The 7 Most Important Features for Your Luxury Forever Home
Most of the clients we work with hire us to help them design their forever homes. While luxury and style are also very important, throughout the design process it is critical to consider selections and design features that will allow our clients to age in place. No one wants to outgrow their biggest investment and have it lose its functionality over time.
These helpful tips will provide function and beauty for you now and for the long-term.
1. Convenient Motorized Window Treatments
Our firm continues to see the increase in popularity of motorized treatments. You can even control motorized shades from your smart phone. This feature is convenient now, but becomes even more important in the future.
2. Easily Operable Windows to Prevent Joint Strain
Windows that open in the up/down direction are much more difficult to use as mobility decreases. We recommend you opt for windows that open inward/outward for ease of use 5, 10, 20 years down the road.
3. Accessible Kitchen Drawers Under Countertops and Island
We have assisted on thousands of kitchen designs and have found that our clients prefer that most of their storage be drawers and not open cabinets. Drawers offer easy accessibility (no matter your age), better organization, and no straining yourself to dig to the very back of the cabinet.
4. Walk-in Showers with Multi-Purpose Grab Bar
Walk-in showers are both popular and functional now and provide increased accessibility as you get older. There are even attractive grab bars that can function as a towel rack and also as a source of support. Beauty and function!
5. Layered Soft Flooring for the Feet and Back
I typically suggest my clients install all hard flooring in their home for sustainability and durability. However, your home still needs soft surfaces to add luxury (plus, they are easier on backs and joints). Layering rugs and rug pads over hard surfaces adds beauty and allows them to be changed out more easily in 15 or 20 years when you want an updated look.
6. Lever Style Door Handles for Older and Younger Hands
Twistable door knobs can be difficult to turn when mobility decreases (or for the little hands of grandkids.) We recommend lever style door handles as a practical option. This type of handle comes in many great looks and finishes.
7. Smart Home Technology as a Long-Term Investment
If you are building a new hope or a major remodel, consider investing in smart home technology. It is a great investment for the long haul. Things that may seem simple to you now may be more of a challenge down the road, and smart technology can help make those tasks easier in the future.
Your Stunning and Sensible Forever Home
It is a myth that practical design can't be beautiful, personal, and all the things you want your home to be.
Your home should be both beautiful and durable to hold up to friends, family and pets.
Renee Koth, at our firm, is our technology expert and guru of all these little details. It is our passion to bring your dream forever home to life.
Ready for a home that's as beautiful as the people in it? We'd love to help. Let's talk!
Warmly,
Robin