6 Easy Design Tips to Fulfill the Empty Space

The nest may be empty but the dream’s not gone! When the kids have all moved out on their own, it’s time to think about how to revamp your home as you transition into a new phase of life. Luckily, the idea of the “dream house” that we all crave isn’t a fixed one. It’s ever-changing and evolving as our own dreams and lifestyles do the same. This is something to celebrate!

Just as WE are changing, so too, our dream homes need to keep up. Who doesn’t remember their childhood bedroom, dorm room, or first apartment? While it may have been ideal then, it probably doesn’t seem so glamorous now. With this idea in mind, don’t be afraid to reconsider the overall style of your home as you embark on a new season of life. Check out these design tips from the experts at Lifestyle Furniture to reimagine your dream house as an empty nester.

Discover Your Style

When we’re raising families, the design style of our homes is often dictated by practicality and function rather than aesthetics. After all, no one in their right mind would invest in expensive, high-maintenance furnishings with toddlers and babies in tow. Once you’re home alone, though, you have a chance to discover your personal decorating vibe and preferred color palette. Are you drawn to cool, calming colors or bright, bold ones? Do you prefer chic, modern decor or something a bit more rustic? Don’t be afraid to decorate your home in a way that reflects your individual style. If you aren’t sure where to start, working with an experienced interior design pro at Lifestyle Furniture can help. Like a decorating therapist, they can guide you on your personal interior design journey.

Upgrade and Refresh Old Family-Friendly Furniture

If you’ve had children in your house for as long as you can remember, chances are that you’ve got a few family-friendly pieces that are still hanging around. Sure, they’re probably holding onto some wonderful memories, but they’re likely not as useful in terms of meeting your everyday needs as they once were. If your kid-friendly furniture has passed its point of expiration, it’s time to let it go. Now is the time to invest in furniture that meets your current needs and, most importantly, brings you joy. Just think, when you have the dining room table set you’ve always wanted or plush sectional and eye-catching accent chairs, you’ll look forward to entertaining and relaxing in your revamped dream home.

Mix Old and New

Just because your children don’t live in your house anymore doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t still feel like home. Bringing in fresh decor is a great way to make the most of your new phase of life, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t honor your history while celebrating the things to come. Designing spaces that feel fresh yet familiar is as simple as mixing the old and the new. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• Drape a well-loved throw blanket over the back of your new sofa or armchair.
• Display your family’s favorite photos on a gallery wall in matching matted frames.
• Use a vase or bowl you’ve had for years as a centerpiece on your coffee table.
• Hang an old mirror over a contemporary entryway table.

Don’t Pass It Over, Pass It Down

If you’re ready for something new and are hanging on to family furniture, antiques, or even heirlooms, it may be time for those treasured items to be passed down to the next generation – your kids! Oftentimes, we don’t buy new furniture because our current pieces still have some life left in them, especially wood furniture. Give yourself permission to mix things up and decorate your home in a way that makes you feel proud. Your children get to inherit quality pieces that are meaningful and you get to redesign your ordinary living spaces. Everyone wins!

Don’t Typecast Your Room

Your children are feathering their own nests. Their former bedrooms don’t have to be shrines to the past. Encourage your kids to take their memorabilia into their own homes. In other words, when your kids have moved out, it’s time to declutter the odds and ends that are taking up space. Now’s the time to reimagine how this newfound space for your new dream house could be used to suit your desires. Perhaps you’d love to have a sewing room, a craft room, or a dedicated home office. The sky’s the limit in terms of how you can transform your kid’s old bedroom into a practical space for yourself. Just remember to get rid of the old to make room for the new.

Create Multipurpose Guest Rooms

As you’re eagerly repurposing your kids’ bedrooms, remember they sometimes come back (just like a boomerang). Likewise, you’re sure to have more visitors now that you have fewer family responsibilities. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to create rooms that are multipurpose. Sure, you can transform their old bedroom into a study or home gym, but be sure to include furnishings that can also be beneficial when an overnight guest arrives, such as a sleeper sofa. While this space may not be used often, it’s important that it’s comfortable when it is being used, so investing in a quality sofa bed is a must!

Get Ready for Your Next Stage of Life with Lifestyle Furniture

Watching your kids move out can be a bittersweet experience. You’re happy for them to make their way in the world, but sad to see them go. Just remember, this too shall pass and you, too, have been given an opportunity to grow and evolve. As your children establish their own homes and families, you can create a beautiful, comfortable space for them to visit in the future while enjoying your own empty nester dream home.

To ensure that you’re well-prepared to navigate all of the changes and decisions that come with reimaging your home without children, the experienced designers at Lifestyle Furniture are here to help you every step of the way. Visit us online or stop by our furniture stores to meet with one of our experts to get started on bringing your dream home to life!