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The �empty-nest syndrome� has long been characterized as a period of bereavement parents experience when a child leaves home in search of independence and adulthood. However, as the last boxes are dropped off in dorm rooms across the country, many parents are beginning to realize that, for the first time in a long time, they have the house all to themselves.

One of the fastest growing groups in America, empty nesters are finding creative ways to take advantage of the newly acquired space in their home. New trends in home design focus on renovating, reinventing, and rethinking empty-nesters� concept of home. The trend is driven in large part by Baby Boomers, a generation that encompasses nearly 75 million adults. Unlike many in their parents� generation, Baby Boomers see their future as a continuation of adventure and learning, a belief that becomes evident in many of their home design choices.

While raising children, home-buying decisions typically revolve around family interests such as school districts, resale values, and distance to work. Newly independent couples often have the freedom to dictate what is important to them in a home without outside considerations. High on the list of considerations is the quality of their current life and their future.

�When the kids leave, two things happen,� said Gregory Miedema, president of Dakota Builders, Inc., a custom remodeler from Tucson, Arizona and member of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. �They get their life back and they have more disposable income. The house becomes �my retreat,� or �my space.��

The empty-nesters trend is especially apparent, Miedema said, in bathroom and bedroom remodeling. Once a couple decides on the house they want to stay in, it is essential that they can grow old in it. The demand for tub to shower conversions and grab bars is rapidly increasing. And many bedrooms are converted into master suites, often with a sitting area, private patio, and access to an exercise room and home office.

Another growing trend associated with remodeling is the concept of the home as a family compound. The children may be gone, but eventually they will return, and many newly independent couples want large spaces that can accommodate visiting children and grandchildren. Many homeowners, particularly those in the 40 to 50 age group, want space that can house aging parents as well. �When the alternative for their parents is assisted living, clients choose a remodeling project, hands down,� said Miedema.

With time and energy no longer spent on carpooling, soccer practices, and student-teacher meetings, many empty-nesters are exploring passions previously set aside. Remodeling projects often include transforming space into studios, workshops, and offices. Independent couples now have the resources to focus on their interests and want to create home-space to pursue those interests.

The empty-nesters trend is one with a growing future, and does not just include retirees. Younger empty-nesters are getting in on the act as well, hoping for a long life ahead in their new found space. �As technology and health care continue to improve, we�re living longer and longer,� said Miedema. �This is not just an �older person�s� market by any means.�

For more information on renovating a recently kid-free home, check out The House to Ourselves: Reinventing Home Once Kids Are Grown by Todd Lawson and Tom Connor (The Taunton Press) available on www.BuilderBooks.com. You can also visit www.nahb.org or contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah by telephone at (912) 354-6193 and visit its website at www.homebuildersofsavannah.com.