So your little bird has left the nest (cue tears!!). Whether you’re in mourning or enjoying the quiet, perhaps it’s time to turn their room into the haven you’ve always wanted. How about a man cave or a home gym? The possibilities are endless!
Note: If your child has left recently – or temporarily – it’s probably best to make only minor adjustments, like organizing their stuff and touching up the paint so you can use it as a guest room. Leaving home is a big change, and you want them to feel like the space is still “theirs” when they come to visit.
If you’re ready to make bigger changes, here are some suggestions for how to make good use of the space your child has left behind.
1. Home library
Have you dreamt of a peaceful place to read at home? Invest in some bookshelves and fill them with those boxes of books you’ve been keeping in the basement. If you’re low on books, decorate the shelves with knickknacks and add books as you acquire them.
Add a cozy reading chair or two, lamps, and some other homey touches, like plants, artwork, and candles.
2. Home gym
Do you use your busy schedule as an excuse to skip the gym? A home gym is a fantastic solution – it’s right there, so no more excuses! You’ll need to invest in some equipment, like weights, bands, an all-purpose machine and/or cardio machine, a mat, and a TV for watching movies while you exercise, or for fitness videos.
To really trick out the space, add rubber tiled floors, mirrored walls, and storage for your equipment.
3. Home office
If the dining room table isn’t cutting it for your WFH and bill paying, a home office may be just the ticket. Get yourself a desk, chair, filing cabinet, and maybe a cushy chair for breaks.
Paint the room a color that encourages creativity and productivity and add curtains or blinds that offer privacy but that can be opened to let in natural light. You don’t want your space to feel like a cave, especially if you are spending hours a day in there.
4. Man cave/She shed
If you’re the master/mistress of the house and crave a special space, perhaps a cave/shed is the way to go. Paint the walls a dark color and add some comfy seating, bookshelves, a TV, a gaming chair if that’s your thing, and a sound system (or simply a bluetooth speaker for music).
If you plan to entertain, consider installing a bar and stools, a table and chairs for games, and a projector for movie night.
5. Hobby room
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a dedicated space for your model trains, puzzles, jewelry making, woodworking, sewing, and other projects? Depending on your hobbies of choice, set the room up with all the table surfaces you need, plus storage so you have all your supplies close at hand. With a proper set-up in place, you’ll be much more likely to do those things you love.
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