Empty Nesters - Update That Spare Room!

Do you have a child moving out this fall, off to college or the big world, taking the leftover furniture you have with them? Maybe it is time for a fresh look for that tired (and maybe bare?) spare room!

This basic extra bedroom is getting an upgrade and the owner reached out to get suggestions on furnishings and an overall scheme.

This room is used primarily for ironing and an occasional guest. The furniture will all go away to college when their daughter moves out this fall. What a great time for an empty nester to update their home!

They mentioned needing an armoire for storage and a sofa sleeper, so let’s get started.

This room is looking pretty brown with the carpet and window shade. Let’s brighten it up and create a cool, light look by painting the walls.

I like SW Meditative, I’ve used it in a bedroom before. (See below.)

Blue bedroom - Carla Aston, Designer

That color will really help get rid of the muddy, dark vibe this room has.

Next, let’s find an armoire.

I like this armoire with the lighter wood tone and the arch top. It doesn’t seem so heavy since it has feet and the arched top relates to the window.

They can use the shelves or the hanging rod, it comes with both. The nice thing about this is they can lean the closed ironing board against the side of the armoire when not in use, if they don’t want to put it in the closet.. It will still be readily accessible, but nice to hide it from view.

Armoire closed

Armoire open

Next, let’s pick a sleeper sofa. This one is a smaller size, if they need a bigger bed, they can go for a longer sofa. It’s not a big room, so if they just need an extra bed occasionally, I’d go for something like this. I like the light color performance fabric.

Sleeper sofa in performance fabric

Here’s where I’d locate the sofa and the armoire and I’d definitely go for some drapery panels in a light fabric to brighten up this space.

I like these pleated panels from The Shade Store.

I like this art above the sofa, it brings the warm and cool tones together and is a substantial size at 42” x 42”.

Art piece that combines warm and cool tones for this guest bedroom.

I’d do two tables with lamps on each side of the sofa.

Transitional side table in warm wood finish.

Table lamp with blue and white pattern

I like this little ottoman stool in front of the sofa.

Lastly, a couple of pillows are always in order.

And here’s the combo for the end result!

Spare room / Guest Room Update

Need more ideas for that spare room in your home? See these examples below.