Page 10 2024 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2024 Becoming empty nesters may fill you with a rollercoaster of emotions, and that is totally normal. Try to give yourself the space to feel “all the feels” and know that you aren’t alone. Chris and I have three children: Christian (26), Kacey (23), and Peyton (19). Peyton was the last one to fly the coop, moving to Missouri for college in August of 2023. Christian moved in and out a few times, attended a few different schools, and worked summers at home. When he finally moved out after getting married in August 2021, we decided that the space that used to be his room would make a great dining room area, so his entire room was torn down and replaced with a beautiful, open dining area big enough for our growing family. Kacey graduated from ISU in May of 2023 and is now a nurse in Gallatin, TN. Her room has become the “guest” bedroom for when they come to visit. I haven’t been able to bring myself to change Peyton’s room yet. I still leave the door open and leave her neon lights on so I can pretend she’s fast asleep in her bed across the hall from us. I am sure that as time ticks away, her room too will become a place for her to “visit”. One thing will never change, this will always be their home, but changing the décor and layout of the house is something that Chris and I are enjoying during this new season of life. Creative ways to fill that If you are settling into the empty nest and ready to make some changes, there are loads of ideas for you on how to repurpose the kids’ rooms in the best way possible. The hardest part of this whole process is deciding how you want to use the space. Think about your lifestyle, career, habits, hobbies, and any issues you have with the current space. Is there something you always wish you had in your home, but never had the space to do it? Now is the time! Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about how to change it up and get the most out of the space. 1. Guest room Although this seems like the obvious choice, it really is necessary for some people. This space can become a cozy place for your almost grown children to visit without preserving all of the aesthetic of their childhood room. This renovation can be as simple as refreshing the paint and bedding or can go as far as a complete reset. The basics of a guest room apply: a comfy bed, spot for hanging clothes and stashing bags or suitcases, a nightstand with lighting, a place to charge electronics, and possibly a chair or bench. To ease the transition, you can incorporate your child’s favorite colors, patterns, or repurpose some of their original room décor. “Empty Nest” Continued --
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