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From multifunctional spaces to sumptuous textures, trends in interior design aren’t just for trendy-setting Millennials. Today’s discerning older adults are seeking the latest home looks and features in senior living. “We attribute some of the strong interest in our community to the undeniable style and modern features in our apartment homes,” says Santha Siegel, design coordinator, for The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better projected to open in Tysons, Virginia, in 2024. “While our tagline ‘luxury of a different kind’ refers to lifestyle, it certainly applies to the stunning apartment homes being planned.”
Functional & Flexible
One trend in home design that seems to be universally popular is open floor plans—that is, home layouts where living rooms are partially or completely opened up into the kitchen and dining area. “People continue to request open-concept homes,” says Santha. “That’s where people across the country are spending their money, whether on new construction or renovations.”
Apartment homes at The Mather will incorporate open plans, with spacious living areas that flow together beautifully, incorporating the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. With plans ranging up to 3,300 square feet, each home offers an abundance of stylish living space. And residents have access to the amenities, services, and Life Care that comes with a move to The Mather.
“People love the design of these homes,” says Santha. “The modern layout emphasizes a feeling of space and light that is irresistible.” Yet she points out that there is more to love about these open plans than the visual appeal.
Beyond their attractiveness, open plans offer seemingly unlimited flexibility to create multipurpose spaces. Realtors believe these plans maximize a home’s square footage better than a traditional floor plan with separate rooms.
“Open floor plans give the impression you’re using your space better,” says Santha. “Most people today aren’t using formal dining rooms or even formal living rooms. Homes are being designed or remodeled to eliminate these. Many who live in homes with them are repurposing them to be a home office, workout area, studio, or quiet place to get away.”
She believes this flexibility is the reason for the popularity of open floor plans: it reflects how we’re using our homes. “People today are using multifunctional rooms, where you can chat with family in the living room while you’re cooking,” says Santha. “It gives the feeling of being able to congregate.”
As a designer, Santha has given this a lot of thought. She says, “I think people today are moving toward designing space around what we do on an everyday basis, not on creating a showplace for having people over.” She believes this isn’t just a trend caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but that home design is making a more permanent shift. “People have taken a close look at how a home functions, and how they can configure it to make their lives better, creating a refuge where they can relax and still have space,” she says.
She herself loves open floor plans, pointing out, “The kitchen used to be the heart of a home—where the family gets together and where a party ends up gathering. With an open floor plan, the whole home is the heart.”
