Should you stay, or should you go? Once the kids leave home, you could move to a smaller place, or turn those spare bedrooms into the spaces you’ve always wanted
Your children are off, embarking on their own journeys. You are finally an “empty-nester”. You may consider leaving your children’s rooms as they are as an invitation for them to return as they wish … Or you might also want to make it hard for them to come back!
Here are some ideas to consider for the parent who finds their home quieter and more clutter-free than they remember – and want to take advantage of it!
Add a Man Cave
All the activities that could take place in a ‘man cave’ are probably happening in your living room right now.
Add a mini refrigerator, a recliner, a new television set and suddenly the “man cave” is an entertainment room. You can even adapt it to fit your lifestyle, perhaps adding a projector and turning it into a movie or recreational room.
Plus, with the living room used far less, maybe you have the space to knock down a wall and extend the kitchen out as you’ve always wanted.
Ensuite Bathroom
If you have a bedroom next to another bedroom, consider putting a door between the two and turning it into an ensuite bathroom!
You might even have the space to add a his-and-hers walk-in closet as well. A bath spa, a separate shower, and a double vanity will probably all fit. And maybe even a sauna too!
Extend Your Living Space
Knocking down a wall between your living area and spare bedroom is a great way to expand the space where you spend most of your time anyway. This gives you room for a kitchen island or new dining area, which can add value to your home.
Home Office
Turning a bedroom into a home office can be an easy transition! You just need a desk for the computer and printer, and a good chair to sit in. Make sure plenty of natural light can come in and have a desk lamp for evening time work.
Add a comfortable chair, so you can enjoy a coffee break in the office. Some built-in wall bookshelves and you can even call it your home library for a real touch of class. Plus, a pull-out sofa will make it double as a guest room.
Hobby Room
Are you a hobbyist or looking to become one? Turning an extra bedroom into a spot for all your art and craft creative mess is a fantastic way to enjoy your home even more. Built-in furniture can greatly extend the possibilities your home currently offers. You might even consider customized storage for all the wool, fabric, scrapbooking materials…
Your Own Personal Gym
Who doesn’t want to work out without paying gym fees? Maybe your spare room could be turned into the perfect at-home gym.
You’ll have no excuse for not exercising when the weather is bad. You can add a TV to the wall to keep you entertained while you’re burning your lunch off.
Heating and cooling may be necessary if the room doesn’t have good climate control already.
Guest Room with a Difference
When you turn an old bedroom into a guest bedroom, you don’t have to change much. But have you considered opening things up? A slider or French door can make the room feel much more spacious while opening it to the outdoors. Natural light will always make a space feel more welcoming.
When your kids come back for a visit, they can stay in their old-new room (that is if you haven’t loved the new design so much that you’ve moved in yourself!)
If you choose, you can even turn it into your own AirBnB rental space to make some extra money. This allows you to meet people from all over the world, give them insight into your home town, and pay a bit extra off the mortgage! Just make sure that you check that your home and contents insurance is up to date and reflects the value of your house and property. Visit AMI for more information: www.ami.co.nz/contents-insurance.
