July 2019
Ageless and beautiful function is something every buyer responds to. Applying this element to home design can be seamless and simple. It can broaden your buyer’s market and inspire smart choices that benefit everyone at any age.

Here are seven design ideas to consider in your next home that will never grow old!

ONE LEVEL LIVING

Having all the essential rooms on the main level of our homes is preferred by most. This includes a master suite, kitchen, family room as well as laundry room at the very least. All guest spaces and/or hobby spaces can be upstairs. 


ZERO ENTRY

Live with no boundaries! Get rid of any "speed bumps" that separate spaces from the rest of the home. Step-less showers, as well as step-less entryways are no longer necessary for just the 55+... they are also useful for parents with strollers and those who are recovering from surgery, and much more.


BEAUTY IN THE GRAB

Easy to use grab bars, rocker switches & door levers are key in ageless homes. Grab bars can be attractive! Rocker switches require less hand pressure and can have small LED light when "off" making them easy to find in the dark. Traditional round door handles are not as easy to use especially when carrying anything in your hands.


WIDER, EASIER DOORS

Wider doors as well as barn & pocket doors, that are a minimum of 3’ wide, easily slide out of the way rather than opening into you. These options are easier all around, for people of all ages to maneuver through their home.


LOW MAINTENANCE

Everyone wants to simplify their lives with low maintenance products. Quartz as counter tops are extremely durable, non-porous and stain-and-crack resistant. Quartz also does not require sealing (or regular resealing as with granite) and is easy to clean with mild soap, water and a soft cloth... lets not forget it is anti-microbial creating a more sanitized home!

Another great product is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring - an innovative product that's come a long way. LVP is waterproof, scratch & stain resistant and has the elegance of hardwood with the durability of vinyl. It lives better, is more cost-efficient and has a quick and easy installation with no glue/adhesive... We continue to see LVP in homes of all price points!


EASY ACCESS

Think between knees & shoulders! Keep drawers and upper cabinets (especially in kitchens) at a height that is easily accessible for everyone, so you don't have to get on your knees or use a step stool to find what you regularly use.


AMPLE LAYERED LIGHTING

Overhead and recessed lighting are great, but they don't get the job done. In bathrooms, include sconces & lit mirrors, drawers & cabinets -- in addition to more strategically placed windows. 60-year-old's need 6 times as much lighting as a 20-year-old, but everyone enjoys an extra element of light. Also include motion sensor lights in hallways, steps, closet rods, and drawers. Consider auto shut-off timers to help save energy as a plus!


Make sure to contact us for help implementing these ageless home design trends into your next model!


Best wishes,

Phyllis, Johanna, Kate & Corrie
Interior Concepts Model Home Team