Each stage of life introduces new challenges when it comes to home design, but a thoughtful approach can help you create a home that is well-designed while still being suitable for you. Whether you’re raising a young family or are in the golden years and looking to have a comfortable home in which to age in place, key components should be taken into consideration to ensure your space is always comfortable — no matter your age or lifestyle. Here, the experts at Beth Haley Design discuss how they approach design for young families, empty nesters and aging homeowners, and they introduce ideas to help you transition your home as your life changes.
Young Families
Designing a kid-friendly space may seem totally different from creating a grown-up space, but the fundamental principles of the design are the same. “When working with young families, we love to help our clients find the cause of the stress in their fast-moving life and find solutions to help make their home function better around their lifestyle,” Beth Haley remarks. “Often, this involves finding stylish storage in the home, making mundane chores inspiring by adding color and texture to your surroundings, and designing a place for everything to keep the clutter at bay and the stress level down. Young families crave fun, beautiful and easy spaces.” Kids will inevitably wreak havoc, but a space that is livable and beautiful is not a tall order.
Chocolate and dirty handprints will find their way onto your furniture, so invest in washable materials that can be quickly tossed into the laundry machine. With a laundry room like this, washing everything from cushion covers to t-shirts will be a breeze. Image: McGinn Photography
Consider bunk beds to help you make the most of any space. Plus, they are fun for friends during sleepovers. Beth brings color into this kids’ room, without creating a design that is too juvenile. Image: Jerry Atnip
Any parent knows the importance of a drop zone. Backpacks, soccer cleats, rain boots and coats can be left at the door without creating clutter. Here, Beth created a space for the whole family — even the dog. Image: McGinn Photography
At the heart of this family home, the kitchen caters to adults and children alike. The large island is outfitted with a play and storage area that keeps the kids and their toys nearby, but not in the way. Image: McGinn Photography
Extra storage is a priority for young families, and a pantry is a perfect place to stash snacks. If your home does not have a mudroom, consider using the pantry to store backpacks and shoes as well as food. Image: Andrea Behrends Photography
Empty Nesters
Redecorating after the kids have flown the coop allows the opportunity to make your abode all your own. If you’ve always wanted an all-white couch, now’s the time. If you’ve ever dreamed of a relaxing master retreat, start the renovations. “Empty nesters finally have their day in the sun where they can make choices for themselves and can afford to buy things they have always wanted. No need to consider kid-friendly furniture … it’s time to splurge on yourself,” says Beth. Gone is the clutter, replaced by a well-curated collection of meaningful items from a life well lived.
White sofas are largely a no-no when it comes to homes with children. Once the kids are grown, though, all-white furniture is welcomed in the living room. Now the only thing you have to worry about is red wine. Image: Andrea Behrends Photography
Dare to downsize and trade your family home for a condo. You will be seduced by the manageable space and living with just the necessities. Image: McGinn Photography
Splurge on a master bathroom renovation and revel in the relaxing atmosphere of your now-empty home. You deserve it! Image: McGinn Photography
If you’ve been hiding away your higher-end pieces, make them part of your daily décor. As empty nesters, small changes can be just as impactful as major renovations. Image: Andrea Behrends Photography
Aging in Place
Aging in place is a new term and an approach to design, that applies to folks hoping to live longer within their own homes. Simple design choices can help seniors to do just that. “Maximizing safety and ease while making the home visually pleasing is crucial to aging gracefully in your home. It’s really a balancing act between function and beauty, yet when incorporated correctly, no one notices anything except for the beautiful spaces,” Beth explains of her approach to aging-in-place design.
Comfort and safety are of paramount importance. In the bathroom, consider grab bars and a bench in a no-threshold shower. Image: McGinn Photography
Stairs pose a challenge to those whose mobility is impaired. A common, albeit costly solution, is an elevator — we like the creativity of the cylindrical one in this Beth Haley-designed space. If an elevator is not in the budget or floor plan, though, you can opt for a stairlift to assist you in reaching the second story of your home. Image: McGinn Photography
A vanity, which is wheelchair accessible and features lever-handles, makes this bathroom age-friendly.
Whatever your age or life stage, there are design solutions to make your home an enjoyable and functional space that meets all of your family’s needs. When you’re ready to incorporate some smart solutions into your interiors, Beth Haley Design can help. Learn more at bethhaleydesign.com.
This article is sponsored by Beth Haley Design.