Many people graduate college, get married, have children, and then through some twist of fate, find themselves moving the brood back into their childhood homes.
Whether an inheritance or a hand-me-down home, the transition can dredge up a slew of emotions. After all, this is the place where you were raised, and so many memories are attached to different corners, cupboards, and cubbies of this house. But with a new family, the urge – or proposal – for remodeling your childhood home may be strong. You, or your spouse, may want to make this space feel truly like yours – not your past. And after 20, 30, or 40 years of wear and tear, any home will be in the market for upgrades.
Here are just three tips to get you started when remodeling your childhood home.
- Consider an open floor plan: Homes built in the 20th and early 21st century are typically more closed off than modern designs. An open floor plan, on the other hand, removes unnecessary walls – allowing multiple rooms in the home to share the same space. In addition to square footage, open floor plans allow for more natural light, expanded views of the outdoors, and more opportunities for socialization. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor about merging two or more rooms into one – and give yourself some space to grow.
- Cook up something new: The kitchen carries a tremendous amount of sentiment, from enjoying favorite meals as a child, baking cookies with grandma, or chatting with your parents over coffee and dessert during visits as an independent young adult. For some, this may be the toughest room to overhaul. For others, it’s a task that’s long overdue. The truth, though, is that the kitchen is the most heavily trafficked and consistently used space in a home – which means it will likely begin to show wear and tear after decades of use. A new luxury kitchen can expand your preparation and storage space, and dazzle with new flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and lighting.
- Never wait for a free bathroom again: How many of us (particularly those with siblings) remember waiting impatiently in a queue just to take a shower or brush our teeth? Give your children unobstructed access to bathroom time and earn that #1 Dad or #1 Mom mug that’s either in your cabinet – or on its way. Add luxury amenities like a rain shower or brass fixtures to your master bathroom and convert existing space into additional facilities to cater to make life – and lavatory access – easier. The winter months can also be a good time to launch home improvements and additions like a new bathroom. If you’re still easing into the idea of remodeling your childhood home, kicking things off with the bathroom can often segue into a full-scale renovation.
Cossentino & Sons is a family-owned and operated remodeling and design company. We understand how important family, legacy, and the memories attached to it all can be. If you are remodeling your childhood home, we can help you come up with a plan that pays tribute to what came before, while creating something new and exciting where your family will thrive for years to come. Call us at 410-442-0000 to learn more.