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FORECASTS
  Barrier-Free BY DESIGN
predictions          front runners          trends

aging-in-place, age in place

FORECASTS

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FORECASTS

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As you imagine the future 10, 20, 30 years from today, what can it really can mean to live in a  "BARRIER-FREE" environment that can work for all who live there?

GENERATIONS' MARKET IMPACT - Do "BOOMERS" and older adults impact interior design trends? Yes says Sage Companion research. Older adults account for over one-third of the turnover in homes. This fact alone brings up lifestyle questions and choices that impact interior design. 

"BOOMERS" & INTERIOR DESIGN  -Is the future is bright when it comes to interior design for older adults? According to a recent survey by AARP, eighty percent of older adults prefer to remain in a lifelong home where universal or accessible design can be a focus.

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4   P O S S I B I L I T I E S

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aging-in-place, age in place

Here is a look at  how front runners have chosen, or may choose to redecorate and remodel lifelong homes.  You may  already have noticed an up-tick in home automation.  As you consider what might be on the horizon, does your forecast about the “look and feel” of your  home expand with amazing possibilities- such as the four that follow?

1.  Design Trends in the Kitchen

One of the first rooms a creative interior design team might consider is the kitchen. Thoughtful design could include cabinets with pull-out shelves, easy-to-grasp knobs, and task lighting over and under counters. Refrigerators? Expect a nod to the combination freezer-refrigerator with a handy side by side design, adjustable upper shelves and pull-out lower shelves. Also, in terms of counter height in the kitchen, expect varying heights.

2. ALL AGES benefit from universal  design

(see quiz) User-friendly, safe and aesthetically pleasing is the byword. Today’s design preferences include energy efficient appliances at convenient heights, easy-to-access cabinetry and pantries, and amazing adjustable-height cabinets and countertops.

3. Living spaces work - regardless of age or physical ability 

Living where barrier-free spaces accommodate all members of a family makes sense to many trend watchers.  A quick look at a checklist of universal design elements hints at what to expect this year and in years to come. From easy pull-down rods and automatic LED lights in closets to elegant grab bars new designs are arriving for review. Natural lighting throughout a home makes it easier to navigate and can save energy costs.

4.New design influences continue to emerge

Age-friendly products -According to the National Association of Homebuilders, the desire to live at home may change the way homes are designed. Research from the home-building industry indicates that aging will be the second-biggest influence on home design in the next few years. Preferred designs feature elements that work regardless of age or physical ability. Innovative technology is on the close horizon. For older adult consumers new arrivals in age-friendly products meet a demand for aging-in-place.

Lifelong homes- As the interest in creating beautiful and comfortable lifelong homes emerges, expect more and more attention to age-friendly design detail.  If they have not already done so, expect older adults to choose functional and aesthetically-pleasing modifications in the near future.. People who grew up in the 60s have tremendous buying power today. These consumers are sensitive to subtle elegance and beautiful décor. A new vision of life at home is close at hand.

WHICH  MOST INTERESTS YOU ?

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