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mrshoffer

Empty Nest Remodel

10 years ago
Howdy! We have an empty nest bedroom that needs a remodel. Anyone up for the challenge? I am having difficulties picturing how to organize and layout the room. It's going to wear a few hats- tv watching (sports); reading; music practice; occasional guest bedroom (thinking a sleeper sofa would be fine). A relaxing hangout spot, for immediate family. There are two small windows, one facing south, but mostly blocked by the roofline from the west, and one north. What do you think? And yes, the room is going to be repainted :)

Comments (16)

  • 10 years ago

    Here's the room dimensions.


  • 10 years ago
    bump:)
  • 10 years ago

    Use the closet to create a TV and book built in.

  • 10 years ago

    The trouble with that, Auntthelma, is that the room will still need closet space if it is going to be an occasional guest room. So I'd suggest, please please get rid of the mirrors on the closet doors. They only make the space seem chilly. Keep the desk space in that great nook, but put more than just the desk top there. Narrow storage space on each side will be great for storing music and whatever. And it will make it look more deliberate and complete.

    TV on that side wall between the nook and the door -- preferably in a built-in that provides you with lots of book shelves. Sofa facing it on the closet-side wall. Use a coffee table in front of it, which you simply move elsewhere when you have guests.

    Chair in the corner opposite the door with its own little side table and lamp, perhaps, to make a reading corner. I'm wondering what kind of music is going to be indulged in there? Does it need anything special by way of seating/music stand or whatever? Or is it lounge-around-and-strum-guitar?

    mrshoffer thanked Rina
  • 10 years ago

    Art above the sofa -- real art, not sports posters, please. Let the sport reign on the screen. The sofa art should be pleasant to see for whoever might spend a night there.

  • 10 years ago

    Oh, and PS -- I do understand the point of those mirrors. The answer is really good lighting, and being prepared to have some of it on during dark days. For that I'd go to a lighting expert. Calling Houzz lighting experts ...

  • 10 years ago

    Bookcase, side table and lamp, sleeper sofa, desk chair (comfy enough to pull around and use for TV watching when the sofa is closed) wall hung TV.

    mrshoffer thanked decoenthusiaste
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Hi there,

    What a sweet room!

    I would suggest placing the sofa next to the door, and turning the desk into a storage area (for music related equipment, perhaps) and then maybe adding a small armchair by the other window. I wouldn't worry about the mirror, those are always a good idea in small spaces.

    Then the focus of the room could be on the wall that is currently red, where you could create an art wall where you could strategically place a TV. Here is a photo to help you visualize:

    I hope this helps!


    mrshoffer thanked Minted
  • PRO
    10 years ago
    Make sure the family member who is leaving this nest, is aware of your plans. These little birds have a way of returning to the nest too! Lol. Having said that, you might be trying to stuff too much into this relatively small room. One thing you might research is converting that closet (along lines of red picture posted earlier) Sofa beds are not very comfortable. Do you have guests often? If not, get an Aero bed queen size with elevated feature. It stores away and makes your room much more usable when daily use is considered. A couple of compact recliners in this space with a Ghost chair at the desk spot would give an extra seat. Narrow console for thin TV and you have a comfortable, and a table between recliners makes an inviting room for your everyday needs.
  • PRO
    10 years ago
    If we had converted our other BR with pink built ins, we would not be empty nesters.
  • 10 years ago

    Thanks for starting the discussion everyone!

    @Rina, the instruments are guitar (very informally), and saxophone. We have a foldable music stand that can be packed away easily. So no worries there. A good ergonomic and sturdy desk chair might fit the bill for playing the sax. I like the idea of adding some more substance to the nook, but think it might be too heavy. Idk though, will have to wait and see how the room comes together. :)

    As to the closet, getting rid of the mirrors? What a great unconventional idea. I think it might make the room feel less bedroom-y.

  • 10 years ago

    @HalBraswell, built-ins are to swoon for! An idea for the future. Does converting a closet make the room no longer a "bedroom"?

    @FloMangan, :) the bird has definitely flown the coop. lol. We will probably have guests a few times a year, so the bed wouldn't get heavily used. Are you saying do away with a couch, and only have recliners?

  • PRO
    10 years ago
    Yes I am. Why? Because this time it is for YOU. With the idea of redoing the closet it would still have a "closet" space built in along with other storage. So for resale it would still qualify as a bedroom. Perhaps recliners are not your cup of tea, so pick what YOU really want. Generally, a sofa the size that would fit in this room would only seat 2 anyway. So for TV viewing how many people would be in this room? Do you have other room where you have TV for large group? I kind of got the impression this was mainly for two people? Just make it for two with one additional multi-use chair which is about all you can put in this room. The mirror doors just date the space. Let's design this closet with new purposeful use.
  • PRO
    10 years ago
    Here is a companion pic I found showing interior. We've been empty nesters several times to homing pigeons. Probably 18 months from doing this with a small TV above the drawers. This former BR will be used as a craft room with a recliner or glider -- new grandkid expected in 6 months with parents barely a mile away.








    Custom Built In Closet-Red · More Info
  • PRO
    10 years ago
    Recliner/sofa ideas from Stressless available in different materials, finishes and configurations.