prevents outdoor clutter from migrating indoors.

7. Emergency & Safety Storage

Most homes own these items — they’re just rarely grouped.

An intentional emergency zone might include:

• First aid kits

• Flashlights

• Batteries

• Fire extinguishers

• Backup water

• Emergency documents

This doesn’t need to be dramatic — just accessible and known.

8. Guest Arrival & Overnight Support Details

A guest room is only part of hosting.

Supporting details make the difference:

• Luggage drop spot

• Towel staging

• Guest charging area

• Simple “what you need” basket

When these are planned, hosting feels easy instead of disruptive.

9. Outdoor Transition Zones

Most homes have yards and patios — fewer plan the transition.

Useful transition details include:

• Entry mats

• Shoe logic

• Hose access

• Dirt containment

• Clear in/out flow

You already feel the benefit of this with pets — the same logic applies to people.

10. Whole-House Lighting Logic

Lighting is often planned room by room, but lived experience is whole-house.

A lighting system considers:

• Day vs evening vs night use

• Motion lighting vs manual control

• Night-safe paths (bedroom → bathroom → kitchen)

• Smart lighting zones

• Consistent warmth and tone

This doesn’t require expensive tech — just intention.

Why These Spaces Matter

None of these areas are flashy.
All of them quietly reduce effort.

When they’re planned:

• The house resets faster

• Clutter stays contained

• Systems support you instead of fighting you

• Daily life feels lighter

These aren’t “extra” rooms — they’re invisible infrastructure.

Final Thought

A well-designed home isn’t just about where you spend time.

It’s about where time and energy are saved.

If you plan these optional areas early, the rest of the house works better without you thinking about it.

What Comes Next

If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here: