Empty Nest?

This article is for the grandparents among us, the so-called empty-nesters: Does that phrase still apply? Did it ever really apply? The idea was nice: the children are grown and have moved out, so it's time to 'down size' to a smaller home, smaller yard, smaller responsibilities, leaving more time for extra-curricular activities like travel. But that scenario doesn't always play out in real life. Children grow and leave, and marry and have families, and return to visit - hopefully often.

The down-sized house no longer accommodates not only the children and their spouses, but also their children and all the energy and paraphernalia they bring. Sometimes family considerations mean 'up-sizing' rather than downsizing. And with a new generation of children in the house, one of the most important features of the architectural design becomes the playroom.

The open floorplan so popular over the past couple of decades is wonderful for dynamic communication between the kitchen and living room, but that can be turned into chaos with just a few toddlers and small children running and playing through the area. Have you considered where the grandchildren can go and 'be themselves' while the adults talk?

That's, of course, the playroom and it should be a central consideration in your custom home design, even if you are downsizing. Maybe it's in the basement, maybe above the garage, or maybe a second living room upstairs or even an unused bedroom with a small, finished attic nook as a 'secret hideaway.' A special room with custom bunk beds can become a cherished memory for the grandchildren when they spend the night with their grandparents. Not only will the children have more fun among themselves, but the adults will preserve their sanity. The playroom was a marvelous invention indeed.

We at Designed for Downtown, LLC incorporate our clients' family dynamics - both current and future - into our renovation and custom home designs. Give us a call today to start the conversation about how to make your home both more child-friendly and more peaceful.