Many of my clients initially reach out to me after becoming empty nesters. They have launched the kids and are now literally looking inward – to the many home upgrades they have been putting off for sometimes decades. They are either ready to make their home their own, fulfilling a long-held dream, or adjusting their home to their new reality rather than moving. Below I outline some custom home projects for empty nesters that my clients have taken on upon moving into this new phase of life.
Long-Awaited Storage Options
It seems like when the house is emptier, the need for storage increases! I think that is because we are finally able to focus on how we use things in our homes. Such was the case for one of my clients (and former neighbors). They had always wanted to add more visual interest and organization in their great room, but it was not until their last child went off to college that they took the initiative to do it. Adding custom built-in cabinetry to their 90’s era home was not only a bit of a homecoming for me (our sons used to ride the school bus together!) but also a perfect solution for my clients’ needs. Click here to read more about this project.
Another result of a quieter home is a renewed awakening to our hobbies. My clients wanted to mix both of their needs with a cabinetry upgrade – the husband’s audiophile bent and the wife’s desire for a spot to store family pictures and books. I custom-designed the piece to accommodate hiding the audio equipment while highlighting the grandchildren. Click here to read more about this project.
Major Home Remodeling Projects
Some ambitious empty nesters decide it’s time to take on larger remodeling projects once their home is completely their own. Making architectural changes to the space, or even just adding new flooring, can make the staircase look out of place (it is one of the largest indoor architectural features of a home and has the added benefit of often being the first thing visitors see when they arrive). My clients had lived in a home with a ski-lodge vibe for decades. One their kids moved on they finally made the design changes they had been dreaming about. Creating a more modern vibe to their home started with updating their staircase. The change was dramatic, and you can learn all about it by clicking here.
Accommodating Those Wonderful Grandchildren
I became a grandfather last year, so I can speak to the joy that these little people bring. Many of my clients come to me wanting to create a welcoming and efficient space in their home so their grandchildren will be safe and comfortable. Custom closets, mudrooms, entryway built-ins and even a special changing area in a home office are just some of the projects I have completed for happy grandparents. However, I think one of the most interesting ideas I have implemented was building a custom murphy bed. While murphy bed kits are widely available, there is a catch—they are not easy to put together. They come with complicated instructions, and unsurprisingly aren’t custom fit to our homes. That is why my clients reached out to me to put together a murphy bed in their guest bedroom. They didn’t have the tools or the experience to construct it, and they also wanted to add built-in cabinetry around the bed frame. My clients didn’t just want a murphy bed—they wanted a beautiful, functional room that looked like it belonged to the rest of the house. Click here to read more about this project.
As an empty nester myself, I want to congratulate you on entering this next phase of life! My wife and I have enjoyed the process of discovering our new normal and I hope you will too. If you are contemplating changes to your home to accommodate your current lifestyle, reach out to me. Send me an email or give me a call at (317) 679-5890.
