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| EDesigns Custom Interiors
Designing For The Future
Today one of the largest groups of consumers redesigning their homes are the baby-boomers. Having reached an age where the nest is empty  (or soon to be) and retirement has become a reality; time and income can be channeled in directions toward adding more ease of living and enjoyment to the home. This is also the ideal time for considering the incorporation of design into your home for aging in place; elements that are both stylish and allow for living independently by preparing for a possible need for a wheelchair or other handicap necessities.  Physical needs aside boomer home designs lean more toward personal interests than wanting to be part of the latest design trend. This is mostly due to the fact that baby-boomers know what they want. For example someone with an interest in Oriental design might decide they want their home to reflect this interest more strongly than in the past. Their home has become a place that reflects stronger personal style. Home is now a place where individual interests outweigh the need to entertain for business or serve the needs of child raising. The home now must meet the requirements of ease of living and beauty as more time is spent in leisure living there. 
 The choices of surfaces in the home now are considered with ease of living an important part of the design.
 Countertops that are wipe and go are desirable, as are floors that are easy care and offer a nonslip surface. Fabrics that are stain and soil resistant, as well as fade resistant also offer less effort to keep clean and beautiful. New product designs that offer more self-cleaning or decrease cleaning, such as kitchen appliances, recycling systems, improved laundry machines, help to decrease the time spent doing tasks and increase the time available for pursuing other interest. 
When choosing colors neutrals are still strong, however energetic colors like retro orange and green are popular. Other strong color choices are yellows and reds. While some of this may be influenced by the new appliance colors, part may be these colors are easier to see as we age. A safety factor may be a strong color contrast incorporated on countertops or step edges to alert us to the need to be cautious. The colors we choose also will affect our mood and energy levels and thought should be given to where we use them. For example in the bedroom soft relaxing color will be more beneficial to helping us relax and prepare for sleep. Red however is often used in the dining room to stimulate not only our appetite but also conversation. With time spent in the home it is important that we chose colors that inspire us and make our surroundings calm or energetic.
Less complicated upscale living is high on the list of wants for boomers. Homes that are more easily maintained, accessible and affordable make more sense. After all the point is to enjoy life and not to make costly repairs on high maintenance homes. Products such as granite countertops and tile floors are easy to maintain and will last the lifetime of the home. Designing doorways for wheelchairs is also good planning for future needs. Bathrooms and kitchens are other areas where forethought for accessibility is important. A no-step,  doorless shower with a  bench and grip bars can be easily designed and installed. A soaking tub could be relaxing and help relieve aches and pains. In the kitchen pullout shelves in the lower cabinets would eliminate the need to bend or kneel to retrieve stored items.
 Smaller homes that are one-floor are not only easier to maintain but also allow full use of the space available. When aging in place is intended these floor plans allow full use of the entire home and are at the same time very stylish. There is also the benefit of being more energy efficient. When considering your home design, think “vital, active, engaged and aware.” This is the home where you can take the time and really enjoy your space.
Elizabeth Dinges
** Bathrooms by Kohler ** Kitchens by GE
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