Empty nester: What to do with all that space?

May 08, 2024

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Every year many homeowners say goodbye to their kids. They leave home, go off to school or move out to start a new chapter in their life. The homeowners become what is known as “empty nesters.” Typically, “empty nesters” have some new found extra space in their homes. Here are some suggestions on what to do with that extra space.

After doing some decluttering you have a number of options available to transform several rooms in your home.

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Some families may prefer to leave the bedroom until their kids are firmly established adults, while others may be quick to make the extra space theirs.

One of the best uses of this new found space, like a bedroom or an area in the basement is to create a gym or fitness area, where you can exercise, practice yoga or meditate. During the pandemic many homeowners did this to accommodate for the restrictions but it is still an excellent idea. Plus, there’s no excuse not to use it as you don’t have to drive to the gym.

If you are converting a bedroom — it’s an easy transition. If you have engineered hardwood or laminate flooring the best thing to protect the floor is to use rubber flooring, which comes in both sheets and tiles. Once you’ve cleared out the room and gotten your equipment you can add your own personal touch, with lighting or even a sound system.

Another great idea is to turn an unused bedroom into a library. Even though many of the things we read are on our phones, tablets or laptops — there’s still something special about sitting down and reading an actual book. Add some comfy chairs and possibly a pullout couch for overnight guests, lighting and some built-in shelves or bookcases and you are set.

I love board games, card games, and trivia — and games in general have made a comeback in recent years. Fans will know that my family loves games and contests — who doesn’t like a bit of healthy competition, so why not have a room dedicated to them? All you have to do is switch out the bedroom furniture, add a round table and club chairs, some shelving or cabinets for storage and you are good to go.

Not every home has the space to create a dedicated home office but now that the kids are gone converting a bedroom into a home office might just be the ticket. A home office with some smart furniture like a couple of sleeper chairs in a reconfigured space and a small desk area along the wall or in a corner is a great way to create a multi-functional space. You can also add some shelving for extra storage. Depending on your budget you could also consider a custom shelving or wall unit that includes a desk and storage.

An extra bedroom can also be converted into a craft room. Perfect for someone who wants to finally have a dedicated space for doing hobbies, like crafting, sewing or an artist studio for painting. It could also be a great space to entertain grandchildren too when the time comes. Add pegboards with storage brackets to keep things organized, some cabinets, and even a desk area. And don’t forget to make the most of the closet, add organizers, shelves and storage bins.

Another idea is to create a master suite for guests. Often homeowners take two rooms and make them into one, creating one large room. Adding a king bed, or a combination of beds with lounge or sitting area, and also an ensuite bathroom. Perfect for visiting family and grandchildren. However, this is not a DIY job, as you must consult with an architect or engineer to determine if the wall is load-bearing or not. Also, please check with your local building authority with regards to permits — it can be very dangerous if you start removing a load-bearing wall without taking the proper precautions.

I’m also a big fan of creating a TV/theatre room. It’s a great way to enjoy movies, your fav TV shows, or sporting events all in one room. A big screen, comfortable seating, and a terrific sound system provide for an excellent entertainment experience. Consider adding smart lighting to the area surrounding the big screen and around the room to “up” the entertainment experience for a truly exceptional one.

Sometimes, it takes homeowners a while to adjust to their empty nester situation, while others can’t wait to start remodelling and renovating to suit their new found freedom. No matter what you decide, take your time and find the right help to make your new spaces uniquely yours.

Residents of the GTA can apply for Holmes on Homes: Building A Legacy at makeitright.ca.

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