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 know have more space, but what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, enlarge current areas, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the possibilities available to you.

A place for guests

When the kids move out that means you 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 little area to sit, are 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 develop or discover things you enjoy doing. 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 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. Having the ability to give 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 own 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 to add or include a 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 it might be good to give some thought to your future needs. By doing this you will lessen the need for further renovation down the road and save time and money. Here 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 which are easier to access.

Talk to your designer to ask their input on the matter, they may have some helpful tips based on past projects they have completed.

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 may even begin a bidding war.

A blank canvas

Our team is ready to help you create a space that is perfect for your lifestyle and routine. We have assisted hundreds of clients discover what they needed and designed a space that was not just good but great. We don’t want to simply please our clients, but wow them with a finished project that is exactly what they desired. We proudly serve over fifteen counties and are continuing to grow as our clients share the wonderful experience they had with us. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions you may have.