EMPTY NEST HOME PROJECTS
guest blogger: Ray Flynn
ray.flynn@diyguys.net
These Affordable Home Projects Will Fill Your Empty Nest With Fun
Moving out of the family home is a huge milestone for young adults, but don’t underestimate what a big milestone this is for you too! Whatever mix of emotions you’re feeling, one of the best things you can do is look at this transition as an opportunity. And what better way to take advantage of this opportunity than by making fun and affordable changes to your home?
Tackle Problems First
It’s normal to have house problems that we allow to linger over time, whether it's a minor issue like holes from where your kids hung art in their rooms or bigger tasks like replacing tired flooring. Instead of making it a chore, look at this as a chance to turn spaces you’ve been neglecting into the home you’ve always dreamed of. With kids out of the house, there’s no time like the present to get rid of that old carpet or worn vinyl, and replace it with beautiful hardwood floors!
Even if these aren’t the most fun projects to do, one reason to start here is that these issues could drag down your home’s appraisal value. Find out what your property is worth now, and then you can concentrate on updates that will improve that number, which is especially important if you intend to sell anytime soon. Living Magazine explains that even relatively inexpensive projects that spruce up an older home, like painting walls or replacing windows with energy-efficient upgrades, can make a big difference.
Simple Style Upgrades
The advantage of small DIY projects is that you can give any room a whole new look and purpose, even with a minimal budget and just a weekend’s worth of work.
Kitchen Facelift: There are countless ways you can make your kitchen feel updated without a major renovation. One idea is to install a new backsplash and cabinet hardware. Another fun project is to create a cozy breakfast nook. This is a great way to give yourself a special spot for enjoying your morning paper and a cup of coffee - without interruptions to your peace and quiet!
Dress Up a Wall: Whatever room you choose, House Beautiful points out that now is the perfect time to reclaim a space for yourself. Over the years, our children’s interests slowly overtake our homes. An easy way to start taking it back is to pick one room at a time and decorate the walls in a style that’s all yours. If you’re on a tight budget, create a statement wall with wallpaper in your living room or master bedroom, or paint the whole room a bold color. Then finish it off with a piece of artwork that inspires you.
Whole Room Renos
If you’re up for a bigger project, this is a great time to renovate your home to better suit your lifestyle.
Hobby Haven: While it’s tempting to preserve children’s old rooms, you could make better use of these spaces by setting them up for hobbies. If you’re a bibliophile, create a home library with built-in bookshelves and a comfortable sofa for reading. Or if you’re a fitness enthusiast, set up a home gym or yoga studio. Film buffs can create a home theatre, or crafters can deck out the ultimate craft space. This room can be as specific to your interests or as versatile as you want.
Easy Entertaining: The time when kids have moved out is ideal for reconnecting with friends. Consider amping up your entertaining space by adding a basement game room or a patio outdoors. If you like to have dinner parties, knocking out a wall to create an open concept living space is excellent for entertaining, plus it increases your home’s value.
Besides improving your home’s value, the ultimate goal with all of these projects is to make your home better suit your needs, now and for the future. Even if you aren’t sure what your style is, don’t be afraid to get creative and take some chances. Being an empty nester is a new adventure, and your home should help you make the most of it.
Photo credit: Pexels