Throughout life, your tastes in colour and décor for your home are bound to change. As you age, you may find that the furnishings from earlier years become outdated, impractical or unnecessary. Changes that occur naturally as your family grows can also instigate changing needs in home décor. You may have given up your dining room for the kid's study and homework centre and you may want to reclaim it. What was once a child's playroom may later become a personal library or a home office. In order to keep your home looking lovely, functional and comfortable, small updates or alterations may be necessary.
Get yourself a cave.
Carve out a haven for your personal entertainment and productivity. There is a lot of buzz around the concept of a man-cave. But females can have their lair also. A home office, library or workshop may suit your lifestyle. In doing so, your home will foster personal expression and emphasise the importance of maintaining individuality. Imagine your own escape pod, your retreat; an "admission only" by permission or "admission denied" zones. In this space you can decorate with no holds barred. You can do whatever you please and you are free to experiment. When these areas are decorated effectively, they can really complete a home and provide room for personal time with the changing roles that accompany the shift in needs and responsibilities that occurs as people mature.
Masculine spaces.
The man cave can be a spare bedroom, a den, a media room, or a garage. It is a place that does not need to appease female sensibilities and can be furnished very differently from the rest of the house. Often, a man cave is equipped with a refrigerator, pool table, vending machine, big screen television, or other furniture that allows him to enjoy hobbies, relax, or spend time with friends.
Female Indulgence.
Like the man cave, this type of space can vary significantly between individuals. It can be a room specifically designed for crafts and hobbies. It can be a quiet place to read, meditate or listen to music. Don't be afraid to be impractical and feminine. You can incorporate fashion trends or designs that may seem out of place in other areas of the house. Pamper yourself.
Cater for the kids.
For some in their forties kids are very much part of the household. By consciously catering for their needs and lifestyle your life will be easier and your space more functional. What do teenagers do? Study, lime and they will have hobbies. With younger children you will also have play areas and toys. Use outdoor fabrics for window treatments and upholstery. There are many very attractive outdoor fabrics that will look quite in place indoors and still look attractive and be easily cleaned. Cover the dining room table with glass or Plexiglas to protect its surface. Slipcover the dining chairs. Carpet tiles are very practical flooring for spaces with pets and children. Consider using coffee tables and ottomans with storage. Tidying up will be so much easier.
Flexibility and versatility.
As you mature your entertaining style changes. You may have more than a casual lime or barbeque to accommodate. In your forties it is conceivable that you may have to accommodate business related entertainment, such as dinners, or, you may have visiting in-laws or grandchildren. In this stage of your life, your homes have to be very versatile, flexible and transformable spaces. Think of guest bedrooms, mother-in-law suites, teenage entertainment spaces and your need for private time and personal spaces. See a trend? In all stages of life, we all need play/entertainment, work and relaxation areas. In a family home, these zones may overlap. Needs may change over time. But the key is to consciously consider the activities and plan for them.
