Retirement Floor Plans

the latest in design tips and trends   

The modern kitchen pictured above typifies the the most popular current trends in kitchen design and retirement floor plans:

• the use of quartz countertops
• the island kitchen with seating 
• and white with bold accents

Builders needs to cut back on embellishments

Retirement floor plans are carefully designed to meet the buyers needs and the needs of aging.  Builders use methods like surveys to discover what buyers want.

Is it necessary to have an extra room in the kitchen for seating.  Rather storage is seen to be frequently requested by consumers..  More cabinetry up to the ceiling.  Seating at an island countertop in shiny white quartz is sufficient for most seniors.

current trends

Quartz Countertops in kitchen

Shiny and creamy white countertops

The photo above shows the newest "must have."  The creamy, glossy look of the quartz countertop in the kitchen (or bath) can be a gleaming luxury as it is more expensive but longer lasting.  Granite is still desirable but quartz is fast reversing this trend.  

Master Bedrooms on first floor -

Master bedrooms are usually on the main level. I recommend this, if only for resale value. Most people in retirement prefer their bedroom on the first floor or a ranch home. This is also one of the criteria for an "aging in place" floorplan. 

Baths -

Separate soaking tubs and creative shower arrangements, floating washbowls and plenty of storage is the new vision of the bathroom.  

Bathrooms are more luxurious with upscale fixtures, sinks, and tiles.   Showers are separated from tubs for soaking.  Showers have seats. Bathrooms are substantial and airy.  Make your bathroom spa-like--reminiscent of luxury hotel bathrooms in the islands. 

Living and Dining Rooms -

The "Great Room" by Mattamy Homes

They are more open and flowing. Picture the kitchen opening into your living and family rooms.  This makes an easier living environment for seniors. For easy maintenance, flooring would be tiles, hardwood, engineered flooring, and the new stain resist carpets. 

Bonus Rooms -

Second floor bonus rooms are good for guests or an office. One may have an option for the following: sky basement (for a storage area) or upstairs bonus room.  The Bonus room for guests is good when your home is not near family and friends, and guests want to stay longer. They will be comfortable away from the main living areas.  Sometimes there is an option to combine bonus and storage areas. 

Sunrooms -

Add a Sunroom -- usually in the rear of the home off the main living area. You may have an option to have a screen porch instead. 

Covered Patio -

Covered Patio -- Even if one has a sunroom or screen porch, you may also want an outdoor covered patio for dining or gardening.  The covered patio usually is off the sunroom or screened porch.   

Laundry Room -

Retirement floorplans should make every day tasks easier and close at hand.

Plan a laundry room in a convenient place. Plan how you will take your trash out and how far from the kitchen it is. 

Other design tips:

You can include some or all of these:

• Cathedral Ceilings
• Kitchen islands and extra counter space
• Ceiling fans
• Larger windows
• Interesting ceiling treatments
• Crown molding

See universal design, a design concept that helps you stay in your home longer as you age.  Some features are:

• wider doorways 
•  stepless entries
•  lower light switches 
•  raised dishwashers  

Please consult with your design experts for the best retirement floorplans.

These tips are for information only and no guarantee on how they will work in your retirement home. Floorplans and options that are available at your community may vary greatly from this information.

Newest Evolving Home Designs and Materials Trends

The world of home design is always evolving.  Builders are using new materials as standard or options.  Technology in homes that save on electric and water bills are becoming popular. 

Countertops

Quartz Countertop

Although granite counter tops are still in demand, this hot trend for 20+ years shows signs of slowing.  Instead quartz counter tops in bathrooms and kitchens are increasingly taking its place.  Quartz is a very hard material that lasts a long time plus it's beautiful.  It has a smooth and shiny look.

Flooring

Vinyl Not Wood Floors

The modern "Smart" movement extends to flooring.  Not wood floors but a wood or tile look in vinyl.  Sometimes you cant tell the difference in real or imitation.  Also big now is engineered wood flooring.  Wood floors in general are in demand.  

"Engineered" Wood Floor - comes in many wood looks and colors

Technology

Poster on wood not wood board as seen in Pardee Homes model home

These smart home features were included (some as options) in Pardee Homes community "Altis."  Pardee Homes is a leading builder in green and "smart" technology living.  There are so many new "things" coming out to make homes healthier and a more convenient lifestyle.  Energy-saving appliances is just one small part of this evolving trend. 

You may like our "Model Home Reviews" page for more trending designs.