Behind a closet wall sat 16 square feet of completely dead space — 8 feet tall and totally unusable. Rather than accept that, I consulted an architect to confirm it wasn't load-bearing, then opened the wall myself to create a custom baby changing nook with dresser storage. What was wasted square footage became one of the most functional spaces in the home — proof that sometimes the answer isn't more space, it's smarter space. (And yes, I did the demolition and construction at five months pregnant, on a ladder, with a saw. Impressive or slightly unhinged — you decide.)