Renovating for Empty Nesters: Why Now is the Right Time
Renovating for empty nesters is more than just updating a home. It’s a chance to create a space that matches your lifestyle today and supports your goals for tomorrow. Now that the kids have moved out, many couples are taking a fresh look at their homes and asking, “What do we need now?”
You may find yourself with rooms that are no longer being used, or features that once worked for a busy family but no longer fit the way you live. This is the perfect moment to make your home more comfortable, more personal, and better suited to your everyday life.
Whether you want to turn an old bedroom into a guest suite, create space for a hobby, or plan with wise design choices that support aging in place, this is your chance to design a home that works beautifully now and in the years to come.
Before we dive in, let me introduce myself. Hi! I’m Michelle, CEO and Principal Designer at Room Service Interiors. We work with homeowners throughout Cochrane, Calgary, Bearspaw, and surrounding areas to help them create homes that reflect their stories and experiences. As a full-service interior design studio, we specialize in thoughtful, personalized spaces that blend function with beauty.
READY TO SKIP THE STRESS AND LOVE YOUR RENOVATION? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLEAR, "NO SURPRISES" DESIGN PROCESS!
Making the Most of Unused Spaces
One of the biggest changes after the kids move out is having more space. Instead of letting extra rooms sit unused, consider turning them into something meaningful.
A spare bedroom can become a cozy guest suite for visiting family and friends. Or use the space for a hobby room, a quiet reading nook, a creative studio, or even a home gym.
In one recent project (see picture!), we worked with clients who were downsizing to their beloved cottage at the lake, a place that held so many special memories. They loved to entertain but felt limited by the existing layout. By transforming an underused spare bedroom into a main floor living room, we created space to expand the kitchen and dining area. The result was a more open, welcoming space that fits their lifestyle perfectly. Ideal for hosting dinners, celebrations, and impromptu gatherings with friends.
With this in mind, renovating for empty nesters is about making your home fit your life now. This is your chance to create spaces that reflect your interests and bring more enjoyment to your everyday routine.
Planning a kitchen refresh now that the kids are grown? Learn how we tailor the kitchen design process for empty nesters in our blog.
Designing with the Future in Mind
As we get older, our needs at home can start to shift. Renovating for empty nesters is a great time to think ahead and make smart upgrades that will help your home stay safe, stylish, and easy to enjoy for years to come.
Living-in-place design means creating a home that works for you now, and also makes things easier as you age. These changes don’t have to look clinical or cold. In fact, many of the most helpful updates also bring more beauty and comfort to your space.
Wider doorways, better lighting, and slip-resistant flooring are simple changes that can make a big difference. Walk-in showers with bench seating and grab bars, touchless faucets, and comfort-height toilets are all small details that add up to a safer, more user-friendly bathroom. In the kitchen, pull-out shelves, deep drawers, and better lighting under cabinets can improve both function and style.
Even adding a main-floor laundry room or making sure you have a bedroom and full bathroom on the main level can help you enjoy your home longer, without needing to make big changes later on.
After all, these upgrades don’t just support independence. They also make your home more inviting and easier to navigate for guests of all ages.
Designing your forever home? Learn how aging-in-place updates can add comfort, safety, and style in our blog.
Renovating for Empty Nesters: Prioritizing Comfort and Luxury
Once your home is quieter and life slows down a little, comfort starts to matter more than ever. Renovating for empty nesters is the perfect time to add special touches that feel like a reward for all those busy years of raising a family.
Here are some thoughtful upgrades that bring both comfort and a touch of luxury to everyday living:
- Heated floors
No more cold toes on winter mornings. Radiant heat feels cozy and works well in bathrooms, kitchens, and even basements. - Layered lighting
Combine pot lights, under-cabinet lighting, sconces, and statement fixtures to create a soft, warm glow throughout your home. - Upgraded primary suite
Consider adding a larger walk-in closet, a spa-like ensuite with a freestanding tub, or a quiet sitting area for reading and relaxing. - Better sound control
Use area rugs, soft window treatments, or acoustic panels to reduce echo and make each room feel calm and peaceful. - Custom cabinetry
Built-in storage can make your space feel organized and tailored to your needs, whether it’s in the kitchen, mudroom, or home office. - Personal touches
Artwork, textures, and meaningful objects make your home feel like it truly belongs to you, not just a space, but a reflection of your story.
This is your chance to focus on the features that make life easier, more beautiful, and more enjoyable every day.
A great example of this is a project we completed for a sophisticated widower who wanted a more refined and functional space. We transformed a dated bathroom into a glamorous retreat. Complete with custom storage for every item, elegant finishes, and a calming atmosphere that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
The Value of a Thoughtfully Renovated Home
Renovating for empty nesters is about more than improving your home’s appearance. It’s an opportunity to create a space that fits your lifestyle today and supports your needs for the future. With the kids moved out, your home can reflect who you are now and how you want to live.
A thoughtful renovation makes better use of space, adds comfort, and allows for personal touches that feel like a reward. It also helps you plan with smart features that support long-term living.
One of our recent projects (pictured below), involved reimagining a narrow loft catwalk. We turned it into a beautiful extension of the primary suite. The redesign included a custom walk-in closet and a cozy sitting area overlooking the lake outside their home. These changes offered a quiet, light-filled spot where the homeowners now enjoy their morning coffee in peace.
Working with a professional designer brings clarity and confidence to the process. With expert support, you can avoid costly missteps and create a home that feels both beautiful and functional.
This is a time to invest in what matters most: comfort, ease, and a home that truly works for you.
Love to travel? Bring that inspiration home. From coastal calm to European charm, explore how global style can shape your space.
Renovating for Empty Nesters: Your Home, Your Next Chapter
So, if you’re thinking about renovating for empty nesters, this is the perfect time to start. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space, plan for the future, or finally add the comforts you’ve always wanted, a thoughtful renovation can help your home grow with you.
At Room Service Interiors, we specialize in creating spaces that reflect who you are and how you want to live now. We would be honoured to guide you through the process.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation in Cochrane, Bearspaw, Springbank, or Calgary, we’d love to chat about how we can help you bring your dream kitchen to life. Give us a call at (403) 860-5901, email us at hello@roomserviceinteriors.ca, or learn more about our team here. Let’s turn your vision into a space you’ll love—one thoughtful choice at a time!
Until next time,
Michelle xx