One of the biggest benefits of a custom home is that you can design it to fit your changing lifestyle, so as you age, it can continue to elevate your quality of life. Whether you’re a new empty nester with kids who have just flown the coop, need more living space for family who comes to visit, or are ready to enjoy the home of your dreams now that you’re in your golden years, there are many great reasons to build a custom home later in life.
If you’re ready to get started, take a look at our design tips below. From the living room to the yard, we’ve got custom home design ideas that will enhance your life as you get older (and wiser, of course).
Make it ultra-accessible
As we age, it becomes more important to have a home that puts everything in within access. Something as common as an arthritic knee can make getting around more challenging, but when you live in a custom built home – with rooms designed with your changing needs in mind – you can enjoy a more comfortable, healthier life for years to come.
Every room in your custom home can be designed to fit your needs. Choose an open floor plan for stairless living, lower light fixtures so you can access them from a wheelchair if needed, and widened doorframes.
In the bathroom, install handrails and non-slip material to your bathtub. Additionally, you could choose a walk-in tub, non-slip flooring and have a medical alert button installed in the event that you slip and need help. In the bedroom, consider adding large walk-in closets with pullout shelving and closet racks.
Add another master bedroom
One of the biggest trends for nearly all age demographics is the addition of a second master bedroom. Sometimes you just need a little more comfort and space when you sleep, and as we age and our habits and needs change, one of the best ways to get a great night’s sleep is to nod off alone.
We love designing master bedrooms. In fact, we liken them to master suites. Many we design include plenty of room to stretch out and unwind, sitting areas, large custom closets, and a bathroom with luxury amenities.
Create a master suite for guests
From children and grandchildren, to old and new friends alike, it’s not unusual to have a lot more guests drop in (sometimes at a moment’s notice) after you retire. While getting to spend more time with loved ones is a gift, it’s a good idea to have a space just for your visitors – for your comfort and theirs.
We recommend designing a home with a master suite just for guests. The suite could have a sleeping area, and maybe a modern Murphy bed or pull-out couch, should you be accommodating an entire family.
Your custom master suite could also include a living area with a television and comfortable seating, a small work area just in case your guests brought their laptops, and even a small kitchen. This is a great addition if you welcome out-of-town visitors on the regular.
Plan for a multipurpose room
We think every home needs a multipurpose room, and especially those designed for anyone aging in place. The beauty of a multipurpose room is that it’s purpose can change easily to suit your needs. It could be an artist studio, for example, until you decide to take up yoga. Then it can become a personal yoga and meditation place instead – or function as both.
To create a great multipurpose room, choose neutral paint colors, durable, easy-to-clean flooring (we like hardwood), and add plenty of custom shelving and other types of storage. Then, start adding whatever you need to make it your personal space.
Create a beautiful outdoor living area
With the kids grown up and on their own, there’s more time to stop and smell the roses. Literally. That’s why we recommend creating a beautiful, expansive outdoor living area, where you can entertain al fresco or simply relax at the end of the day with a glass of wine while looking up at the stars.
Gardening can be hard on the joints, so add raised garden beds for comfort and ease. And don’t hesitate to take advantage of a landscape architect or designer. You’ve worked with a designer to create the home of your dreams, so why not do the same outdoors? Just one note: make sure your walkways and outdoor patio areas are made with nonslip materials to keep things safe.
Forget the rules
No, we aren’t taking back all the advice we just gave you. We’re simply suggesting this: forget what the trends say. There’s no better time than in our golden years to do whatever we want – and that applies to home design as well. So, go ahead and hang that velvet Elvis poster above the mantel. You’ve earned it.
Ready to get started designing a custom home that you can enjoy for generations? Give the team at Classic Living Homes a call. We’ve been helping Cincinnati homeowners create the house of their dreams for decades and can help build yours too.