Young at Heart

Contemporary, universal design for older buyers marries form and function

For years, builders have lived by the buying power of the baby boomer generation. As many boomers seek 55-or-older communities, their preferences are taking center stage.

The contemporary design features - strong, clean lines and a quiet sophistication - that resonate with many younger buyers mirror those that appeal to those over 55. Healthy and often employed well into the traditional retirement years, these buyers also appreciate how the linear elements of contemporary design provide tools to create a lifetime of accessibility and functionality in their homes.

And the last thing they want is a house that looks like a nursing home.

"No one in this age group wants to walk into a model and see anything that makes them feel like they're old," says Jim Chapman, president of Jim Chapman Communities, an Atlanta-based builder and developer. "We have a real mobile, active buyer."

Topping the list of structural design features are single-level, open floor plans with vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows. These features simplify sight lines and add a sense of drama without clutter. They also maximize natural light, which gives buyers an overall feeling of wellness and improved visibility.

In the kitchen, popular options for older buyers include cabinets with plenty of pullout drawers instead of doors that require excessive bending, platform dishwashers raised to counter height and the increasingly popular dishwasher drawer. Also gaining popularity is ample recessed lighting and under-cabinet task lighting. Slim and contemporary drawer pulls run the length of cabinet drawers and provide easier access for those who have trouble gripping knobs.

In master baths, 55-plus buyers appreciate the contemporary styling of walk-in showers. These typically feature sleek fixtures and simple but elegant natural stone or tile work. They can be built with or without doors, eliminating the need for a shower curtain and offering a resort-style atmosphere. At the same time, walk-in showers provide great accessibility for any resident or guest with a mobility limitation without calling attention to it.

"It is not necessary to sacrifice beauty for functionality," says Bill Slease, president of Tapestry Custom Homes in McKinney, Texas, whose own home features a walk-in shower that fuses natural stone with contemporary-style fixtures.

In 2007, Slease was a judge in the first-ever Livable Communities Awards, co-sponsored by AARP and the National Association of Home Builders. Winners showcased the very best in universal design. Elinor Ginzler, director for livable communities at AARP, says she was thrilled to see entries that combined comfort, safety, functionality and beauty.

"Clearly, anytime we see builders incorporating universal design principles in their work, this is exactly what works for us," she says. "We love it anytime we see buildings that minimize steps, with no-threshold entrances and bathrooms that are accessible, yet gorgeous and spa-like in their presentation."


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