Last week, Jenna started a new job in Maryland, 100+ miles away from home. In a few weeks, she is moving into an apartment and will make it her own. She will definitely come to visit us on quick trips home and long weekends when she can get away. When she comes home, her bedroom is here for her, but what about the rest of the time?
I’m thinking about the possibilities.
First of all, her closet is huge. Once we clean it out (with her help, of course), I can store things in there that we don’t have a place for right now. And yes, I know that I should declutter and rid myself of the things I no longer need – but that’s not what this post is about. Stay with me. LOL!
She also has an impractical desk in her room that she used on and off to do homework. It’s impractical because there is a hutch and shelves attached to it with very little room to spread out and work. What if I replaced it with a pretty writing desk and dedicated part of that room as my writing studio? It’s the perfect corner of the house for me to think, dream, and write. The big windows look out onto the backyard where many family memories took place. Inspiration galore! And did I mention that Jenna’s room has the one thing every writer needs to shut out any distractions from the real world and write to their heart’s content? It has a door to close.
Believe me when I say that it is not my intention to take over her room or change it into something completely different. I’m not creating an indoor “she-shed” or a workout room. It is still hers for as long as she comes home to enjoy it. Her queen-size bed, cushy throw pillows, wall art, and favorite stuffed animals will still be there. Her stickers and shot glasses will remain by the mirror. I’ll keep whatever she wants to save in her closet and dresser. None of her stuff will be touched – except maybe the desk. I’m sure she won’t mind, and if she does, she will let me know after she reads this post!
What do you think? How did you repurpose your children’s rooms after they left the nest? Let me know in the comments.
jenna heisman
July 15, 2023 at 12:27 pm (1 year ago)Hi Mama,
You’re absolutely right. My desk is impractical and bulky, as long as you donate it to a charity, you can switch it out.
Love you <3
Carol Newman
July 12, 2023 at 2:09 pm (1 year ago)When my first daughter moved out, I changed the spread on her high-rise bed to a daybed cover and added wedge pillows. I also brought in a small television set and had a landline installed. Both of my daughters found this amusing since neither one of them was able to watch television or speak on the phone from the privacy of their rooms. they are 39 and almost 42 now and did not get cell phones until they were driving. A trip to Ikea resulted in a desk, nightstand, and high chest.
Elisa
July 13, 2023 at 7:39 am (1 year ago)Too funny, Carol. I got a landline when I was 16 because my sister, and I would hog the main phone number all night long. But, I never had a tv until I came home from college.
Tamara
July 12, 2023 at 8:15 am (1 year ago)“It has a door to close” – the most brilliant feature of any room ;-)))
I love how you’re not whining about your baby girl leaving, instead you’re focussing on positive changes you can make for yourself. I applaud your big girl pants!
I may get in touch and benefit from your wisdom once my boy is leaving our home, which happens in 20 years, at the earliest. Right?
vidya
July 12, 2023 at 2:59 am (1 year ago)while we have not changed much in my son’s room while he is at college (since he does come home every few weeks anyways), i think we might get rid of the study tables in both the kids’ rooms first.. 🙂 clears up floor space instantly.. Jenna will be fine without that desk, I am sure of that
Bob Krantweiss
July 11, 2023 at 10:41 pm (1 year ago)You have always been kind, generous, and most importantly considerate of Jenna’s needs. If you think this is fair, then so do I. Bob Krantweiss
Kebba Buckley Button
July 11, 2023 at 6:56 pm (1 year ago)Elisa, having a big work surface really opens up the projects you can do, and your creativity. My father had a desk made of a door over two filing cabinets. It was great!
(Right now I’m wondering where he got the door?) I imitated that over the years, only getting an official fine-furniture desk about 20 years ago. Let us know what you and Jenna decide to do with the desk!
Elisa
July 13, 2023 at 7:42 am (1 year ago)I agree that having a big place to work opens up all kinds of possibilities. Working on my couch in the living room just doesn’t feel productive anymore. I will keep you posted.