Thereās a new wave of homeowners influencing the housing market. Meet the SINKs ā single income, no kids homeowners ā who purchase homes even if they havenāt settled down with a partner. And with no children or partners to fill extra rooms, they have a lot of space to turn into something other than a guest bedroom or storage.
The Rise of SINK Homeowners
More people are choosing to go on the single, child-free route. In 2023, the number of adults under 50 ā a 10% increase from 2018. The main reason is simply because they donāt want to. Financial independence, career focus, and lifestyle preferences are also key drivers of this decision.
Female SINK homeowners are on the rise. Single women across the United States own than single men. Growing financial confidence is fueling this trend despite the persistence of the gender pay gap ā American women earn only earned by their male counterparts.
Without kids or a partner to share the home with, the multiple unused bedrooms are transformed into an extension of their personality and interests. Hereās how theyāre reimagining their spaces.
1. The Ultimate Walk-In Closet
For some, a spacious walk-in closet is a luxury, a dream, even the stuff of imagination. But for SINKs, itās a reality.
Many SINK homeowners are transforming their spare bedrooms into organized wardrobe spaces, complete with endless shelves, display cases and full-length mirrors. Thereās room to store seasonal clothing, a designated drawer for accessories, and even a tall shelf just for bags and shoes.
2. The Dedicated Home Office
Remote work is going strong. In America, from home. Instead of working from their beds, many are converting spare rooms into full-fledged home offices.
The wonderful thing about this is the ability to separate leisure and rest spaces from productive zones. Itās satisfying to close the door to your home office, just like leaving an on-site job. Plus, SINKs can design their workspace to their liking ā minimalistic, cozy or filled with personal inspiration ā instead of being limited to a standard desk or cubicle.
3. Entertainment Area
Whatās cozier than having your very own home theater for movie marathons? Many single homeowners are creating entertainment spaces tailored to their lifestyles.
Add reclining chairs and a projector, and you’re set. Some even go to recreate that authentic movie theater experience without disturbing the neighbors. With that in place, the space can also double as a jam room for playing instruments.
4. Home Gym & Wellness Retreat
Why pay for a gym membership when you can bring the gym home? SINKs who live active lifestyles invest in equipment to create their home gyms. The space includes weight racks, yoga mats, a stationary bike, and even fitness mirrors to help them monitor their form more effectively.
5. A Personal Library or Reading Nook
Another fantasy many SINKs are turning into reality is a personal library filled with wall-to-wall bookshelves, ultra-comfy reading chairs, and soft lighting. Surrounding yourself with physical books with a digital detox.
Bonus points if you have rolling ladders to live out your Belle dreams, sliding from one shelf to another. Itās the ultimate escape from the outside world.
6. A Room Just for the Dog or Cat
If you think SINK is a new acronym, thereās also SINKWAD, which stands for āSingle Income, No Kids, With a Dog.ā Without children to raise, many homeowners turn to pets for companionship. In fact, family members, so itās no surprise that many are giving their pooches or kitties an entire room of their own. This could mean a cozy pet lounge, an indoor play area, or a luxurious bed setup.
For those with multiple pets, a spare room becomes the perfect stress-free zone for pet care. Homeownership also makes having a pet easier than renting, which often comes with restrictions.
7. Hobby & Craft Studio
Crafty SINKs are turning their spare bedrooms into creative workspaces. With the time, energy, and disposable income to invest in hobbies, itās only natural for an empty room to become a mess-friendly zone for artistic pursuits. Think of pottery, painting or even building projects.
The space can also double as storage for an endless array of craft materials ā needles, thread, fabric, yarn, paints, brushes, pliers, building supplies, and more. For those who build toys or models as a hobby, it serves as a perfect display area to showcase the fruits of their labor.
SINKs Are Living Solo but Fulfilled Lives
The traditional expectations for adults are working, settling down with a partner, and having children, but SINKs prove fulfillment goes beyond family life. With the freedom to design their homes, their spaces reflect their individuality and unique lifestyles. If youāre one of these SINKs who also has a spare bedroom, why not turn it into something that will support your lifestyle, making it even more fulfilling?
