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Top 5 Design Posts of the Week
September 13th brings us National Grandparents Day, which is a day for us to spend some time (perhaps virtually) reminding our grandparents how much they mean to us. In this day and age, there are vast possibilities for those on the cusp of retirement, and it’s up to the individual to choose their own adventure! Downsizing from a detached home to a condo in a senior living community, renovating family’s home spaces to transform them into in-law suites – plenty of options depending on how you envision your golden years! No longer do we see the one-track route to a retirement home, which opens the door to a world of possibilities.
This week’s top 5 designs all involve inspirations for those considering moving-out, staying in place, or perhaps entering the world of excitement with a permanent retirement vacation. Take a look at this week’s top 5 designs, and don’t forget to do something special for your grandparents this September 13th.
ACDF builds Panorama retirement home for "sophisticated seniors" on outskirts of Montreal, Dezeen
With a project name like “Panorama”, Montreal firm ACDF Architecture really went above and beyond (literally) your typical retirement home design. Located approximately 40 minutes outside downtown Montreal, Panorama is comprised of a “slender residential tower and a two-story linear volume on the ground floor that houses a 32-patient care unit, lobby, and numerous amenities.” With plenty of windows, the residents have stunning views of the adjacent river Riviere des Prairies and the town of Sainte-Dorothee, and in the distance Mount Royal can also be seen. Appearing much more like a boutique hotel then a retirement facility, Panorama offers an interior lobby of upholstered chairs, abstract rugs, and marble side-tables. Even the interior layout is formed to avoid the feeling of “dead-end linear corridors”, which adds a nice open feel to the building’s structure. Check out the article link and enjoy some more stunning pictures of Panorama, one of 4 retirement projects being designed by the firm.
Urban Getaway, Home and Design
Owners David and Ruthie Carliner reside in northern Baltimore County, and wanted a space to call their own within the District as to enjoy the bustling activities and attractions the city has to offer. They purchased a flat in Georgetown, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the C&O Canal, and then began renovations with DC architect and designer Andreas Charalambous. They had no concrete ideas as to where they wanted to take the space design-wise, only that they wanted to maximize the space of the 1,400 square-foot apartment. Andreas focused on maximizing the space provided and started by completely demolishing the entire interior. From there, the couple and designer shared insights and came to some conclusions about the direction of their design, settling on glossy white cabinets, large-format stone tiles to replace the wooden panels of the past, and even creating a multi-purpose office space that serves as a guest-room for visiting grandchildren. Check out their space and take some inspiration form the complete re-design that turned out to be their new-beginning!
11 trends in senior living, Building Design & Construction
Building Design and Construction brings us their top 11 trends for senior-citizens and their living styles, which are constantly changing in today’s modern day and age. Their insight offers some inspirations for those looking at options for retirement living, including trends such as taking advantage of open floorplans, utilizing crisp jewel tones, and even adding the importance of having a space for outdoor amenities, among other trends. Check out their list and admire the accompanying pictures and take notes on what you should be looking for in a retirement home today!
12 Must-Haves for Aging in Place, Houzz
Focusing more on the “staying at home” aspect of retirement living, Houzz offers their 12 “must-haves” for anybody of age and wanting to stay in their own space. They offer essentials “to help keep your house accessible, safe, and stylish for your life ahead.” From the often underappreciated curbless shower design to simple-to-use lever faucets, their 12 insights provide more than a starting place for those wondering on what is essential for aging in place. One of our favorites on the list would have to be the often-overlooked and under-utilized staircase lighting, as it makes those trips to the fridge at 2 a.m. a little less daunting!
Everything You Should Know About Designing a Home for Aging in Place, Architectural Digest
Wrapping up this week’s top 5 design posts, we have Architectural Digest and their complete guide on designing a home perfect for aging in place. The article shares some interesting statistics about senior-living, which are worth a read in the brief introduction. The article digresses into sharing advice and style-inspiration about ways to “simplify” a home, including the risks present when turning to suggestions like utilizing a smartphone app for a appliances and lights. Offering insight on everything from flooring to bathrooms and everything in between, consider this your one-stop guide for the necessities on how to create a viable space that’s design-savvy, all while making it the most ideal place for senior-citizens. Check out the article linked above!
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