Empty Nesters Are Upsizing: Designing Forever Homes with Style and Aging-in-Place Features On the Around the House Show, host Eric G talks with interior designer Wendy Glaister about shifting empty-nester trends, with more clients rejecting traditional downsizing and instead upsizing or redesigning homes to support an active “next chapter.” They discuss how pandemic-era priorities, agency, and quality of life are driving decisions, along with incorporating subtle aging-in-place features that look high-end—zero-threshold showers, bidet-ready outlets, better lighting, heated floors, safer induction cooktops, and sound-insulated offices/bathrooms. Wendy shares examples including a Wall Street Journal–featured ranch remodel built for long-term accessibility and a dentist couple who chose a new property better suited for entertaining and family gatherings. They also highlight the value of bringing trusted professionals on house hunts to avoid unrealistic renovation cost expectations and to align layouts with real lifestyle needs, such as separate offices and hobby spaces.

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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.