Remodeling the Empty Nest

Some families prefer to leave bedrooms alone when their children move out after high school; they want their children to have a familiar place to come home to. But for the parents who want to find a new use for that space, experts have some suggestions.

If you plan to stay in your home, says Judith Sisler Johnston of Sisler Johnston Interior Design in Jacksonville, FL, you’d be wise to invest in a renovation that might include built-ins, lighting, and new furniture. Sisler Johnston says the cost to renovate can begin at $10,000 and increase depending on what you want to do and where you live. “But from a practical standpoint and resale value later, it’s worth it,” she says.

If the price sounds steep, it doesn’t have to be. Hardware stores offer do-it-yourself books, products, and ideas that can cost a lot less, but only if you don’t intend to hire designers and labor or to tear out walls.

A Master Suite for Guests
But tearing out walls between bedrooms is common these days. “Most of our residential clients are converting those spaces into multiple guest rooms for the returning adult children and grandchildren,” says Sisler Johnston, who has worked with clients who have transformed spare bedrooms into spas, complete with massage tables, or meditation areas or exercise rooms. 

She’s not talking about just any kind of guest bedroom, however—she’s referring to creating a guest suite. It’s the latest trend to provide your guests with the ultimate comfort.

Maintaining a guest room or guest suite is top of the list, says Letty Rozell of Designworks in Denver. It can include adding full bathrooms, king-size beds, and sitting areas. Some homeowners might even add a wet bar and big-screen TV. Rozell, who works with builders who design homes for active adults, says, “It’s not about having more square footage—it’s about having the square footage do more.”

A Room of One’s Own
Some couples might decide to have separate bedrooms in which to retreat and even sleep. “They want their own space,” says Sisler Johnston, “even their own private bathrooms. He gets the shower. She gets the Jacuzzi.” Rozell agrees, saying, “Living together 24/7 is tough. Spouses still want a place to do their own stuff: watch investments, read a book, watch football, smoke a cigar, whatever. So that extra bedroom becomes a nice way to do that.”

Sandye Abele, interior designer and owner of SAS Designs in Las Vegas, suggests creating a relaxation room. “I did this two years ago in a client’s downstairs bedroom,” she says. “The oldest child was getting married, and she didn’t need the room anymore.”

The client wanted a room to read and loved spas. Abele removed everything from the room, installed slate tile flooring, painted the room a light celery color, and added music, dim lights, and aromatherapy. A waterfall affixed to a wall gave the homeowner soothing sounds to listen to while she read. Furnishings included two chaise longues and a side table for her cup of tea. Live plants and palm trees finished the look and gave the client a nice place to unwind.