It wasn’t long ago that you were changing your little angel’s diapers. Suddenly, you’re seeing him off to college or university. Once you’ve dried your last tear, think about the spare bedroom you can finally redecorate. With no more Britney Spears posters and Do Not Disturb signs, you can create an elegant sitting room, workspace or guest room that can be easily converted if and when your bundle of joy returns.

Sitting Pretty
For a polished yet relaxing sitting room, it’s all about, well, the seating. Figure out how much space you have and how much additional furniture you’re willing to bring in. You’ll want to give the space a cozy and tranquil feel (you deserve it after 18 years of child rearing). Opt for soft, neutral shades when choosing fabrics for sofas, chairs and paint. Check out Gluckstein Home’s Hampton Wickham Chair ($1,099, below). Conjuring a cottage feel, Gluckstein’s collection will have you reading a good book with your feet up all day long. Because the chair, along with a loveseat from the same collection, will remain neutral, go for unique accents in bright colours that you can change with the trends. Add vibrant pillows, throws, vases or a fresh bouquet of flowers. Soft lighting — think romantic sconces and candles — will create the perfect ambiance.
glucksteinhome.com

Work to Room
Another viable option for your vacant room is an office for you and your family. With emails to answer, bills to pay, budgets to plan and inevitably, files to bring home, there is always need for a stylish and functional workspace. For a traditional working environment, choose dark woods such as mahogany for the desks and storage units, and dark leather seating. The Stanton Desk ($1,299, below-left) in cognac and matching desk chair ($599, below) from Bombay & Co. will act as the focal point of the room. Try the Claybourne Leather Chair ($1,199,below) as an accent seat. These bold pieces will have you getting down to business and will also serve as a great study area for your visiting offspring. bombay.ca

Room Anew
There’s a perfectly good bed in that room, so why not keep it in place? Instead of moving in a lot of furniture, create a style and colour scheme that will complement the rest of your home. Painting is always a wonderful way to update your room on the cheap and don’t be afraid to change the sheets and duvet or add a fun bed skirt, some fluffy pillows and family photos. President’s Choice Home Collection has a nice range of chic and affordable bedding. Check out the Alden sheet set and duvet cover set ($55, below) made from 100% cotton percale. Remove any unwanted furniture so the room is more spacious, or add some artwork and a beautiful lighting fixture, such as a chandelier, to really give the bedroom some pop. Now Aunt Gertrude will have a place to stay, next time she’s in town! presidentschoice.ca