The Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Updating for Empty Nesting
And How to Avoid Them
Transitioning from a bustling family home to a more refined, adult space can be both exciting and overwhelming. After years of designing around kids, pets, and busy schedules, many homeowners are ready to reclaim their homes — but knowing where to start (and what to avoid) can make all the difference.
Here are the top five mistakes we see homeowners make when updating for this next stage of life — and how to avoid them for a result that feels intentional, timeless, and truly “you.”
1. Holding on to a Layout That No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle
When the kids were young, the home revolved around function: big tables for projects, oversized sectional sofas, and plenty of open floor space. But as your needs shift, so should your layout.
The Mistake: Keeping the same furniture arrangement or room functions simply out of habit.
The Fix: Think about how you live now. Maybe that playroom becomes a serene home office, or the oversized dining set makes way for a cozy lounge that’s perfect for evening cocktails with friends. We help clients reimagine each space for connection, relaxation, and entertaining — not just practicality.
2. Updating Without a Cohesive Vision
It’s tempting to start with a new sofa here, new countertops there — but piecemeal updates often lead to a home that feels disjointed.
The Mistake: Making decisions one room at a time without an overall design plan.
The Fix: Start with a master vision that ties your spaces together — color palette, finishes, and style direction — so every update feels like part of a greater whole. Our design process always begins with a complete concept so your home feels harmonious and beautifully balanced from the first decision to the last.
3. Ignoring the Power of Lighting
Lighting has the power to completely transform a space — yet it’s often the most overlooked element in home updates.
The Mistake: Relying on old ceiling fixtures or harsh recessed lighting that flattens your design.
The Fix: Layer your lighting for flexibility and mood. We design with ambient, task, and accent lighting — all on preset dimmers — so your home transitions effortlessly from everyday living to entertaining at night. A well-lit home feels sophisticated and inviting.
4. Holding on to Outdated Finishes
Yellow or red-toned wood, builder-grade tile, or dated granite can instantly age a home — no matter how nice the furniture is.
The Mistake: Trying to “work around” dated materials rather than updating them.
The Fix: Refinish wood to neutral tones, simplify your surfaces, and invest in timeless materials like marble, white oak, and soft neutrals. We help clients make selections that feel fresh and modern today, but will still look beautiful ten years from now.
5. Forgetting to Add Personality
After years of focusing on family function, many homeowners overcorrect and lean too far into minimalism — leaving their home feeling impersonal or cold.
The Mistake: Designing for “magazine perfect” rather than “personally meaningful.”
The Fix: The most luxurious homes reflect the people who live in them. We incorporate family heirlooms, artwork, and textures that tell your story, all layered into a clean, refined design. The result is timeless — and uniquely yours.
Your home should evolve as your life does. Updating for empty nesting isn’t about starting over — it’s about redefining your space to support the way you live now.
With thoughtful design, the right materials, and a cohesive vision, your home can become a reflection of your success, your story, and your next chapter — one that feels just as full, but in a completely new way.
