There is a striking, quiet shift that occurs when a house transitions from a family hub to an "empty nest." For decades, the home has functioned as a high-traffic intersection—a place of durability, practicality, and perhaps a bit of aesthetic compromise.
But as the children move out, the primary function of the home changes. It is no longer about managing chaos; it is about cultivating stillness. As an interior curator, I’ve found that this is often the most profound design journey a person can take. It’s the process of reclaiming your space and, by extension, reclaiming yourself.
For many of my clients—the sophisticated women from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany—this phase is the most exciting design chapter of their lives. It is the moment the Family House transforms into a Personal Sanctuary.
1. Shift from Durability to Sensuality
For years, your choice of materials was likely dictated by "what can survive." You chose fabrics that hid stains and floor coverings that could handle heavy foot traffic.
Now, the "safety first" rule can be retired. This is the time to introduce sensory-led interior design. In a home meant for two (or one), you can prioritize how a material feels against your skin. Consider the "barefoot test": the first thing your feet touch when you step out of bed should be a source of tactile joy.
2. The Power of "Negative Space"
One of the most effective ways to reclaim a home is to simply remove. Family homes are often cluttered with furniture meant to accommodate guests and children.
Try an "Interior Audit": Look at your living room. Is every chair necessary? By removing a redundant side table or an extra armchair, you create negative space. In luxury interior design, space is the ultimate indicator of wealth and calm. It allows the eyes to rest on the architecture of the room and the quality of the remaining pieces.
3. Creat Your Version of the "Withdrawing Room"
In the 18th century, the "Drawing Room" was where one went to withdraw from the noise of the household. I suggest every empty nester re-designate one room—even a small corner—as a dedicated retreat.
This room should have a different "tempo" than the rest of the house.
- The Lighting: Move away from bright, functional overhead lights. Use low-level lamps to create "pools of light" that highlight textural depth. You may use halogen light bulbs to bring back that true warmth.
- The Acoustic Layer: Hardwood and stone are beautiful but "loud." Introduce natural sound-absorbers like heavy drapes or a thick wool rug to create a "hushed" atmosphere.
- The Ritual: Place a single, high-quality candle and a stack of books you’ve been meaning to read. This isn't decor; it’s an invitation to yourself to spend time in your own company.
4. Invest in "Active" Heirlooms
When we talk about heirlooms, we usually think of something in a glass cabinet. But in a reclaimed home, an heirloom should be something you use daily.
Whether it’s an embroidered cushion or a print bought in a flea market and framed by your local artisan, these pieces carry "soul." They feel different because they are different. They represent a return to European craftsmanship and a rejection of the disposable. In this new chapter of your life, let the things you own be as storied and intentional as the life you’ve built.
5. Scent as a Spatial Boundary
Finally, consider the olfactive signature of your home. A family home often smells of "activity"—cooking, laundry, pets. To truly reclaim your space, you need an atmosphere that signals a shift in focus.
Choose scents that feel grounded and mature. Notes of tobacco, lavender or deep woods act as a psychological "anchor," signaling to your brain that the day’s work is done and the sanctuary is open. It’s the invisible boundary between the world outside and the peace within.
Interior Insight: The goal of the reclaimed home isn't to make it look like a showroom. It’s to make it feel like a reflection of your current values: quality, quietude, and a deep appreciation for the finer details of slow living.
What are your ideas on reclaiming a space and making it truly your own?
Author: Izabela Hernas
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