Empty Nest Living: Spaces to Inspire & Embrace Change
All the moms before me warned me: “It goes by in the blink of an eye.” I believed them, but I also tried to slow down time, soaking in every moment with my kids. And still, just as everyone said they would, they grew up and flew the nest.
Now, as I step into this empty nest chapter myself, I’m learning that it’s a season full of duality with pride and gratitude mixed with sadness and the ache of letting go. Parenting is not for the faint of heart! These last few months I’ve found myself in a much quieter house, reflecting. Did I teach them enough? Will they carry good memories of home? Will they always want to come back?
Through it all, I’ve found comfort in two things: my family, who’s walked this journey alongside me, and my love for creating meaningful spaces. Nine years ago, when my oldest started high school, I knew how quickly the years would fly. Back then, I told myself I needed to create something that would give me purpose and excitement long after the kids had grown. That’s how this business was born, and today, it feels like such a gift to have a creative outlet to pour myself into.
So, while I sit with the emotions of this empty nester season, I’ve also realized how much our homes can help us embrace the transition. They can honor the memories while inspiring new beginnings. That’s why I want to share a few ideas, both personal and design-inspired, for how to reimagine your spaces and your life in this new season.
A New Season of Empty Nest Living
If you’ve just entered the empty nest season, you already know it’s a wild mix of emotions. One minute you’re celebrating big milestones like graduations, and the next you’re staring at a quiet house wondering what to do with yourself. Becoming an empty nester comes with a lot of reflection, but also with the opportunity to reimagine your home and how it works for you.
We’ve helped many families navigate this season through thoughtful design, and one thing is clear: when your home reflects your current stage of life, the transition feels smoother, more inspiring, and a whole lot more joyful.
What Is an Empty Nester, Really?
Let’s start with the obvious question: what is an empty nester? At its simplest, it’s a parent whose kids have moved out, usually for college, work, or starting their own families. But it’s more than just a household headcount, it’s a lifestyle shift. It’s the moment when your daily routine, previously filled with sports practices, late-night homework help, and endless grocery runs, suddenly changes. And that shift often leaves you with space (literally and emotionally) to figure out what’s next.
Your home, once buzzing with constant activity, can now become a place of calm, creativity, and connection. The key is deciding how to update it in ways that feel right for you.
The Emotional Side of Empty Nesting
Before we jump into house updates and empty nester home designs, let’s be real about the emotional side of this season. Empty nesting is bittersweet. There’s joy in watching your children launch into the world, but also an ache as day-to-day routines fade. It’s important to honor both sides.
Give Yourself Permission to Feel It All
It’s okay to sit with all of your feelings. Try creating small rituals that help you process.
Light a candle in the evenings and reflect.
Start journaling your thoughts in a cozy corner.
Frame a favorite photo from a graduation or family vacation so that those memories stay close.
I firmly believe that your home can hold both the nostalgia and the excitement for what’s ahead!
Reclaiming and Redefining Spaces
Now for the fun part (yes, it SHOULD be fun): deciding what to do with those rooms that may feel empty. This doesn’t mean erasing the past! It means reclaiming spaces so they continue to serve you well and creating something fresh that supports this new season.
Guest Room Retreat
Most parents want their kids to come back often, whether for weekends, holidays, or just to feel grounded again. So, a guest room doesn’t have to feel like a leftover bedroom (or one frozen in time), but should be a warm, sophisticated retreat!
Add plush bedding and layered throw pillows.
Swap out bright posters for calming artwork.
Include a basket of cozy blankets and small touches that say, “welcome home.”
It’s a simple update that makes the space equally inviting for your kids, in-laws, or out-of-town friends.
Wellness Room
Always dreamed of having a home gym, yoga studio, or meditation corner? This is the season to make it happen! A wellness room doesn’t need to be huge, just intentional. Add a yoga mat, a few hand weights, maybe even a diffuser for essential oils, and suddenly you’ve got a sanctuary for mind and body.
Reading Nook
A reading nook is the ultimate indulgence for many empty nesters. All it takes is a comfy chair, soft lighting, and a stack of books you’ve been meaning to get to. If you have more space, go bold with a full library wall or built-in shelves. Bonus: it doubles as a cozy spot for grandkids or guests down the road!
Hobby Studio
If you’ve always dreamed of painting, sewing, or even starting a side hustle, why not carve out a dedicated hobby space? Turning an unused bedroom into a studio gives you a physical reminder to prioritize your passions and nurture your creativity.
Investing in Yourself
One of the biggest gifts of being an empty nester is time. Time to rediscover yourself and invest in what brings you joy, and your home can (and should) support that!
Home Office or Creative Corner
Maybe you’ve been putting off that dream business or creative project. A quiet house is the perfect backdrop to carve out a functional office or inspiring workspace. Think bookshelves, a beautiful desk, and lighting that keeps you energized!
Small Updates, Big Payoff
Sometimes investing in yourself looks like smaller changes:
Better storage for hobbies or craft projects.
A corner turned into a journaling station (yes, your reading nook can double as this).
Fresh paint or wallpaper that reflects your style.
These updates may seem small, but they make your home feel alive with possibility. When your surroundings align with your passions, the transition feels not just easier, but exciting.
Creating Spaces for Connection
Even as kids move out, most empty nester parents still want their home to be the place where everyone comes back to for family gatherings. These intentional house updates will keep home as the backdrop for new memories, reminding your children that no matter how far they roam, they’ll always have a place to land!
Dining Room Refresh
Think about how your dining spaces are being used now. Do you want a formal space for holiday dinners? Or would a casual nook with a built-in bench feel more inviting for everyday meals? Updating these areas makes connection natural and effortless when family and friends come over.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed outdoor area. Adding comfortable seating, string lights, or even an outdoor dining table can transform your backyard into the go-to gathering spot. It’s the perfect way to create new memories while holding onto the old ones.
A Gentle Reminder: Homes Should Grow with You
It’s tempting to leave certain rooms untouched, like little time capsules. But homes are meant to grow and evolve with us. Redesigning or refreshing isn’t about moving on from the past; it’s about continuing your story.
Thoughtful house updates keep the memories alive while making space for who you are now. From practical guest rooms to personal wellness retreats, your house should support the life you’re living today, not the one you lived 10 years ago.
Embracing the Empty Nest Season
Empty nest living is filled with both reflection and renewal. This season is a chance to celebrate the love that shaped your family while embracing the freedom to design spaces that inspire your next chapter. For many couples, it’s also a chance to rediscover each other and embrace new adventures together, whether at home or beyond.
At the end of the day, having an empty nest is about embracing change with both gratitude and courage. Yes, this season can feel bittersweet, but it’s also rich with opportunity.
If you’re ready to reimagine your home for this next chapter, we’d love to help. At Spaces in Bloom Designs, we specialize in creating homes that evolve beautifully with every stage of life. Contact us and let’s create a space that uplifts, inspires, and feels like the perfect fit for you today.
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