Reserving room for music is the gift that keeps giving in your home

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Published Date 1/12/2023

When northern California homeowner Dena Kouremetis hired movers to come to her house to place her parents’ grand piano in her home’s loft area, it was no small decision. With a set of switchback stairs, it would take real piano-moving experts to disassemble parts of the instrument, carry them safely up the home’s set of steps, and reassemble them at the top. No small feat, and no small expense. But the loft area that once gathered dust as a little-used workout zone now had a real purpose. To bring music into her home.

Realtor’s Jennifer Kelly Geddes says once upon a time, spying a music room in someone’s home wasn’t a big deal. “For some lucky folks, space for a grand piano, harpsichord, or other impressive instrument was a sign of wealth and class.” Even in some of the poorest households, however, children were required to take music lessons even if that meant a parent had to work two jobs. She goes on to say that when the radio was invented and TV later came along, gathering around a spinet to croon a few tunes after dinner fell by the wayside. And so did music rooms.

Today, however, these melodic spaces are back and surging in popularity. While music rooms were originally a place for playing instruments, they have now become a place where people can enjoy prerecorded music with a stereo and speakers; play and practice instruments; or even record, produce and mix their own tunes. Properly arranged, the space can serve all of these melodic functions.

With the advent of technology (iTunes and streaming), the quantity, quality, and diversity of music has never been more accessible. Think having a music room is reserved only for those who have music careers, however? Think again. The equipment needed to properly enjoy music and create your own room has come down in price since the COVID-19 pandemic made its mark.

“People want more spaces in the home that can be used for leisure,” notes one design expert Geddes engaged for comment. “And some prefer having a music teacher come to them, rather than go to someone else’s house for lessons.”

That now-constant blur between home life and remote work is also at play in the rise of music rooms. “Millennials and Gen Xers have begun a lot of side hustles and gig work, which means they have varying schedules that allow for new hobbies like music,” he says.

Wondering how to get started? According to ExtraSpace.com, soundproofing should be the first step. “Acoustic foam is a common choice for music rooms, as it helps eliminate echo and manage reverb. However, these tiles do little to help soundproof the actual space. If you’re looking to riff on the electric guitar or practice the drums, keep your family and neighbors happy by taking serious measures to contain your sound.” And don’t forget the closets and the ceiling. If the room has exposed brick, you’re in soundproofing (as well as decor) luck.

Next, invest in some sturdy shelving to create ample storage for your instruments, books, music decor, and more. Then light up your world, with task lighting and wall sconces so that reading music doesn’t become a problem. The site also recommends using instruments as wall decor, using specially designed framing and mounting implements. Use rugs for both style and function. Plants, comfy seating, and some cool paint colors should round out your efforts.

A music room comes to life when those who use it are both happy and inspired, offering their souls space to breathe and create. Make yours one that motivates you to take a break from the routine of daily life, and most of all, let there be song.

Realtor, extraspace.com, TBWS

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