The thought of a “forever home” has completely changed in the wake of recent trends. The forever home is no longer a romantic concept about living in the same house to raise a family, but instead is a strategy for home living. Aging in place refers to the ability to live in your home safely and independently into old age, without moving to a senior living or retirement community. This approach is quickly dictating home building and interior design.
This has been especially due to an aging population caused by demographic changes, and homeowners have been showing greater interest in functionality rather than mere functionality when it comes to home improvement projects. This indicates that home renovation projects are carried out for future-proofing a home rather than merely for decoration.
Comprehending the Essence of Universal Design
The foundation of the aging in place movement is based on the theory of universal design. Universal design is based on creating spaces where everyone can utilize it to the best of their ability, with little assistance from further designing. As a homeowner, one has to think about a house from a longevity standpoint. Accessibility, safety, and comfort feature prominently within it. These specifications have recently been realized with high-end finishes.
A universal design always favors an open floor system that facilitates ease of movement. These designs basically require a doorway system that is adaptable to any form of assistive mobility that may be used later, and lever handle door grips rather than traditional door handles. Through universal design, a home always appears and feels roomy and welcoming to all generations, from the toddler to the grandma.
Current Top Trends in Accessible Renovations
The biggest transformations in modern restorations lie in the area that was once considered utility-driven – the shower and entry areas. One of the biggest trends in bathroom renovation is the curb-less walk-in shower. The days of having to step over the top of the tub wall are long gone. Instead, homeowners like the spa ambiance that is provided with the barrier-free design. The design normally features benches and handheld shower heads.
Another huge driver within this industry is smart home technologies. Though not an architectural revolution, their incorporation is an essential aspect of contemporary aging in place remodeling. Voice-command lighting systems, smart thermostats, and video doorbell systems enable residents to control their space without exerting themselves physically. Smart technologies enable homeowners and their family members to feel secure, assuring them that safety upgrades can be smart and invisible.
Exterior features are also undergoing changes. The conventional and industrial appearance of the metal ramp will become obsolete as stepless entries are introduced. This involves land grading to match the elevation at the front door entrance. This will maintain the exterior appeal of the house despite the modifications. Exiting and entering will become easy.
The Financial and Emotional Benefit
The decision to renovate with aging-in-place principles is much more than just ensuring safety. On the emotional front, it enables the individuals to remain independent with their connections to the surrounding area. There is huge psychological benefit to staying at home rather than leaving to move to any facility.
Finances aside, such renovations can be an investment worth considering. The cost of assisted living facilities is rising, and home care can be more cost-effective in the long run. In addition to that, homes designed with universal appeal are in high demand in the real estate industry. A home designed for multi-generational use has a competitive edge in the real estate industry.
Through such home improvements from a skilled remodel team in Columbus, OH, homeowners are looking at not only creating a comfortable future for themselves but possibly adding value to a piece of property for resale through increased demand.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Aging-in-place design is changing the face of the renovation market by proving that a house can be both safe, usable, and stunning at the same time. Gone are the days when a health facility’s look dominated the field, and now the designing approach comes from a philosophy that can benefit a person at all stages of their life. Whether it’s designing for the future that awaits you or simply adding market value to your property, the inclusion of this design approach definitely works.
