May 2018
Mega Market

Today, 1 in 3 Americans is over the age of 50 years old, making up a mega market that is active, buying homes and wanting to age gracefully in those homes. This market is very youthful and embraces "agelessness”. They are considering this next phase of life, after kids are gone, as “Adult Life 2.0”.

The new phrase coined at the 2018 Builder Show is "Thriving in Place" - replacing the old, dated phrase “Aging In Place” - describes these active, fun adults more accurately!
Ageless Design Home Trends
Below are universal design trends to help create Ageless Homes that everyone (of every age) will appreciate. These design features and floor plan improvements provide functions that are desirable by all. These will increase your ROI on livability and support the process of “Aging Gracefully”. 
o Overall –
  • 1st floor living – master bedroom & laundry on main level 
  • Low maintenance waterproof LVP flooring
  • More natural light & layered lighting throughout – bathroom sconces w/recessed lights along with lit vanity mirror, etc.
  • Easy to read and control thermostats
  • Lever door handles, rocker switches & motion sensor switches
  • Wider 4’ hallways – or remove hallways as much as possible
  •  3’ wide interior door widths minimum – incorporate more pocket or barn doors
  • “Snore & More” rooms next to Master Bedroom with a Murphy bed & TV
  • Provide Flex Room Options: Customized space – have this option for your buyers. Can be extra storage, pocket office, pet room, beverage center, powder room, wine room/bar, guest bedroom
  • His & Her spaces – vanities, closets, casual work areas
  • Step-less entryway at front door – not only for the 55+, but moms w/strollers, those recovering from knee surgery, etc
  • Path, hallway, and stair lighting on motion sensors
  • Landing area and rails on both sides of stairs
  • Extra storage areas/nooks – glass front cabinets, walk-in closets, attic storage (without pull down steps which are not safe), and garage storage space


o Master Baths –
  • Zero entry showers with built-in seat
  • Separate toilet room
  • Large format non-slip tiles with small grout lines
  • Move shower knobs near entry and not under shower head
  • Timers (on bathroom vents/heaters) with auto shutoff in 30 min
  • Grab bars that are disguised not to look like grab bars

o Kitchen –
  • Quartz counters – no maintenance, won’t stain, non-porous, won’t chip
  • LED Lights inside kitchen drawers & cabinets
  • Beverage center with drink fridge (34% of 55+ are wine drinkers)
  • Large, open Island
  • Over-sized walk-in pantry for added storage & bulk items

o Outdoor Living is King – finally have time to enjoy outdoor spaces
  • Dining, cooking, gathering spaces around fire pit plus additional heaters
  • Don’t forget a front porch

Contact us today about implementing these new design features into your next model!

Phyllis, Johanna & Kate
ICI Model Home Marketing Team
Interior Concepts, Inc.
410-224-7366