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.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking