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 5 Tips on How to Design a Perfect Kitchen for

Empty-Nesters

Kitchen remodeling is a popular goal for empty nesters because many parents typically put off updating their home until their children graduate college and are independent. Besides, many empty nesters are Gen Xers (aged 40 to 54) and Baby Boomers (over the age of 55). A 2020 Research by Houzz found that in 2019, Baby Boomers and Gen Xers accounted for more than 80% of all American homeowners who renovated their homes. Another study from Nielsen found that most Baby Boomers have lived in their homes for the last decade or more, and 63% have no intention of moving. Instead, many are planning to renovate their homes to make their homes more valuable and livable. With that in mind, here are five handy tips for designing the perfect kitchen for empty nesters.
  1. A Bigger Entertainment Space
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Beyond cooking, kitchens are central hubs for socializing. Open-plan kitchens are a great option because they give your home a spacious feel as well as flexibility for entertaining. You can cook and bake in your kitchen while enjoying the presence of others. Empty nesters who like to host their kids and grandkids for holidays can opt for an open-plan design that accommodates a generously sized dining table for their family. Additionally, it’s easier for those using walkers and wheelchairs to navigate an open floor kitchen design.
  1. Great Ergonomics

Because of the age of most empty-nesters (and the complications that come with it), the most used cabinets should ideally be below your eyes and above your knees. So you should consider cabinets suitably located so that you don’t have to reach too high or crouch too low when looking for frequently used items. You should also consider appliances like wall ovens and cooktops. Ovens can be placed at an ideal height so that you don’t have to bend when opening and closing oven doors.

  1. Cozy Eating Spot

With the kids gone, eating at a large table can feel too lonely. You should consider setting up a booth-style seating area in your kitchen in a spot that’s near to a window. This can also be a lovely place for a good book, a cup of coffee, or work sessions on your tablet or laptop.

  1. Working Space

If you hope to use your kitchen as a home office or a space for your hobbies, you should consider adding a large island that will serve as a space for entertainment, as well as a workspace or an area for your craft hobbies.

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  1. Address Age-Related Issues

You should include adequate in-cabinet lighting because people generally tend to develop age-related vision problems over time. You should also opt for touch-free or touch only faucets because certain age-related conditions, such as arthritis in the hands, can be challenging to turn knobs. Being mindful of your needs, and identifying what works and doesn’t work, will enable you to come up with useful kitchen design ideas and create a space that is ideal for you. Overall, the kitchen should be accessible and easy to maintain.

At Leo Lantz Construction, we have a kitchen redesign price guide for our clients to help guide them through the cost of redesigning their kitchens.

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Based on your budget, you may request the following kitchen redesigning services;

  1. Complete remodeling (to get that dream kitchen)
  2. Inclusion of a new eating spot or office working space in the kitchen
  3. Introduction of an open floor plan
  4. Updating your kitchen space to achieve a more comfortable and functional place to cook. For instance, built-in appliances and wall cabinets extended to countertops.

Finally

When your kids grow up and move out into their own place, you need not be worried about loneliness, depression, or any other empty-nester syndrome.  Instead, seek to identify areas where you can update and improve the style and functionality of your home. Make your home more inviting for when your kids come home to visit, or for entertaining your friends. Leo Lantz Construction is here to walk you through the journey of redesigning your kitchen to fit your dreams.

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Why is kitchen remodeling popular among empty nesters?

Many empty nesters delay home renovations until their children are independent. Renovating at this stage allows them to create a more functional and stylish space that suits their evolving needs.

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What are the benefits of an open-plan kitchen for empty nesters?

Open-plan kitchens provide a spacious feel, making them ideal for entertaining family and friends. They also improve accessibility, making movement easier for those using walkers or wheelchairs.

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How can kitchen ergonomics be improved for aging homeowners?

To enhance comfort and safety, cabinets should be positioned between eye level and knee level. Wall ovens and cooktops can be installed at an accessible height to prevent excessive bending.

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What is a good alternative to a large dining table in an empty nester’s kitchen?

A booth-style seating area near a window creates a cozy and intimate dining space. It also doubles as a relaxing spot for reading, coffee breaks, or light work.

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Can a kitchen remodel include a workspace for hobbies or remote work?

Yes, adding a large island can provide space for meal prep, entertainment, and work-related activities, making the kitchen more multifunctional.

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What features can help with age-related challenges in the kitchen?

Adequate in-cabinet lighting improves visibility, while touch-free faucets make it easier to use sinks for those with arthritis or mobility issues.

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How can I make my kitchen feel more welcoming for visiting family?
Create a warm, inviting vibe with soft lighting, cozy colors, and personal touches like flowers, heirloom dishes, family photos, or a plush rug. Set up a help-yourself coffee or snack station, play gentle background music, fill the room with welcoming scents, and add casual seating so everyone can gather and chat while you cook.
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What are the key services offered by Leo Lantz Construction for kitchen remodeling?

They offer complete kitchen remodels, addition of eating or working spaces, open floor plan transformations, and ergonomic upgrades for comfort and convenience.

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Is kitchen remodeling a good investment for empty nesters?

Yes, remodeling can enhance both the functionality and value of a home, making it more enjoyable to live in while also increasing its resale appeal.

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How can I estimate the cost of my kitchen remodel?

Leo Lantz Construction provides a kitchen redesign price guide to help homeowners understand the cost and plan their renovation budget accordingly.