AGING IN PLACE: STRATEGIES (Part 1)

Alexander Enterprises Construction & Development, Inc. has been building homes and remodeling with the aging in place concept in mind before it was “a thing”. If, when building a new home, we can anticipate what the needs might be years down the road, then we can help our clients stay in their homes longer and minimize the expense of retrofitting things. The cost of long-term care is just one component to the popularity of the concept. The bigger picture is that when people are in their own homes, they are happier. When a person starts to lose control of their lives in areas such as driving, health issues and/or mobility, it is important for the things that can stay the same, to stay the same. If we can design homes where one can bathe safely, cook safely and to do the things they love safely in the comfort of their own homes, they will thrive.

BATHROOMS & Aging in Place

Bathrooms are the scariest places in a house and they are a key component in determining whether a person can remain independent in their home. Grab bars are essential- by the toilet, in the shower and anywhere else where one might need help or stability when they navigate a wet surface or go from a sitting to standing position. The old hospital looking grab bars are a thing of the past. Almost every plumbing manufacture makes beautiful decorative bars in all kinds of finishes.

We built a guest house that was primarily for the owners parents to stay in when they visited. They really did a great job making the bathroom a safe place- a perfect example that the design can be both gorgeous and safe.

Tubs and Showers: Tubs are great but when safety is a concern, it’s best to avoid them. A nice walk in/roll in curb-less shower with non-slip flooring and grab bars is the safest way to bathe. Make sure the opening is a min. 36″ wide. My Mama moved into our guest house when Dad passed away and we were very concerned with the shower situation. We remodeled it (shown below) and Mom said that she would not be able to be independent without the changes we made. She can even take her walker into the shower, if necessary, but the grab bars have made that unnecessary. In addition, something we do regardless of the age of our clients, is to make the faucet controls accessible by reaching in by the entry point, not where one has to walk into the shower to turn on the controls.

BEFORE: There were a number of things that made this shower dangerous: the curb, no grab bars, no handheld faucet and the floor wasn’t non-slip.

Added grab bars everywhere but we were still concerned with safety. The bench was already there but a shower chair closer to the faucet is safer.

Grohe handheld on slider for easy reach.

We were able to keep the existing wall tile due to the careful demo by one of our awesome tile craftsman.

AFTER: We took out the curb, put in non-slip tile, grab bars on every wall and a hand held faucet so that a person could sit in a shower chair or on the built in seat. Also, by using a light tile in the shower, one can see their feet and watch their steps.

Fixtures & Aging in Place:

Toilets should be comfort height with soft close lids. And as a side note that I can’t resist; I am a clean freak and the best thing ever are the toilets with the all smooth sides…no yucky stuff in those nooks and crannies! Before those were being made in the states, we used Caroma because they were the only ones we could find. Now there are many to choose from.

Fixtures are very important. Toilet paper holders should be the kind where the paper can slide off and on. Faucets should minimize twisting motions, which are difficult when one gets older. Lever faucets work well and using a single lever faucet makes things easier.

Toilet paper holders where the t.p. easily slides off and on are great.

To follow: Part 2 will focus on cabinets, electrical and flooring. Feel free to share your comments and ideas with me!

September 19, 2018September 20, 2018

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s Perspective (Part II)

Current Interior Design Trends continued (Builder’s perspective in Part III).

CREAMY NEUTRALS… IS GRAY PASSE?

I am hoping that some design professionals might comment on this. I’ve heard from a few designers that Gray is going away….at least as far as being the main event in a space. I am told that in New York and L.A., creamy neutrals, taupes, and bones are “THE THING” and I also noticed that there were very few of the cliche all gray and white colorscapes in the recent ASID design awards. I understand that Grays will be incorporated as more of a minor accent role to layer with neutrals. I love the whole gray carrerra marble/white cabinet trend but those who have used this throughout their entire house may end up regretting it.

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Designer: Amy Bubier, AB Design Elements

WHITE OUT

According to the most recent edition of Remodeling magazine, “Homeowners are ready to ditch all-white kitchens”. Darker cabinets (even black) are making a comeback and they are being used on their own as well as being mixed in with lighter cabinetry (see photo above, as well).

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander

CONCRETE

This is one of the biggest interior design trends of 2018. Whether it’s a concrete floor, countertop or a faux concrete look on the wall, concrete’s neutral color is organic, earthy, durable and low maintenance. Geometric concrete tiles are going to be a thing, too.

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander in collaboration with other design professionals. Concrete floors, copper fire surround, Porcelanosa concrete look wall tiles.

VINTAGE: Especially Lighting Fixtures & Bucket or Trough Sinks.

Think farm sinks and nostalgia. I LOVE Kohler’s new Farmstead cast iron vintage farm sink ! We have some client’s looking at this one and I would love to see it in their kitchen! Note the matte black faucet (matte black is another current interior design trend).

REDS, PINKS BOLD YELLOWS & TEAL

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Development, Inc. . A bathroom from one of our award winning projects. .

I’ve seen yellow being used on a large scale and I love yellow because it exudes happiness and confidence. Be careful, though. In too great a quantity, yellow can create anxiety, but in small pops, it is powerful.

Pinks, purples and gold quartz tops- one of the most fun bathrooms we’ve done! Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc.,

Hey, thanks for spending some time with me discussing Interior DesignTrends! Let me know your thoughts! I’m interested!

August 4, 2018September 20, 2018

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s perspective (Part I)

Me at Kohler’s Design Center, Clintonville, WI.

I would like to chat about some exciting Interior Design Trends. I’ll discuss the “Builder’s Perspective” in Part III.

I have gathered information on the Interior Design Trends that I’m discussing through my interior designer friends, our reps in the industry, and industry news. In addition, as a guest of The Kohler Co. and Ferguson Showrooms for the First Look Tour that took place in Kohler, WI., I was part of a select group of builders and designers that were immersed in upcoming design TRENDS and products. (A complete side note here- if you’re ever in Wisconsin, do yourself a favor and stay at Kohler Co.’s, The American Club, the only 5 Star hotel in the Midwest. And… their spa is incredible! The Waters is the best spa- hands down- that I’ve ever experienced! Now, back to the subject.)

In the 2018 Ashton Woods National Home Buyer Survey ,which sets out to identify trends and owner preferences, there is some very interesting information. Owners say:

They prefer rustic elements over industrial. I personally LOVE the Industrial vibe so a little Rustic /Industrial marriage could still work!
They prefer natural wood over white.
Their least favorite cabinet/countertop combo is dark cabinets/dark tops.
Their favorite cabinet/countertop combo is light cabinets/dark tops.
They prefer rustic & transitional interiors over contemporary and farmhouse interiors but they prefer Ranch and Modern for the architectural style.
They are shying away from the Bohemian, Coastal and Scandanavian looks.

I will be discussing just a handful of the new Trends in this Interior Design Trends series:

COPPER ACCENTS, BRASS FIXTURES & MIXED METALS

When I first heard of this interior design trend, I was appalled. I still remember the old antiqued gold fixtures that sat right alongside the avocado appliances and orange shag carpet. However, I have to admit that I’ve changed my tune. I especially love the copper and rose golds. I did my powder bath with copper fixtures and the ceiling in a rusted, copper metal, which I love. The matte copper fixtures have an industrial flare, which I happen to love. Interestingly, although the gold/bronze fixtures are trending, many surveys find that people still prefer brushed nickel and stainless finishes. Some of the products you see in the photo below: California Faucets Avalon single handle wall faucet in weathered copper, custom metal cabinets, Kohler’s new matte black toilet (a gift from my fabulous Kohler rep), and Kohler’s Artist’s Edition Antilia Wading Pool sink (which I love and have in my personal home). (The photos look very dark because they are impromptu from my iphone just to show the coppery/rose gold fixture colors. The cabinet is metal).

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander, in collaboration with other design professionals.

BLACK & WHITE

I like adding some natural elements to a black and white kitchen, such as the brick backsplash shown here or some wood. We haven’t done a black and white yet so I borrowed this from the internet and have no idea who to give credit to.

Although this color palette is timeless, it is trending even stronger now in Europe, New York and Los Angeles. Designers are incorporating black into the all-white kitchens, baths and main interiors of the past…..a black island, black tub , black plumbing fixtures and geometric black and white patterns in flooring. I especially love it when the look is softened with wood and other natural elements and speaking of….

NATURAL ELEMENTS/ORGANIC

Greyhawk on Black Mountain in Arizona, designed by the iconic, award-winning Gerry Jones.

When I think of organic interior design, I think “Frank Lloyd Wright”. This trend incorporates clean lines, lots of light, natural materials (wood, stone, plants) and is fresh and modern. My husband and I attended an event at this home and it is organic design at it’s finest! Gerry Jones, the designer, is self-taught and revered in the world of architecture and master planning. He was also an instructor with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Talliesin West School of Architecture for over 17 years.

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

Designer: Kristen Forgione, The Lifestyled Company

In 2018, the patterns have gone even bolder, more oversized and more dramatic. No one does this better than my friend Kristen Forgione, owner of The Lifestyled Company in Gilbert, AZ (see photo).

Thanks for hanging out with me. Feel free to comment and let me know what types of things you would like to know about in the building and design arenas. I’m interested in what you have to say!