Many families are reaching an inevitable and often exciting time in life. The “empty nester†stage occurs when the kids have moved out, leaving you with more space and possibly less everyday expenses. Your needs are evolving as well and the spaces and designs of your home may not work as well anymore. Now is the time to rethink things and if possible, invest in some home improvement projects that will reshape your house to reflect the new makeup of your family. Kitchen remodeling, one of the wisest and most value-added renovation projects, is a popular first step.
How Will the Kitchen Change for an Empty Nest?
The kitchen continues to be the heart of the home long after the kids have grown and moved out. Because meal times are a central part of your day, it only makes sense that the kitchen remains the main gathering place for you and your spouse or partner.
That being said, it is important to realize that the kitchen can now be so much more. With less people in your home you may want to consider designing other spaces into your kitchen in order to make living more convenient and comfortable.
How about incorporating a small office into one corner of the kitchen? This can simply be a phone desk and an area to sort mail, or it can extend into a more concentrated office space with a computer, mobile phone charging station and scheduling hub.
Think about storage and include wall space that can easily accommodate papers, calendars, notes and reminders. Often large framed bulletin boards or erasable whiteboards work well. Buy or build a desk that includes the drawers and storage space you will need for sorting and filing of all relevant paperwork.
Other Ideas for an Empty Nest Kitchen Remodeling Project
Some people already have a home office in their kitchen or have designed that space into another corner of their home. But the new kitchen design presents the opportunity for so many other ideas - think beyond the normal and focus on your specific needs.
Hobby Central
Take a look at your kitchen space and consider how it can be used while enjoying your favorite hobbies. Perhaps you could design for custom storage - including a golf equipment locker or an area to store other sporting gear. This will ensure the items you need for hobby indulgence are close at hand and secure. Consider how to include this space in an attractive way, such as with closed cabinets and coordinating storage bins.
A sewing station works well in the kitchen and can be designed into a deep cabinet that perfectly matches the rest of the space. Drawers, shelving and removable bins can be incorporated into the space for all of the storage requirements and the entire thing can be hidden behind large, coordinating doors.
Gardeners would appreciate an indoor area that is dedicated to seed propagation and planting. This can be a messy job and better allocated to the garage. But a large kitchen can be condensed into something a bit more compact, leaving plenty of space for a mudroom or laundry room extension. Remember to include a utility sink (conveniently tied into the kitchen or laundry plumbing) in order to make watering and washing up quick and easy.
Go Formal and Look Forward to Entertaining
Another advantage to a grown family is more time for socializing and entertaining. Many couples find that hosting dinner parties and similar social functions is much easier in an empty nest. And your kitchen can be remodeled to make this type of entertaining incredibly easy and even more fun.
Consider installing a kitchen island with casual seating built right in, leaving plenty of room for a more formal dining space. Newer, open concept homes may not include the dining areas that older homes do and your needs as an entertaining empty nester may not be met with that design. Discuss your plans with a general contractor or kitchen installer to design the ideal space for your tastes and needs.
Think about including a skylight, whether or not to close off the space and how the area will flow with the balance of your home. Often the dining area can be coupled with a casual patio space or incorporated into a sunroom directly off of your existing kitchen.
Upgrading to an Eco Friendly Kitchen
Many families simply do not have the money to upgrade the finishes and fixtures in their kitchen. When the opportunity arises, most of those families are considering how their kitchen remodeling project can focus on being more environmentally friendly, transforming their current space into a green kitchen.
An eco friendly kitchen most often includes recycled materials or those made from a renewable resource (such a bamboo or cork). The possibilities are nearly endless and there are bound to be many options that fit well within your tastes and budget. From natural stone counter tops to water saving fixtures and energy efficient appliances, windows and lighting - there are a myriad of choices that can make your new kitchen a greener place to cook, eat and live.
The key to a kitchen remodeling project for empty nesters, or those at any stage in life, is to identify your needs and design accordingly. Keep in mind the resale value of your home, since downsizing may be an option in the future. Concentrate on renovating your kitchen to reflect the changed face of your family and invest in top quality materials and a professional design. Just as your family makeup is shifting, the activity and focus of your kitchen space may also be evolving and your kitchen renovation can help you to adapt smoothly.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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