Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have been adjusting to life as empty nesters since their three children—Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 22—moved out for college.
While many parents might redecorate or repurpose their kids’ rooms,
the Live with Kelly & Mark co-hosts revealed a surprising change they’ve made to their $27 million New York City home.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the couple shared how their daily lives have shifted now that it’s just the two of them in their lavish Upper East Side townhouse.
What caught fans off guard, however, was Mark’s unexpected new ritual.
Mark’s Surprising Home Habit
When Jimmy Kimmel asked whether they had changed anything in their home since becoming empty nesters, Kelly and Mark admitted that their kids’ rooms remain mostly untouched. However, Mark confessed to an unusual habit he’s recently adopted.
“I’ve been going around using their bathrooms,” he revealed, much to the amusement of the audience.
A puzzled Jimmy pressed for an explanation, prompting Mark to elaborate. “Because we paid for the house, and I’ve never sat there, so I wanted to sit there.”
Kelly, quick with her wit, added, “I, for one, am grateful.”
The hilarious revelation left the audience in stitches, showing once again the playful dynamic that fans love about the couple.
A Peek Inside Their Luxurious Townhouse
The couple’s New York City home, which they purchased over a decade ago, is a sprawling multi-million dollar property that has been meticulously designed to reflect their style. In December, they offered Architectural Digest a glimpse into their stunning residence, which blends French elegance with Old Hollywood glamour—a design aesthetic inspired by the classic film Mommie Dearest.
The home features modern touches, intricate detailing, and a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. Although their children have moved out, their rooms remain untouched for now—aside from Mark’s newfound habit of making use of their bathrooms.
Balancing Work and Home Life
During their chat with Jimmy Kimmel, Kelly and Mark also opened up about how they separate their professional and personal lives, given that they co-host Live with Kelly & Mark together every morning.
Jimmy jokingly asked, “As your therapist, how’s it going? Is it affecting you positively? Your relationship?”
Kelly laughed before replying, “We need two couches.”
She went on to explain that they rarely discuss work at home because they experience it together in real-time. “We don’t really talk about work at home ever because we’re there. We don’t have to fill each other in, we already know what happened and how bad or good it was.”
Red Carpet-Ready for the Interview
As always, Kelly and Mark looked effortlessly stylish during their Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance. Kelly stunned in a sleek black ensemble featuring a tailored silk blazer cinched at the waist, paired with sheer lace detailing and a diamond-encrusted necklace. She completed the look with pointed-toe heels and soft waves in her blonde locks. Her makeup was the perfect balance of subtle glamour, featuring a bronze smokey eye, rosy blush, and a glossy pink lip.
Mark, meanwhile, complemented her chic look with a classic black tailored suit, crisp white shirt, and a diamond-studded brooch on his lapel.
Enjoying the Empty Nest Phase
Though their house may be quieter without their children, Kelly and Mark are clearly making the most of this new chapter in their lives. With their signature humor and strong partnership, they continue to embrace the changes that come with an empty nest—whether that means making use of extra bathrooms or simply enjoying more time together.
While many might have expected a drastic renovation or home transformation, Mark’s surprising confession proves that sometimes, the most unexpected changes are the simplest ones.
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