In
the blink of an eye, the children leave the nest. What
can you do with that empty bedroom?
Our experts toss around
ideas.
by Pamela McElroy
Barbara Osborne, home furnishings consultant, Wolf Furniture.
The moment for some “you” time has finally arrived.
Now that the kids have moved on, there are endless possibilities
for the newly vacant bedroom.
Barbara Osborne of Wolf Furniture suggests that empty nesters
should create their own private, personal space. “It is
almost like going back to being a kid again. Like creating your
own play room,” she explains. She adds that she has noticed
many baby boomers have been decorating and furnishing these rooms
according to their hobbies now that they have some extra time
and money to pursue them with more gusto.
Osborne also adds that she was recently faced with the task of
reclaiming a deserted room. Following her own advice, she created
a quiet and comfortable space where she can be alone and do whatever
she chooses. “But don’t forget that kids sometimes
come back,” she adds, reminding everyone to keep an extra
bed or futon somewhere for overnight company.
Somewhere far away
from your new room.
John B. Donahoe, owner/design consultant, Alden House Furnishings
Who says you can never return to your college years? John B.
Donahoe of Alden House Furnishings suggests transforming an empty
room into a reading room. “Fill the room with comfortable
chairs and an ottoman and use a relaxing color scheme. Perhaps
even a small sleeper sofa for an overnight guest,” says
Donahoe. A reading room can become the most comfortable and relaxing
room in a house.
If reading is not something that interests you enough to dedicate
an entire room to it, how about an audio room? “An audio
room with acoustic enhancements for relaxing musical history
moments,” says Donahoe. He suggests furnishing the room
with luxurious leather seating and soft lighting to create a
very relaxing mood. Why should anyone let an empty nest get the
best of him or her? This is an opportunity for uninterrupted
personal time and it should be taken advantage of.
Jan Knisley, co-owner, Norwalk Furniture Idea
Everyone has seen a newly vacated bedroom converted into the
traditional home office or library, but not everyone has seen
one converted like Jan Knisley, co-owner of Norwalk Furniture
Idea, can envision. She recommends creating a home office or
library that also doubles as a bedroom. “Murphy Beds—or
as most people probably remember them as the bed used by the
ever so infamous Laverne and Shirley—are becoming more
and more popular,” says Knisley. If visitors or a returning
son or daughter should knock on the door, the bed simply needs
to be pulled conveniently from the wall, ready for a swift return
to its hiding place after guests depart.
A custom made convertible wall can hold whatever you decide—from
bookshelves to artwork, to even a desk or entertainment center.
According to Knisely, Norwalk’s motto is “Let us
design for you” so although the room will be designed according
to your taste, the majority of the leg work will be done by the
interior designers employed by the store. – SCM |
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