When you’re raising kids, your home’s design choices are often about one thing: survival.
Stain-resistant carpet, oversized sectionals, toy storage in every room.
It’s all about practicality over style. But once the kids move out, many parents can’t wait to reclaim their homes and finally create the spaces they’ve always dreamed of.
We dug into Reddit, Quora, social media, and other community forums where newly (or soon-to-be) empty-nesters share what they’re changing right now.
Here are 13 of the most common design and decor upgrades parents say they’re making the second the kids are gone.
1. Carpet → Hardwood or Tile
Parents are tired of living with stained, kid-proof carpet and dream of upgrading to hardwood or luxury flooring.
“We’ve had beige carpet for 20 years because of the kids and pets. As soon as they’re gone, it’s hardwood all the way.”
(Source: [Reddit – Interior Decorating](https://www.reddit.com/r/interiordecorating/comments/1533gmy/what_design_elements_of_a_modern_home_are_going/))
“Every spill left a mark, no matter how hard we scrubbed. Hardwood is my reward for surviving toddlers.”
(Source: Houzz Discussion – Carpet vs Hardwood)
2. Oversized Sectionals → Stylish Seating
That massive sectional made sense for family movie nights, but now parents want more elegant furniture.
“I cannot wait to get rid of this giant sectional. It’s comfy, but it eats the whole room. I want two nice chairs and a sofa instead.”
(Source: [Quora – Empty Nesters Home Changes](https://www.quora.com/What-do-empty-nesters-change-in-their-homes))
“Finally sold the sectional on Facebook Marketplace. Treated myself to a leather sofa that actually fits the room.”
(Source: Facebook Marketplace Home Decor Group)
3. Kid-Friendly Bathrooms → Luxury Finishes & Style
Instead of just “functional,” parents finally upgrade bathrooms with better tile, vanities, and lighting.
“We ripped out the builder-grade vanity and put in a double sink with quartz counters. After years of cheap fixtures, it finally feels like a hotel bathroom.”
(Source: [Reddit – HomeImprovement](https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/))
“The kids are gone so I splurged on a rain shower and heated floors. It’s my spa now.”
(Source: HomeTalk – Bathroom Remodels)
4. Plastic Kitchenware → Real Dishes
Parents are thrilled to finally use glassware and ceramics without fear of breaking.
“I packed away the Corelle years ago. Now I’m buying real stoneware and wine glasses—because I can!”
(Source: [Quora – Parents After Kids Move Out](https://www.quora.com/What-do-parents-do-when-kids-move-out))
“Just bought my first full set of real dishes in 25 years. No more plastic tumblers or chipped plates!”
(Source: Facebook – Empty Nester Home Decor Group)
5. Toy Storage → Built-In Cabinets & Sleek Storage
Instead of bins and cubbies, parents invest in built-ins or furniture with hidden storage.
“I replaced the toy cubbies with a wall of built-in bookshelves and cabinets. It looks grown-up and hides clutter.”
(Source: [Reddit – HomeDecorating](https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeDecorating/))
6. Beige Walls → Bold Colors
Safe, washable neutrals give way to rich tones and accent walls.
“We painted the living room navy blue. After 20 years of beige, it finally feels grown-up.”
(Source: [Reddit – Interior Decorating](https://www.reddit.com/r/interiordecorating/))
“Goodbye builder beige, hello emerald green. Kids are gone, walls are mine.”
(Source: X/Twitter – #HomeDecor)
7. Play Structures → Entertaining Gardens
The backyard shifts from kid zone to adult retreat.
“We tore down the swing set and put in a fire pit and patio. Best decision ever.”
(Source: [HomeTalk – Landscaping Projects]
“The trampoline finally went to the dump. We built a pergola and outdoor kitchen instead.”
(Source: Reddit – Landscaping)
8. Garage Dump → Finished Bonus Room
Rather than just “parking cars again,” many remodel garages into gyms, studios, or rec rooms.
“We converted half the garage into a home gym with mirrors and flooring. No more piles of sports gear.”
(Source: [Quora – Extra Space After Kids](https://www.quora.com/What-do-empty-nesters-do-with-extra-space))
9. Harsh Lighting → Warm Ambience
Mood lighting replaces bright, practical fixtures.
“I swapped the overhead lights for lamps and dimmers. The house feels cozy instead of like a hospital.”
(Source: [Reddit – Decor](https://www.reddit.com/r/Decor/))
“My first splurge as an empty nester: pendant lights over the island. Worth every penny.”
(Source: Instagram – #HomeImprovement)
10. Family-Size Dining → Sophisticated Dining Rooms
Dining rooms become more stylish—or repurposed entirely.
“We turned the dining room into a library. No more giant table we never used.”
(Source: [Quora – Changes After Kids Move Out](https://www.quora.com/))
11. Family Photo Walls → Curated Art
Parents trade cluttered walls of kids’ photos for art and statement decor.
“I love my kids, but I don’t need 200 school photos on the wall anymore. We hung some art instead.”
(Source: [Reddit – HomeDecorating](https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeDecorating/))
12. Breakfast Nook → Adult-Friendly Dining Space
The casual, kid-friendly kitchen nook often gets a grown-up makeover with more stylish tables and chairs.
“We replaced the little round table and mismatched chairs with a farmhouse-Pottery Barn- style look. It feels like a real dining space now.”
(Source: [Reddit – InteriorDesign](https://www.reddit.com/r/interiordecorating/))
“That tiny breakfast table was always sticky from cereal. Now we have a sleek banquette with upholstered chairs.”
(Source: Houzz – Breakfast Nook Ideas)
13. Kids’ Bedrooms → Hobby or Guest Rooms
Empty rooms are transformed into personal spaces.
“My daughter’s room is now my sewing studio. She wasn’t thrilled, but I’m loving it.”
(Source: [Quora – Parents and Kids’ Rooms](https://www.quora.com/What-do-parents-do-with-kids-rooms-after-they-move-out))
“Turned my son’s old bedroom into a yoga space. Best use of square footage ever.”
(Source: Facebook Empty Nester Group)
What Would You Change in Your Home?
When kids are at home, design choices are about durability, function, and kid-proofing. But once the nest is empty, parents finally get to design for themselves.
From tearing out carpet to creating spa bathrooms and stylish dining areas, these changes reflect a shift from practical living to personal style.
If you’re an empty nester, what’s the first thing you’d change in your home? Tell us in the comments!