Life, Styled
You have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
A Place For Guests
When the kids move out, you’ll have more space for friends who want to visit. Creating a little area for them to enjoy while they are there, such as a bathroom of their own and a small seating area, is perfect for helping them feel at home.
A Place For Hobbies
Now that the kids are gone, you may have discovered some extra time, time that can be used to pursue your interests. The extra space can be the perfect place to have a dedicated space just for that. Here are some ideas:
- An art studio
- Craft room
- Wine tasting room
- Writers corner
- Photography studio
- Sewing room
The possibilities are endless, and they will allow you to get those creative juices flowing. Who knows, you might even make a little extra doing it.
A Place For You
Even though the whole house could be considered your space, there is something special about creating a unique retreat in your home just for you. Some fun and even practical things you can think about adding would be:
- A larger bathroom: Ever wanted a shower and soaker tub? Now’s the time!
- Walk-in closets for both: That 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 simply relax before going to sleep.
A Place For The Parents
As the children leave, there may be a need to move your parents into your home. Giving them a space of their own gives them a feeling of independence, but close enough to have help when they need it, enabling everyone to have peace of mind. Some things to think about including 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, such as a walk-in shower or tub.
Many homes have begun adding or including space for the in-laws, making it a great selling point.
Renovation For The Future
As you begin to make plans to renovate your space, consider your future needs. By doing this, you will lessen the need for further renovation down the road and save time and money. Here are a few things you might want to think about when planning your renovation.
- Slip-resistant flooring and minimal transitions
- Wider doorways for potential future needs
- Minimize the stairs
- Exchange doorknobs for handles.
- Reevaluate the kitchen, consider lowering some of the countertops, and adding extra drawers that are easier to access.
Talk to your designer to ask for their input on the matter. They may have some helpful tips based on their past projects.
Home Value Increased
Many of these renovations can add tremendous value to your home and make it easier to sell if you choose to move out at some point or wish to downsize. Families often look for unique and functional features to assist them with their daily routines. The more you can help them see themselves in your space, the easier the sale will be, and you may even begin a bidding war.
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