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Creative ways to fill that “Empty
Nest”
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[April 24, 2024]
"Becoming empty
nesters may fill you with a rollercoaster of emotions, and that is
totally normal. Try to give yourself the space to feel “all the
feels” and know that you aren’t alone. Chris and I have three
children: Christian (26), Kacey (23), and Peyton (19). Peyton was
the last one to fly the coop, moving to Missouri for college in
August of 2023. Christian moved in and out a few times, attended a
few different schools, and worked summers at home. When he finally
moved out after getting married in August 2021, we decided that the
space that used to be his room would make a great dining room area,
so his entire room was torn down and replaced with a beautiful, open
dining area big enough for our growing family. Kacey graduated from
ISU in May of 2023 and is now a nurse in Gallatin, TN. Her room has
become the “guest” bedroom for when they come to visit. I haven’t
been able to bring myself to change Peyton’s room yet. I still leave
the door open and leave her neon lights on so I can pretend she’s
fast asleep in her bed across the hall from us. I am sure that as
time ticks away, her room too will become a place for her to
“visit”. One thing will never change, this will always be their
home, but changing the décor and layout of the house is something
that Chris and I are enjoying during this new season of life."
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 If
you are settling into the empty nest and ready to make some changes,
there are loads of ideas for you on how to repurpose the kids’ rooms
in the best way possible. The hardest part of this whole process is
deciding how you want to use the space. Think about your lifestyle,
career, habits, hobbies, and any issues you have with the current
space. Is there something you always wish you had in your home, but
never had the space to do it? Now is the time! Here are a few ideas
to get you thinking about how to change it up and get the most out
of the space.
1. Guest room
Although this seems like the obvious choice, it really is necessary
for some people. This space can become a cozy place for your almost
grown children to visit without preserving all of the aesthetic of
their childhood room. This renovation can be as simple as refreshing
the paint and bedding or can go as far as a complete reset. The
basics of a guest room apply: a comfy bed, spot for hanging clothes
and stashing bags or suitcases, a nightstand with lighting, a place
to charge electronics, and possibly a chair or bench. To ease the
transition, you can incorporate your child’s favorite colors,
patterns, or repurpose some of their original room décor.
2. A Home Office
A bedroom space is the perfect size for a home office. The square
footage is usually enough to fit a desk, storage space, supplies,
and a chair or two. You can revamp the space to include french doors
or a glass door to really open up the space. If the closet isn’t
going to be used for clothes you can opt to remove it to add extra
square footage or continue to use it for storage.
3. Media Room/ Hangout Space
You might already have a central location to watch television, but
wouldn’t it be nice to have a separate space if you and your partner
want to watch different things? Empty nesters have spent years
watching family programming while raising their kids, you deserve a
place to chill out and relax, watch a movie, or catch a baseball
game. This renovation could be as simple as upgrading your TV or
surround sound or you could go all in and put in plush theater
seating, a popcorn bar, and better acoustics for those movie
thrills.
4. Artist’s Studio/ Craft Room
If creativity makes you happy, this might be the perfect renovation
for you. Crafters can make this room into a place to store plenty of
bobs and bits, yarn and ribbon, stamps, and thread. This would
certainly free up space from wherever those crafting totes have been
hiding. The same goes for photographers, music lovers, collectors,
and hobbyists. Having a dedicated space to create just might help
you find joy in something you once loved but had little time for
while raising children. With the proper lighting, shelving, desk
space, and supplies, you’ll be creating in no time!
5. Home Gym
There is so much you can do if you have an entire room to devote to
your workout equipment. More and more people are choosing to workout
at home, especially since Covid. A lot of homes don’t have space
where you can lie flat and stretch your arms and legs out without
hitting a coffee table, a dresser, a bookshelf, or another obstacle.
If yoga or light strength training is more your speed then all
you’ll need is a clean room, proper lighting, a mat, some light
weights, and maybe a mirror or two to ensure proper form. That
treadmill that’s been collecting clothes in the corner of your room
can finally have its own space. Having a dedicated space to work out
might get you up and going and focusing on the future.
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6. Closet/Dressing Room
If your child’s room is adjacent to your room, you could opt to
create a walk-in closet or a closet/dressing room combination. This
would be a lovely space for someone who enjoys fashion. New shelving
units could be added to the walls, a lovely couch or island could be
placed in the middle, and a chandelier might give the space just the
right touch of elegance.
7. Bathroom remodel
If the bedroom is adjacent to a bathroom, the greatest way to
utilize the space is to expand and remodel that bathroom. This is a
significant remodel in terms of both time and finances, but it’s
definitely worth it. It would involve knocking out walls, plumbing,
and electrical work. If you are fortunate enough to have a partner
that is proficient in those skills or if you have that skill the
project would be a great way for the two of you to create something
new. You might even be able to get that free standing tub you’ve
been dreaming about.
8. Sports/Recognition Room
Even though your child may not sleep in their bedroom every night,
the room can still be about them. Hanging their sports and/or
academic awards on the wall in their old bedroom is a way to still
make the room theirs. You can choose to leave the bed in there for a
guest room or you can choose to remove the bed and make a gaming
room equipped with a TV, video game consoles, and maybe even a table
and chairs for board or card games.
No matter what you decide to do with your child’s room when they are
no longer under your roof, remember that home is where your MOM is.
As you experience this stage in your life try not to think of it as
an empty nest, but as a chance to spread your wings as you learn how
to navigate being a free bird.
[Lesleigh Bennett]
Resources
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/
renovations-for-empty-nesters/
https://www.robinhearddesign.com/
post/the-best-renovations-for-empty-
nesters-how-to-repurpose-a-spare-
bedroom
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