5 Things Every Empty Nester Home Needs

With two of my girls in college and my last soon to leave, I am close to being an empty nester. My house is already feeling a little too big.

I love my neighbors, my home, and my location in Mountain Brook, AL, but I hate the idea of unused space. It’s probably not my last house.

My empty nester friends on Facebook shared with me how they are using their home now that their children are out of the house, and the advice and comments were insightful.

So if you find yourself wondering what you may need from your home when your children are gone, here you go ……

5 Things Every Empty Nester Needs In Their Home:

A Comfortable Way To Eat Meals

Many of my empty nester friends mentioned eating more casually. Some eat by the television, on the screened porch and even in bed.

When we worked on this particular home, my empty-nester clients did not want a breakfast room because they like to eat everyday meals casually around an island. I wanted them to really enjoy their kitchen and especially their island, so we focused on making the space comfortable and unique.

Every empty nester home needs a comfortable place to eat meals — Island customized for everyday meals. Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Island custom designed for an empty nester home — Custom island with reeded doors. Dana Wolter Interiors

A Bedroom For Children And Guests To Visit

A comfortable place for your children and guests to sleep are needed in an empty nester home. Create a hotel feel with fresh towels, toiletries, and even a bottle of water or two.

Rooms Customized To Your Lifestyle

Life is short and it is meant for living well. Whether you want a more causal or elegant living, seek intimate spaces that are specific to you.

If you have always wanted a large storage closet for your china and silver, build it. Surround yourself and customize your home to what brings you joy.

And while your space may be smaller, this is a great time to upgrade your finishes and details. Thought out touches add value to your home- and to your life.

Dual Purpose Rooms

While you may not have children and grandchildren visit every day, you want them to feel welcome when they do. If your new home doesn’t allow for enough extra bedrooms, think dual rooms, such as an office or sitting room with a bed or pullout sofa.

We turned this garage into a playroom because my clients needed extra space for watching tv when all of their grown children are home. We added an extra long sofa that has a pullout sofa for family visits.

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Just because you give up square footage when downsizing does not mean you should ever give up entertaining or hosting overnight guests.

A Master On The Main (or an elevator for an upstairs’ bedroom)

While you may be healthy now, your forever home may need to transition one day to the latter stages of life.

What will that mean for you? It may mean a master on the main, an elevator for upstairs’ access, limited stairs where possible, or a shower and tub that are easy to get in and out.

So here’s to living well in your home and making it unique to you. Life is about surrounding yourself with people and memories you love and enjoy.

If we can help you create the home of your dreams, email us here. I’d love to discuss your project with you.

Dana

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It’s hard to believe summer is in full force AND 2018 is half way over.

And while my blogging has taken a nosedive the past three months (so sorry!!), it’s been for good reason. We’ve had lots of EXCITING things going on and I thought it would be fun to share a few highlights.

We installed the last two rooms of a home recently built. It’s hard to believe this is a new home as the interiors are beautiful and classic and timeless. I can’t share too much, but warm weather is here and it’s time open up that pass-through window to the pool…..

We’ve also been on the road quite a bit….

Projects in and outside of Alabama have put some miles on our cars. Lots of wood shavings and dust are flying around with renovations and new builds, and some are being updated with new furnishings and decoration…

My one-time 3.5 hour consults are going strong as it is a great way to have a plan for your home that you can implement as your time and money allow.

For the second year in a row, we were nominated for the 2018 ADAC and Veranda Southeast Designer of the Year awards. It’s a huge honor and we were thrilled to be recognized for two years straight.

Robert Brown Interior Design of Atlanta, GA, walked away as the winner of the award. If you aren’t familiar with his work, look him up. He’s a super nice guy and his work is beautiful.

As mentioned here, we designed a lounge and bath in the Southeastern Showhouse in Atlanta, GA. The Showhouse did not disappoint so be on the lookout for pictures this fall in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

I just came back from visiting my daughter in Charleston and then drove to Asheville with my husband for a few days. We slept too much, ate too much, and might have had a drink or two every night. I think God meant for life to be just like this- slow, easy and stress free.