A little room to breathe

Change is an inevitable part of life, though not always an easy one.

The transition from family life to empty nesting can be a sensitive time, but it’s also a time full of opportunity and excitement.

At home, the transitional nature of this part of life can be illustrated in a stark way. Empty bedrooms, fewer people in the kitchen, no more homework scattered over the living room.

But what do you do now? How do you take a home that was often intended for more people than live there now, and make it right for your life today?

This is where rightsizing comes in – the chance to take stock of your home as it is, and make it work uniquely for you, now and in the future.

What is rightsizing?

As a nation, we’re moving home less often than before. The average Brit moves six times during the course of their lifetime, a figure that is 25% lower than in 2018.

As a result, homes stay with us, and us with them, for longer and through more of life than ever before.

Rightsizing is the idea that we can adapt our homes over time to make them the right size, rather than moving house if we need more, or less, space. Rightsizers take the time to consider what spaces would enhance their lives, not just what’s a necessity.

“When children move out, there is often a real hesitation to change the bedroom spaces that were once theirs. What you should do with a spare room will be different for everybody, but what you shouldn’t do is shut the door on it and let that space go unused. Creating flexible spaces means that you can “rightsize” to a home that reflects your life today, while still making sure there’s room for everybody when those special moments come around.” – Laura Gatehouse, Neville Johnson Designer

Many empty nesters have newly-spare bedrooms, or just feel the extra space when there are fewer people in the kitchen or living room, for example. By rightsizing, you can take these spaces, and transform them into something that enhances the way you live, rather than just gathering dust behind a door.

Creating a space to call your own

For many people, the empty nest phase of life is the first time in a long time that they can make decisions that aren’t solely based around the family unit.

When you create spaces specifically for calm, contemplation, and conversation, you’re also creating spaces that finally prioritise you. The most significant shift is not a physical one, but a change in mindset – the expectation that the home should not simply accommodate life but actively improve it.

A space to call your own is different for everyone, and with bespoke design, every nook we upgrade or room we transform is completely unique to you.

Coffee, wine, and cocktail spaces

More than just a party piece, a home bar or beverage station is one of the only spaces at home designed solely for connection – be that connection with friends and family, or just with yourself.

Curated reading nooks

Nooks that hold more than books, a Neville Johnson library is made to measure around your collection specifically. From books, lamps, and vases to records, heirlooms, and sculpture, we’ll take the time to craft a space that holds the things that you hold dear.

Dedicated concentration spaces

Creativity, productivity, flow – whatever you call it, the feeling when your thoughts are focused and clear, the blockers are gone, and you’re doing what you enjoy is a special one, and it comes easier in the right space. Concentration spaces – for work or for play – provide you with the bespoke tools and features you need to feel your best.

Boutique-style dressing areas

The way we dress is one of the most visible ways we express ourselves. We start every day with the power to determine how we want to meet the world – with confidence, with calm, with comfort.

Enjoy the ritual of getting dressed in a space designed perfectly for the occasion, and of unwinding and reflecting each evening in a space designed around you and your unique collection.

Your space, your way

With the right design know-how, a spare room can be transformed into almost anything you can imagine.

From hobby spaces and craft rooms with bespoke shelving for all your materials, to music studios, vinyl record rooms, gaming spaces, home gyms or collectors treasure troves – with bespoke design, a space that’s just for you is possible with great design from Neville Johnson.

“In my experience, the most successful spare room renovations are the ones that have a purpose that aligns with how the client lives. If they’re big hosts, home bar spaces become the social hub of the home, but for homeowners who are more introverted, spaces of quiet reflection like libraries or dressing spaces will be more impactful.” – Jen Porter, Neville Johnson Designer

A new chapter begins

As all Neville Johnson furniture is entirely bespoke, our designers come with an open mind and a listening ear. We’re not just here to build storage solutions; we’re your collaborator and guide, working together to create your dream home right where you are now.