Hey empty-nester, it’s me, a fellow empty-nester…how’s it going? This time of life can be really hard. It’s a whole new era and it feels like you’ve got too much room around the house. I’ve been there — let’s take a moment of silence for the moments of silence…

Now let’s party! 🎉 We have extra space! Too soon? That’s okay. I’m here to tell you it gets easier and, in fact, you might just come to love the “extra” space. I’ve been designing homes for many years now and I’ve come to love the empty room; I mean, the possibilities are endless! And now that you have a former kids room or two to convert, it’s time to share some of my designer’s advice with you and help you convert the spare room into a dreamy new space that fits perfectly into your new lifestyle.

Let’s go!

Converting the Spare Room

It’s a big step to get rid of the bedroom space. And there’s always the background thought “What if they need it again one day?” But there are plenty of ways to convert the bedroom without getting rid of the bed—multi-purpose spaces are on trend right now—so we’ll work through this process together. 

Now that the kids are gone, here are a few ideas to transform their rooms to usable spaces.

Designer’s Advice: Room Ideas

Meditation or Prayer Room

Your zone for peace is just around the corner! This space would be ideal for yoga, tai chi, quiet time with God, or whatever works for removing yourself from the noise of daily life. Easily create moments of peace with a change in paint color, new wall decor, some greenery, a plush rug, and a cozy chair.

What’s even better is that this room can easily double as a guest room. Add a double bed, futon, or Murphy bed, and keep a dresser to ensure any guests (or returning children) have a place to sleep. Click the photo above to shop specially selected items for this room!

Hobby and Craft Room

Let the creative venture begin! Whether crocheting, painting, or candle making, having a dedicated space to be creative is a great way to flex your creative muscles. Another way to create a dual-purpose space, the craft room doesn’t have to be all-consuming and will still let you keep a bed for guests. 

Easily convert your spare room to a craft or hobby space with a desk, easel, or larger table, some shelves, new lighting specific to your needs, and some clever storage for all the odds and ends.

Multipurpose Room

Remote workspaces are a current way of life and hosting guests in a multipurpose space is a double win. Unwinding, working, and sleeping can all happen in the same space. This is a great option for empty-nesters whose hobbies and pastimes take place outside the home. You don’t have to have an empty, lonely room in the house, simply convert it into a little bit of everything.

Definitely keep the bed for this room, add a fresh coat of paint, some art you love, a desk, some bookshelves, a cozy chair, and ambient lighting to finish it all off.

Cozy Theater Room

Depending on the size of the room, you might have the perfect theater right in your own home! Invest in some leather recliners and a TV to create a two- or four-seater theater room for intimate movie nights.

Throw in some sound-proofing panels, movie posters, a popcorn maker, and in-set, dimmable ceiling lights to transform the space and enjoy!

Walk-In Closet

This one is for the fashionistas or shoe savvy peeps. This is your chance to expand your closet (maybe add a few new pieces) and organize your clothing and shoes in a luxurious walk-in closet space. 

Purchase some shelves with all the bells and whistles to accommodate shoes, ties, belts, purses, dresses, jewelry, and more for the dream closet! Some great new lighting will also help this space become more accessible—and don’t forget the full-length mirror!

Playroom for the Grandkids

It might just bring a tear to your eye to convert your child’s old bedroom into a kid-safe play place for their children. It’s an honor to spoil our grandkids with fun spaces just for them and converting the extra space into a worry free, kid zone just for the kids is a magical use of the old bedroom. 

Cover all the outlets, add kid-safe blinds to the windows, add new carpeting, cover the walls in fresh paint or fun murals, and fill it with all the play things they love the most!

Reading Nook or Library

Imagine ceiling to floor shelving for all your books, plush seating, perfect lighting, a cozy rug and throw blankets to spare. Transport yourself on a reading adventure, research endeavor or simple dive into guilty-pleasure reads with your very own reading nook or library! 

This is the perfect use for a slightly smaller room. Finish it off with a side table or desk (if you’re more of researcher and writer), a pouf or ottoman for your feet, and a trip to a local bookstore.

Home Gym

Alrighty, folks, no more excuses! Inclement weather or not feeling up to driving can’t stop you now; just go down the hall and hang a left and you’ll be in your very own home gym designed especially for you.

Clear the floor and add some carpeting or new hardwood, grab your weights, yoga mat, a mirror or two, some simple storage, and a good portable speaker to get your workout on!

Don’t Waste the Space

My designer’s advice is to not waste the space. No matter how much room you have to work with, there’s a great solution to make the most of it. Simply let me know your hobby or dream room on your discovery call and I’ll get to work brainstorming all the ways we can make it happen.

Just real quick, I want to plant another idea. Your “extra space” does not have to be a whole room. It can be suddenly-empty wiggle room in another part of the house, too. In one of our redesigns, we took this side area that was used as a dining/sunroom area and turned it into a space where the clients could practice their ballroom dancing! It was thrilling to make sure they had the space they needed and wanted to do what they love.

So if you’re ready to convert that room, there’s no time like the present!