As much as you love your kids, every parent needs their own personal space from time to time to relax and unwind. Incorporating a parents’ retreat into your home is becoming more and more popular as couples look at ways to reconnect without going on an overseas trip.
Although you might think a parents’ retreat is out of your budget, the good news is that a parent’s-only zone can be surprisingly affordable. Here are some ways you can add a secluded parent’s retreat into your home while sticking to your budget.
Low budget options – makeover your master bedroom
You don’t need a spare $100,000 to create a parents’ retreat.
Consider how you can use the existing features of your master bedroom to create a parent’s zone. For instance, if you have a sizeable bedroom, consider adding a sofa or chaise lounge, a lamp for reading and a soft rug or throw for that feeling of luxury.
If the room is upstairs and has a balcony, you could transform this outside space into a shady nook for the summer months when it’s too hot to stay inside. Comfortable seating, cushions, a low table, awning, plants and even a makeshift bar for drinks can make you feel like you’re on holiday in your own home.
If you have an ensuite with a bath, consider a budget bathroom makeover. Think luxurious fluffy towels, quality bath products, bathrobes, slippers and scented candles to create an in-home spa retreat. It doesn’t matter how big or small your space is, it’s about setting up a child free zone for you to relax and unwind.
With this in mind, it’s important to set ground rules so kids know when it’s parents’ time out. Lazy Sunday mornings or chill-out Saturday nights are good times to give yourself an hour to catch your breath from parenthood.
Medium budget options – renovate your master or a spare bedroom
If you have a bit of extra cash to play with, you could consider renovating your bedroom and ensuite extensively by repainting or retiling, adding a jacuzzi bath and rainforest shower, dimmer switches for mood lighting, updating window treatments and flooring or adding a skylight for natural light.
If you’re an empty nester, you have the advantage of being able to use a bedroom of a child who’s moved out to create your parents’ retreat. The bedroom could be converted into an entertaining room with a flashy home theatre system and mini bar – perfect for enjoying with guests.
High budget options – add an extension or a granny flat
If you’re craving a larger space to call your own, and have the necessary funds, you could add a second storey extension to your home. As well as adding value, a second storey addition could give you a second bedroom or living space and seclusion from the rest of the house.
For the ultimate in luxury, you could add an open plan bathroom with an exposed bath, twin vanities and a high-end double shower with massaging jets. Just think, you may never need to visit a spa resort again!
Another alternative is to create a retreat that is separate to the main house. If you have a sizeable garden, a ready-made granny flat can be quickly installed on your property and is perfect for a parents’ retreat. Consider including solar panels so it can function as an off-grid luxury dwelling and smart home features (turn the lights and heating/cooling on from the main house with a touch of button to get it ready for your use).
Don’t forget to install a door lock with a code that only the two of you know, and your home-away-from-home getaway is complete!
