Envisioning an Empty Nest

There is a particular home renovation project that is becoming more and more common. We are talking about the empty nester renovation phenomenon, and there are several types. Many people are looking to repurpose old bedrooms into new rooms, while others are converting rooms back to bedrooms for family members who are moving in—children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents—to create multi-generational living situations. This week on the Cabinets & Designs blog we are going to explore ways for you to approach the first type of renovation: turning a children’s bedroom into a new room now that the nest is empty.

Step One: Consider the Space

How do envision the room in its final form? Converting a childhood bedroom to a guest room is a fairly simple project, although you may want to consider adding storage; additional storage can help if your recently-moved out child is still storing things, or if you just want to make room in other areas of the house.

Perhaps you want to effect a bigger change, and convert the room for an entirely new purpose: A reading room, a crafting and sewing space, a “man cave,” or a multi-purpose room that can double as a guest bedroom as well as work for everyday use for the residents of the home. Looking through magazines, and searching design websites, can help you conceptualize your next move.

Step Two: Determine a Budget

Having a bottom line is the best way to relieve yourself of renovation stress. Know your limits! Sticking to a budget is an important, and it’s often the biggest issue when renovating your home. And if remodeling fever sets in, keep yourself in check with our tips for How to Survive a Remodeling Project.

Step Three: Consult with a Designer

A designer will help you evaluate the space you want to renovate, and to maximize it to suit your purposes and with your budget in mind. If you aren’t sure where to start, move step three up to step one—visit us at Cabinets & Designs, speak to a designer, and get inspired together!