Are You Empty Nesters?

Antique sitting area with large windows and white and green wallpaper

Design Notes

You spent your life caring for your kids, making sure they got to school on time, taking them back and forth to sports practice, and ensuring there were enough snacks in the house. Now, you’re an empty nesters, the last one has graduated from college, and they are off to make their own life, leaving you with a house that may be a little more than you need. Many parents embrace this new season of life by downsizing their home or repurposing their existing space. Let’s explore the possibilities of your new potential living space.

Guest Suite

Now that the kids are gone, you have more room for friends visiting the area to stay with you for the weekend. Consider making it a little retreat by having a separate bathroom and even a small seating area for them to relax.

Hobby Room

You took care of the kids’ needs and invested in their interests for so long that you may have forgotten what you liked to do in your spare time. Now that they are gone, it is the perfect opportunity to get reacquainted with the things you enjoyed doing. Some ideas for this space might be:

An art studio
Craft room
Wine tasting room
Writers Corner
Photography studio
Sewing room

The possibilities are endless and will help you get those creative juices flowing. Who knows, you might even make a little extra doing it.

A master bedroom with white cabinetry and a built in closet on both sides and a white bed

Expanded Master Bedroom

Even though the whole house could be considered your space, there is something special about creating a unique retreat in your home that is just for you. Some fun and even practical things you can think about adding would be:

A larger bathroom: ever wanted a shower and a soaker tub? Now’s the time!
Walk-in closets for both would be a big plus.
A sitting area for those peaceful Saturday mornings or quiet evenings.
Expand the square footage of the entire room and maybe make room for some new furniture.

Your master bedroom is your space, meant to be a place you can unwind after the day or relax before going to sleep.

In-Law Suite

Sometimes, when the kids move out, your parents are in a place where they need to move to. Having a space where they can still feel independent but are near enough to have help when needed is essential for everyone’s peace of mind. Consider including this in the design:

A small kitchenette where they can prepare their breakfast, beverages, and snacks.
Keep it on the ground level to avoid any potential falls
Wider doorways to accommodate a walker or wheelchair
Make the bathroom easy to use, for example, by installing a walk-in shower or tub.

Many homes are adding a space for in-laws, making it a great selling point.

Consider The Future

When planning your new renovation, it might be wise to consider the future, since doing major renovations later may not be as simple. Here are a few things to consider when planning your renovation.

Slip-resistant flooring and minimal transitions
Wider doorways for potential future needs
Minimize the stairs
Exchange door knobs for handles.
Reevaluate the kitchen, consider lowering some countertops, and add extra drawers that are easier to access.

Considering the future in your current renovation is not a bad thing; it could save you additional time and money on another remodel down the road. Talk to your designer to get their input on the matter; they may have helpful tips from past projects.

Increased Home Value

Many of these renovations can add tremendous value to your home and make it easier to sell if you choose to move at some point or downsize. Families often look for unique and functional features to support their daily routines. The more you can help them see themselves in your space, the easier the sale will be, and it may even begin a bidding war.

Lots Of Potential

Our team will help you create a space perfect for your lifestyle and routine. We have assisted hundreds of clients in discovering what they needed and designed a space that was not just good but great. We don’t want to simply please our clients; we want to wow them with a finished project that meets their needs. We proudly serve over fifteen counties and continue to grow as our clients share their wonderful experiences with us. We invite you to contact us with any questions you may have.

byJan Blanton/onFebruary 7, 2020/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

Walker Woodworking

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