Few things make a parent prouder than seeing their children graduate and head off into the world on their own.
And few things makes moms and dads sadder than seeing that empty room their kid used to live in. Maybe it’s still plastered in sports or rock and roll posters. Perhaps it still has loads of pink teenage bling. Regardless, what parents soon see is an open canvass.
Once the kids are secure out on their own, maybe it’s time to create the reading room you always dreamed of. Or perhaps you’ll be a little freer to invite out of town guests to come and stay with you in a newly minted guest room.
Whatever the case, having a plan and budget in mind will help you transform that teenage lair into a useable space.
Here are a few ideas to make the most of that empty room.
1.) Reading Room: Why not give you and your spouse a nice, private room to relax in and tackle some of those books that you haven’t had time to get to? There’s no need to eliminate all the elements of a bedroom. Some bookcases, a recliner or a pull-out sofa can round the room out — making it suitable as a guest room as well. An example.
2.) Guest Room: Hotel and transportation expenses keep a lot of family members from visiting. A guest room can go a long ways in encouraging friends and relatives to stay for a day or two to catch up. Consider a Murphy bed if you want to make the room multi-purpose. An example.
3.) Office: Many people whose kids are graduating and moving out are also in a career transition of their own, or perhaps retiring. For many, starting a consulting or work-from-home business is an attractive way to keep busy and bring in some extra money. Again, an office space doesn’t require a full-room renovation. An example.
4.) Giant Closet: Short on space in your own room, consider making a nearby empty bedroom a large walk-in closet and dressing room. Again, a Murphy bed or pull-out can allow the room to double as a guest room in a pinch. Some examples: 1, 2
5.) Untouched: Sometimes it’s tough to let go. And you don’t have to. If your son or daughter plan to come back regularly, perhaps you’ll indulge in the nostalgia of leaving their room just as they left it — ok, maybe a little cleaner.
6.) Workout space: Most bedrooms have just enough space to work out in. Move the treadmill or bike into the room, set up some weights and paint your new mini-gym in an energizing color.