Many of you reading this are already enjoying retirement. Others see this glorious milestone in their near future. And for those of you who have years before you can retire, I beseech you to not wish your life away—the years go by all too quickly the older one gets. Nonetheless, I can tell you that a strange and wonderful transformation generally occurs within the home not too long after retirement. Rooms that were either rarely used during the day or were occupied by your children while you were raising them, can, and undoubtedly will, find a renewed purpose.
KITCHEN
Without the need to rush off to the office, retirees have more time to cook. Some even find cooking to be a new hobby. Now, they have time to experiment with different recipes or cooking techniques. Cooking becomes a holistic process, and the kitchen is suddenly a place for creativity, relaxation, and entertainment. This newfound passion might even call for a kitchen remodel, or at the very least, a new appliance or two.
WINE DISPLAY
And with this newfound time for entertaining, sharing a glass of wine or two with neighbors, or even hosting a wine tasting event, becomes more commonplace. Drinking wine is different than other beverages. It is enjoyed more slowly. First, you swirl it in the glass, followed by a wonderful inhale of its aroma. Then, you sip it – maybe even swirl it around in your mouth to get the full experience. This slow, deliberate process exudes relaxation. For this reason, I think adding a wine display is perfect for retires who enjoy and want to share their wine.
HOBBY ROOMS
With more free time, retirees can take up new hobbies. This often means that one of the extra bedrooms can be used for anything except a sleeping room. It could become a sewing room or crafting room. How about a music room – for either listening to music or playing music? What about a room for yoga, Pilates, or meditation? But if you need this room for sleeping on occasion, add a wall bed or Murphy bed, the room can be “the whatever you want room” most of the year—and a guest sleeping room when needed.
PET ROOMS
Pets oftentimes become the surrogate children or grandchildren. They are our constant companion in retirement and a source of unconditional love. So, ditch the carpet and replace it with the latest in flooring that doesn’t scratch under dogs’ paws and cleans up easily should an accident occur. Designate an area specifically for your beloved four-legged friend that includes food and water bowls, a basket for squeaky toys and a comfy bed!
HIS AND HER GET AWAY SPACES
After years of working 8 hours a day in an office 5 days a week, many retirees find that they suddenly have too much “togetherness time.” Best way to remedy that is by each having their own getaway space. That’s why second floor man cave or game room is so popular.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Since you are no longer confined in an office, making the most of the great outdoors is paramount. Consider expanding your outdoor living spaces—after all, you now have more time to enjoy it—both during the day and the evening. I like to include a place to lounge with a fireplace and/or TV. Add a grilling station or outdoor kitchen and rediscover how much better food tastes when cooked outside on the grill. And don’t forget the outdoor dining table—preferably away from the heat of the grill with comfortable and ample seating for friends and family to gather. Dare I say, add a pool…
If your home is too large for you in retirement, I encourage you to build one that will allow you to comfortably age in place. If you love your current home, I suggest that you remodel a room or two. So here’s to making the most of our homes at this incredible stage in life.
Adapted from Housing Design Matters Blog