By creating a special space for your in laws, you will clear up possible tensions before they happen while at the same time showing them how much you love them.
Multi-generational homes offer a special set of benefits. Children get to spend more time with their grandparents. Parents benefit from the input and closeness of beloved family members. Grandparents and other relatives take part in raising the younger generation. But bringing that many people into such close quarters can increase tensions. A key to resolving these tensions and preventing them from escalating is making sure that, as much as possible, everyone has their space. One way to facilitate this is to create a parent or in-law suite.
Instructions
1. Decide if this is going to be a surprise or not. If this is not going to be a surprise, then consult your in laws to find out would like. Regardless, consider what they need and what they would like to make this place a pleasant escape. Make a budget for what you can afford to spend. Stay within this budget for the entire project, and plan to include decor, repairs and furniture.
2. Write down the goals for the suite. Also write down what the suite will need. Then inventory what you can be used or what they already have that can be used. Set priorities for what is needed. Break down the list against the budget, for example, $500 for new paint and carpet, $400 for furniture. Sketch the design on graph paper to make sure there is enough room for the furniture.
3. Move all of the furniture out of both rooms. Wipe down the walls either with a dry or damp rag. Vacuum and edge both rooms. If painting or hanging wall paper, tape off the windows, borders and vents. Paint the rooms or hang wall paper. For replacing carpeting or flooring, unless you have had experience, it would probably be best to get someone to do it professionally. Clean the windows and the fans.
4. Move the furniture you already own back into the suite. Bring larger items like the bed in first before bringing in smaller decorative items.
5. Purchase the remaining furniture and decor needs. Include a mini fridge and a microwave to give the in laws some independence and allow them to keep food on hand to take with their medication or just for a late night snack and movie. Other furniture to include would be storage friendly containers, such as ottomans with storage compartments and under the bed storage. Other possibilities should encompass your in laws' hobbies and pastimes.
6. Hang curtains, pictures and other decorative items. Consider adding rugs to further brighten the room. Bring in clothes and the most personal items in last.
7. Unveil the room. For a nice surprise touch, reveal the room at dusk with the lights on and candles on the coffee table with everything in perfect order. Stock the fridge. Make a welcome sign. Now bring them in.
Tags: what they, your laws, already have, already have that, , decorative items, going surprise