10 Must-Have Features for Your Home Once the Kids Leave the “Nest”

From Downsizing to Restyling, Here's What Empty Nesters Need in a New Home

Will it be a “new look” old home with the same memories? Or will it be a completely different place? Perhaps bigger or smaller? As the kids leave the nest, parents face the daunting but exciting challenge of transforming their residence into an ideal home that focuses on their new lifestyle. Some may want a smaller home; others may prefer a bigger place where everyone can gather for holidays, weekends, and summer vacations. And some may want to remain in their old home.

Whatever the choice – depending on budget and needs – here’s a look at some changes that are attractive and appealing to “empty nesters.”

1.   One-Story Designs – The huge two- or three-story house plans are out for this segment of the population. Who wants to navigate stairs when you can have everything on one floor? Empty nesters emphasize efficiency and ease of upkeep/maintenance. But they also want luxury amenities like a gourmet kitchen, a master bath with spa features, a grilling porch, and a “getaway” room – all on the main level.

2.   Master Suite on the Main Floor – As empty nesters anticipate their senior years, a master suite on the main floor will make getting around the house much easier. Today’s plans feature split master bedroom designs – where the master suite is situated on one side of the home and the rest of the bedrooms on the opposite side – with the Great Room as a “divider.” This floor plan allows greater privacy and quiet moments – especially when there are guests, and the kids (and grandkids) are visiting.

3.   Large Walk-in Closet(s) in the Master Suite – Say goodbye to crammed clothes and belongings in small closets and cabinets. Hello, large walk-in closet where clothes and accessories can be organized properly and neatly. An extra walk-in closet can also be installed inside the master bathroom.

4.   Open Floor Design – The uncluttered and airy look of an open floor plan – with the kitchen/kitchen island, dining area/breakfast nook and living room merging into one Great Room – fits perfectly into the casual and relaxed lifestyle of empty nesters.

5.   Outdoor Living Areas – Whether it’s a patio, deck, covered porch or a grilling kitchen, today’s empty nesters have a range of outdoor living options to suit their tastes and needs. A deck or patio that opens from the Great Room is a wonderful way to connect the indoors to the outdoor landscape. A porch in the floor plan – covered or otherwise – provides a place to sit back, and relax. For those who love to entertain friends and family, an outdoor kitchen with grilling equipment is a welcome addition.

6.   Guest Suite – One of the latest trends for people who decide to “upsize” is to tear down walls between two bedrooms and combine them into a guest suite. The new and spacious suite can include full baths, a nook/sitting area, a wet bar, even a mini fridge stocked with beverages and snacks.

7.   Gourmet Kitchen – The days of rushed dinners in order to drive the children to school events, music lessons, ball games and other extracurricular activities are finally over. With more time to cook and entertain, most empty nesters choose to remodel their kitchens to include modern appliances, and lots of counter and storage space.

8.   Exercise Room – Too busy to go to the gym? Remodel the extra bedroom into an exercise room, and put in basic affordable equipment. Throw in a couch and chairs where you can sit and relax after your daily routine. Some empty nesters may also decide to add spa-like features such as a massage table and aromatherapy.

9.   Hobby Room/Play Area/Entertainment Area – While most couples love their time together, they also want some “alone” time in a “room of their own.” If the old house has a bonus room, there are lots of options for that space. It can be designed as a hobby/play room or an entertainment area.

10.   Laundry Room on the Main Floor – No more trips to the basement and going up and down the stairs to do laundry. The spare bedroom can be turned into a laundry room with some conveniences, including a table for folding the laundry and stacking baskets; and cabinets for storage space and laundry needs.

As you navigate this next chapter in life, just be sure that all the upgrades reflect your lifestyle and improve your daily routine.

Footnote: The lead image in this article is a stylish 1-story, 5-bedroom Craftsman style house with distinct “Colorado” touches. For more details, click here  (Plan #161-1005)