Jacobs offers transitional spaces

Kids grow up fast, and unless you plan ahead that can mean remodeling to meet their changing needs.

To avoid the need to remodel and redefine children's space, Jacobs Homes designs and builds homes ready for transitions.

"Designing space to grow with your children is often a part of the homebuilding process that gets overlooked, and before you know it, they've outgrown the layout. This is why people tend to move every seven to 10 years," said Keith Jacobs, president of Jacobs Homes.

Space designed to transition with the family is evidenced in a custom home built by Jacobs in Highland Park. All three of the children's rooms in the Highland Park home feature timeless elements, most notably, private baths attached to each of the rooms.

"Each of the children's rooms were designed as mini-suites, including their own attached bath," Jacobs said. "This feature is ideal for kids -- and parents -- as they move into their teen and young adult years, offering privacy. And if the homeowner desires, the room can be converted easily into a guest suite, once the child has grown and moved out."

The idea can be duplicated in any type of home, with the addition of a centrally located kids' bath. "Not everyone lives in a custom home with the option of creating kids' suites with attached baths, but having a separate bath just for the kids -- located just off of their rooms -- is an easy way to create space that suits any age in any style of home," Jacobs added.

The bedrooms also include walk-in closets for maximum storage -- from toys at an early age to clothes and accessories as the children grow older. "This allows the bedroom to remain tidy and uncluttered while serving as a great place to showcase trophies, collectibles and other items," Jacobs said.

Choice of decor also plays a role in making an easy transition as the children grow. "At the Highland Park home, the bedrooms include architectural elements that are timeless, such as rich crown molding and hardwood floors," Jacobs said. "These elements remain the anchors of the space."

Decorating for a 2-year-old can be tricky -- favorite colors and characters can change daily. Once a child turns 4, it's easier to transition into a more sophisticated space that will carry into the teen years and beyond.

Choosing timeless furniture, as opposed to themed, children-inspired decor, keeps things fresh. "Nothing gets outdated more quickly than the race-car bed," Jacobs added. "Opting for timeless furniture and adding mature elements with whimsical touches is a better way of catering to the child's interests, and is easily updated over time without a major investment in new furnishings."

The Highland Park home also includes a centrally located common area with a television, comfortable seating and storage space for video games and other entertainment for the children.

The three children's rooms are situated around this personal area for watching movies, playing board games, listening to music and just relaxing outside of their rooms.

Again, the creation of space outside of the bedrooms, as well as incorporating timeless furniture, can be easily done in any style of home, Jacobs said.

For more information on any Jacobs Homes community, call (847) 945-6500 or visit the online gallery at www.jacobshomes.net.