Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 44

Most Common Design Dilemmas and How to Solve Them

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

 

“I love problem-solving!”

In my design world, I am often confronted with design dilemmas that require creative design thinking and solutions.

This is actually one of my favorite things to do as a designer and over the years, I’ve had to address so many issues that occur in the field, that I’ve gotten really good at troubleshooting and creating solutions that work.

Having a great team to brainstorm with and propose multiple options is part of what gets me excited to do what I do every day.

Learning to embrace these design dilemmas has become part of my signature and what my clients, tradespeople, and team rely on me for.

 

3 Most Common Design Dilemmas and How to Solve Them

 

#1. One of the most common design dilemmas I run into is a client who is so anxious to get the project going that they call in a general contractor before they even have proper drawings and selections.

My recommendation at that point is to slow down, go through the entire design process to create all necessary drawings including a functional layout, finish selections, and then work with the general contractor and trades people to provide budget estimates and a contract prior to implementing the design.

 

#2. A second common design dilemma is a client going way over budget with their selections, and then needing to reign in the cost without sacrificing the design intent.

Clients frequently get excited and over-enthusiastic about getting to the selection part of the process without having a handle on the material budget.

Whether it’s tile, countertops, cabinets, flooring, or lighting, each item should have cost estimates and budgets associated with them to prevent disappointment at being over budget.

The good news is it is often possible to keep some of those special items in the budget (a unique granite or tile or special light fixture), and then reduce the budget elsewhere.

Get Your FREE Download:

Designer Kitchen Tips

 

 

#3. A third design dilemma is how to integrate unattractive structural elements into the design.i.e., metal structural columns, ceiling beams, radiators, existing windows or doors that are poorly placed.

 

There are inevitable “discoveries” that we find during the renovation project. These unforeseen conditions frequently cause concern and angst with homeowners. When this occurs and when something unusual is uncovered in the field, we meet with the client and the tradespeople to troubleshoot and propose options to either “play up” or “play down” the structural elements.

Examples:

A metal column can be wrapped, cased in wood to make it look intended.An unattractive ceiling beam can also be wrapped in wood and have additional faux beams added to the ceiling to make it look as if it were intentional.

 

Here’s a blog that I have recently written, Most Common Design Mistakes and How to Prevent Them.

These are just a few ways that design dilemmas can be embraced so that the final outcome is exactly what the client wanted. While this can be a challenging process, having the right team on board can help you solve any design dilemma.

Have you faced any design dilemmas on your recent design project?Let us know how you how dealt with them.Leave a comment below in the comment box!

The post Most Common Design Dilemmas and How to Solve Them first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How To Declutter Your Life

A Cluttered Home Is A Stressful Home 

If you find that clutter in your home is causing your distress, don’t worry. You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure out what to do on your own. My name is Rita Wilkins and I’m the Downsizing Designer. After decluttering and downsizing my life, I found I had more time, money, and freedom to do as I wanted. Now, I help baby boomers who want to accomplish the same by offering professional lessons and advice on downsizing and decluttering. 

The First Step To Decluttering Is Finding The Right Method 

If you’re interested in decluttering your home, you’ve likely wondered how you’re meant to accomplish this. As the Downsizing Designer, I know multiple approaches that are beneficial to the decluttering process. The trick is to find the method that suits you and your needs. 

Choose From One Of 8 Methods 

Baby boomers can find out the best approach to decluttering their homes when they take my new online course – 8 Decluttering Methods. Over this course, I outline 8 methods that can help you take an organized approach to decluttering. For example, consider the following decluttering methods: 

The ABC Method – Organize your belongings into different categories by how much you need and/or want them. The Extreme Decluttering Party – Rely on the help of loved ones to declutter your life. Room by Room, Week by Week – Organize your decluttering approach by taking it one room and one week at a time. 

In my 8 Decluttering Methods online course, I go into the pros and cons of each of the methods so you can decide which method is the method for you. Don’t wait – sign up for the 8 Decluttering Methods online course today! 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. 

The post How To Declutter Your Life  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

3 Unexpected Emotional Benefits of Downsizing and Decluttering

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

For those of you who follow me on social media, listened to my Ted talk, or read my book, Downsize Your Life Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time Money and Freedom, you know how much I love speaking about and writing about the impact of living with less because the decision to downsize from my very large home to my tiny apartment changed my life.

For those of you who don’t know me and are new friends or followers who don’t know my story, here’s a brief summary.

It was a trip to a third-world country to visit my son who was serving in the Peace Corps at the time that changed my life.

For the first time in my life, I experienced villagers who had so little yet they were happy! When I returned home to my 5000 square-foot designer home all I could think about was… how much I wanted that simple joy-filled life that I experienced in Senegal.

Watch my Ted Talk on YouTube

I kept asking myself, how could they have so little, yet so happy? All I knew was that… I too wanted a simple peaceful life with less.

Upon returning from my trip, I walked into my beautiful home filled with designer furniture and accessories. Suddenly none of it look the same to me. It meant nothing to me anymore. If anything, it represented the excess in my life and that excess was a burden that was getting in the way of me having a simple, less cluttered, less stressful life.

When I decided to downsize from my very large home to a tiny apartment in historic Philadelphia, I went from 5,000 ft. to 867 ft. and gave away 95% of my possessions to people who needed or wanted them… and frankly, I’ve never been happier!

 

When I decided to downsize

I knew there would be obvious benefits of living in a smaller space with less, such as:

1.    Financial benefits

Fewer expenses and lower overhead. No more big house, big mortgage, or big tax bill.

 

2.    Less spending, more savings

Since I didn’t need anything, I stopped buying… and I didn’t have room for anything anyway!

Learn more: 5 Reasons Why Downsizing Is Good for Your Health, Well-Being… and Your Social Life

 

3.    Less maintenance

In a smaller home, there would be less to maintain, clean, organize, and manage.

 

4.    More time

The gift of more time for family, friends, travel, as well as personal and professional development.

 

5.    More freedom

Without the burden of a big house and too much stuff, I was free to pursue more of what I wanted, including working less and playing more.

But what I did not anticipate…

 

3 Unexpected Emotional Benefits of Downsizing and Decluttering

These are just a few of the unexpected emotional benefits I experienced on my Downsizing journey and that I continue to benefit from today.

 

1. A sense of peace, calm, freedom, and ease

There was a tremendous relief from the burden of a big house with too much stuff, much of which I never used anyway.

I experienced relief from being weighed down by stuff and by a never-ending “to-do list” that never seems to get done.

Before I downsized, I was always frustrated and constantly overwhelmed because I never had time for myself.

Now, with less, there’s a true sense of calm, peace, freedom, and ease.

 

2. An ability to clearly focus, be more creative, and more productive 

With fewer distractions and less stuff, I had a new sense of control over my own life that allowed me to concentrate and focus more intently.

With less, there’s virtually no overwhelm and there’s even

time to do nothing!

 

3. A sense of pride and empowerment in my accomplishment 

My downsizing journey empowered me and gave me great confidence that if I could downsize that large home and live on just 5% of what I once owned, I feel like I can do anything!

Downsizing is a huge feat!

The act of letting go of years of accumulation, even the sentimental items that I became attached to was a huge accomplishment, especially when I thought I could never live without them.

After you downsize and declutter, there is also a new sense of excitement and opportunity for what’s next in your life.

With more time, money, freedom, and energy and with less stuff, and less stress, nothing can stop you from designing and living the life you really want.

 

When you have fewer “have to’s” and replace them with more “want to’s”, you begin to experience a much higher quality of life.

You are in control, not the big house and all of the stuff inside it.You get to control what you want and don’t want, and what you let back into your house… or not.

When you free yourself from all of that excess accumulation…

When you surround yourself with only what you want, need, and use…

Your life is so much simpler because you trade stuff for fewer chores, more experiences, and a lot more fun!

When you downsize your life, you upgrade your lifestyle. The downsizing journey is not easy, but it is life changing.

Perhaps the greatest emotional benefit I gained from my own downsizing

journey is that, I realized that I not only HAVE enough, I AM enough!

~ Rita Wilkins, The Downsizing Designer

 

If you have already downsized and decluttered, what were the hidden benefits that you’ve experienced?I’d love to hear from all of you… you can leave a comment on the comment box below!

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Choosing How To Declutter

Find The Best Method To Declutter And Downsize Today

Baby boomers, do you find yourself overwhelmed by clutter? Are you unsure what to do with your clutter or how to tidy up? If so, know that you are far from the first person to feel at a loss for how to declutter your life. I’m Rita Wilkins, also known as the Downsizing Designer. Once, there was too much clutter in my life as well. Since I chose to downsize and declutter my life, I’ve had more time, more money, and more freedom to live my life the way I want. Now, I help baby boomers accomplish the same with my downsizing and decluttering advice.

Choosing How To Declutter: What’s The Right Method?

As is true with most things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering and downsizing. The key to success when you decide to declutter is to choose the method that works best for you.

Read 8 Decluttering Methods To Find The Method You Need

I’m offering a new online course to help baby boomers find just the right decluttering method to help them on their downsizing journey. Explore the eight different methods for decluttering, learning the pros and cons of each. Each unit comes complete with

Video – An easy-to-follow video to explain how the decluttering method works

Transcript – A transcript of the video for those who are hard of hearing or who prefer to read.

Worksheet – A downloadable worksheet to help you along your downsizing journey.

Don’t wait – sign up for the 8 Decluttering Methods online course today!

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today.

The post Choosing How To Declutter first appeared on Design Services LTD.

If I Had to Do It All Over Again, I Wish I Had Hired an Interior Designer!

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

I’m sure we’ve all made decisions that we’ve regretted. When you look back and say I wish I had…

done it a little differently…made a different decision…thought it through a little more before I made my decision…

We’ve all made those decisions that we regret later on.

In my design world, I have often heard clients say:

“If only I had hired you when I did my kitchen!”“I had no idea how much a designer could add to my project with their knowledge, experience, and resources.”“I thought I could do it myself and save some money, but if I had it to do all over again, I wish I had hired an interior designer.”

Get Your FREE PDF: Designer Kitchen Tips

 

The purpose of this blog is to help you understand what an interior designer could possibly help you with on your next design project…

So that you can make an informed decision and feel comfortable with it… to hire a designer or not.So that you don’t have regrets when your project has been completed.

 

How an Experienced Interior Designer Add Value To Designing Your Home

 

1.    They know the process

An experienced designer has been through the process of doing your type of project many times.

They can help lead you through the process step-by-step, so you’re not overwhelmed or intimidated.They get to know you, what you want and don’t want, and your “wish list”.They know how to communicate with contractors and trades people to successfully implement your design on time and on budget.

 

2.    They have the knowledge, experience, & resources that you may or may not have.They know how to work with you to create a vision and plans for your project.They help you expand upon your ideas, offer design options and new solutions to give you the best results.They have endless resources for products you may not even know about.They have vetted their contractors, tradespeople, and workrooms so the end result is quality work done by skilled craftsmen who are committed to doing it right.

 

3.    They are familiar with working within different budget rangesThey know how to realistically budget for every project and will help you do budget estimates that will work for you.They know how and where to save money on your project.They will make firm recommendations when they think you should spend more or less in selected areas.

Read this article: Do you like saving money on your home renovation?4.    They can assist you with selecting, coordinating, and specifying all the materials for your entire project.They can help you avoid costly mistakes by coordinating, overseeing your project with you and for you.They coordinate ordering materials, preventing costly delays for your project.They save you time and energy in the selection process by offering choices, preventing you from wasting so much of your time obsessing over selections

 

5.    They care as much about the outcome as you do!

A good designer is someone…

who has gotten to know her client’s wants, needs, and “wish list”.who has spent many hours with you to get the perfect design and specifications for you.who is committed to having you get the space you have been dreaming of.

 

A good designer truly cares about the end results because there is no greater satisfaction and fulfillment than and knowing they helped you accomplish the exact result you wanted by using their God-given talents.

Wondering whether to hire an interior designer or not for your next project?Reach out to me to discuss.Schedule a 30-minute complimentary phone consultation, click here.

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Now That We’ve Decluttered Our Home, We Don’t Want to Move!

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

I had a wonderful conversation with a client the other day that I want to share with you because she shed valuable insight on the impact of decluttering your home… and what she said is so true!

I first met with my clients about six months ago. They asked me if I could assist them with discerning whether they should downsize or age in place.

I’ve developed a design process that helps clients determine which might be the best direction for them to take, so we went through my step-by-step process which included some preliminary designs for living in a smaller home and for aging in place in their current home.

Ultimately, they decided to age in place…

but before they could do that, it was quite apparent that they needed to declutter… a lot!

When I first walked through their home with them, there was the obvious clutter.

From too much of just about everything to furniture that had been passed down to them or inherited.

But would also become evident was their penchant for visiting…

Antique shopsFlea marketsResale shops

They knew that they didn’t need one more thing in their home, but in her words, “We can’t resist a good bargain!”

Their home was filled with knickknacks, collectibles of many kinds, old books, old records. You name it, they had it and they had collected so much stuff they probably could have started their own resale shop!

And in addition to having too much furniture and too many collectibles, they also had a room full of “good finds” from yard sale excursions they took each week.

Because they were both in their mid-60s and still in good health…

They realized that one day one of them, or perhaps both of them, could have health issues that would prevent them from using the stairs on a regular basis.They knew they had to declutter before they could downsize and sell their home.

Together, we created a 3-month plan to declutter their entire home from top to bottom, week by week.

We use multiple decluttering methods to help them stay motivated and inspired for the 3-month decluttering journey.

FREE Download:100 Places to Donate Your Stuff

Because we set a 3-month goal, because they were highly motivated, and because we created a week-by-week plan with milestones and accountability, they were able to accomplish their big goal of donating, selling, or disposing of much of their excess accumulation in just 3 months.

She was very proud of the fact that they had completed that huge task, and I was happy to have been able to assist them in accomplishing their goal. While the decluttering process was not easy, and it took a lot of hard work, they were committed and stuck with it so their house was ready to put on the market.

The funny thing was, the more they lived in their now-decluttered home, the more they fell in love with their “new” home all over again.

So, when she called me the other day, she said…

“Now that we’ve decluttered our home we don’t want to move!

We’ve decided to stay.

Will you please help us create plans for aging-in-place?”

This is why I love what I do! And that’s why I love my clients!

I just wanted to share what a day in the life of a designer is really like!

Are you considering downsizing? Do you need to declutter?Let’s talk!Schedule your 30-minute complimentary phone consult, click here.

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How to Clean Up Your Entire Life This Fall

By Guest Blogger

Whether it is time to begin considering retirement or you are just looking for ways to simplify your life, decluttering can be a great place to start. The beginning of a new season is an excellent time to form new habits and make lifestyle changes. Here are a few ways to help you get started with decluttering this fall.

Refresh Your Personal Finances.

The start of a new month is always a good time to conduct a financial reset. Doing so can reveal new opportunities for spending elsewhere or paying off unwanted debts. Take a look at your current budget and see if it needs updating. Next, look at your income versus expenses. Are there any areas of your life that can be adjusted to save money? Finally, keep an eye on your retirement accounts. Before you know it, it will be time to dip into these funds, so it is important to make sure you are contributing enough now to help you remain financially stable in the future.

Define Your Lifestyle Goals.

As you age, your lifestyle goals tend to change a bit. To stay mentally, emotionally and physically strong, it is important to define what your new goals are and come up with a plan to maintain them. It does not have to be overly complicated. Think about what is important to you at this time in your life. It could be prioritizing your health, moving closer to family, or making plans to travel.

Clear The Clutter.

Clutter has a way of building up throughout the years and taking hold of your home and life. There is something to be said about a clean space giving way to a clear mind. But, the thought of getting started with decluttering can be overwhelming. To keep it simple, try these tips:

Keep the Memories, Get Rid of the Stuff.

Just because an area is cluttered, does not mean it is full of junk. There is a good chance that a lot of your belongings hold lovely memories, all of which you do not need to part with. Instead, get rid of anything that does not hold sentimental value. Use the KonMari method to help you work through the hard choices.

Start Small.

Tackle one area of your living space at a time. By breaking down bigger tasks into more manageable ones, you are less likely to feel burnout. Start with smaller areas, such as the bathroom or a closet. After accomplishing those, you will have the motivation you need to tackle the larger rooms.

Clean by Category.

Another way to avoid feelings of stress while decluttering is to sort through items in categories. For example, if you are clearing out your closet, separate your clothing based on its purpose such as work attire, casual clothes, seasonal pieces, or shoes. If you are organizing the pantry, categorize it into snacks, baking goods, pasta, etc.

Check in with Yourself Along the Way.

Decluttering can be a major source of anxiety for some people. When it becomes hard to decide what is worth keeping and what you can part with, try asking yourself these questions: When was the last time I used this item? Will I need this in the future? Does this hold any sentimental value to me?

Consider Downsizing Your Home.

As you age and potentially become an empty nester, you might consider downsizing your home. Along with the appeal of having less upkeep, there are several financial, environmental, and minimalistic lifestyle benefits to this. Owning a smaller home reduces your mortgage payments, energy bills, and insurance costs. The money you save and the time you gain could help you achieve the lifestyle goals you decide on pursuing.

 

With the current housing market, you are likely to sell your home relatively quickly. However, if you decide to buy a new home before your current one sells, you may consider exploring resources such as FHA loans, which would allow you to obtain a second mortgage without fulfilling some of the same requirements of conventional loans. Doing so could provide more financial opportunities for you to take advantage of.

Get your FREE PDF:

ABC’s of Downsizing

Slow Down.

Life has a way of getting pretty hectic. Oftentimes, we forget to take a moment to ourselves and think about where we are, where we want to be, and who we want to spend time with. Now more than ever you deserve to put yourself first. This begins with mindfulness. Consider downloading a meditation app on your phone, and set a reminder to practice mindfulness for just ten minutes a day.

 

Your 60s are meant to be enjoyed. Preparing for this phase of your life early on is imperative, and there is no better way to set yourself up for success than cleaning and decluttering your lifestyle now.

Want to continue learning more about downsizing, decluttering, and lifestyle design?Sign up for our Newsletter Live the Life you Love… by design! Schedule your 30-minute complimentary phone consult, click here.

 

The post How to Clean Up Your Entire Life This Fall first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Simplify Your Life With Downsizing

Baby Boomers Are Simplifying Their Lives With Downsizing 

Many baby boomers have realized the benefits of simplifying their lives through downsizing. Some of you, however, may feel uncertain about the whole idea of downsizing. My name is Rita Wilkins and I am the Downsizing Designer. Like you, I once found myself in a position where I had to make a choice: continue living as I had or choose to make a simpler life through downsizing. I chose to downsize. I decluttered my life and now I live with only 95% of what I once owned. 

Why Would I Want To Downsize And Declutter? 

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to downsize and declutter your life. Maybe you’ve become an empty nester. Maybe you’re ready to retire. Maybe it would be a financially smart decision. Regardless of your reason, the results of downsizing and decluttering are the same for everyone. The benefits of downsizing are that you will have… 

More Time – Spend more time doing what you want and less time maintaining a lifestyle that no longer suits you. More Money – By spending less on things and your living space, you have more money to explore other interests in life. You can travel, start a new hobby, and so much more. More Freedom – In general, downsizing and decluttering leave you with more freedom to live your life the way you want to. Learn More About Downsizing Today 

If you’re interested to learn more about how downsizing and decluttering can improve your life, contact me today! 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. 

The post  Simplify Your Life With Downsizing  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Remodeling? How to Max Out Your Kitchen Design

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen and wondering how to max out your design within the space you have… in addition to getting the assistance of a professional designer or a certified kitchen designer, these are a few steps you can take to fully prepare for that conversation.

 

4 Steps to Help You Max Out Your Kitchen Design

 

1.     Review your existing layoutDoes it work for you and your lifestyle on a day-to-day basis and when you are entertaining?What part of your existing kitchen layout does work, what part of that layout would you like to keep?

Examples:

Work triangle is efficient and allows you to work easilyTraffic pattern allows your family and guests to easily move about without being in each other’s way

 

What part of your existing kitchen layout does not work and you would definitely like to find other solutions?

Examples:

Log jams in certain work areas like accessing the refrigerator and loading and unloading the dishwasherDistance to the pantry is too far and inconvenient

 

2.     Review your existing cabinet elevationsWhat do you like about your existing cabinet layout and what would you like to keep?

Examples:

Deep drawer storage for pots and pansMicrowave cabinet on the island easy for all to access

 

What’s not working with your existing cabinet layout and you would definitely like alternative solutions?

Examples:

Two few drawers near prep areas for kitchen knives and utensilsNo room for both trash and recycling 3.     Create a “wish list”/vision for your future kitchen

Make room for all the things you want, need, and wish for in your kitchen.

Even though you may not be able to have all of the items on your “wish list” incorporated into your design, it’s important to make your wish list so that, if possible, the designer can make room for what you deem most important.

Learn more: Top 5 Secrets to Designing a Timeless Kitchen… One That You Will Love for Years to Come

FREE Download:

22 Steps to Upgrade Your

Kitchen Design

4.     Prioritize your “wish list” into 3 categoriesA.    Can’t live without/non-negotiableDeep drawersWalk-in pantryDeep sinkB.    Would like to incorporate into the design if possibleHealthy snack centerBeverage drawersRoll-out spice cabinetC.    What is negotiableIf it fits into your plan fine. If not, you could live without it.Gourmet coffee centerMobile island

 

Taking time to do this pre-work prior to meeting with a designer is well worth your time. It will provide critical information for the designer to incorporate into the proposed designs.

As an interior designer for over 35 years, I have designed well over 350 kitchens. I always appreciate when a client takes the time upfront to discern what’s working and not working. Because design is a collaborative effort, prioritizing what matters most allows us to work together to max out your kitchen design.

What challenges are you facing when trying to work within your existing footprint?I’d love to hear from you, leave a comment down below!

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute phone call with me to discuss.

Check out my website.

The post Remodeling? How to Max Out Your Kitchen Design first appeared on Design Services LTD.

6 Lifestyle Design Trends That Will Impact the Way You Live in Retirement

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

Face it, none of us are getting any younger.

The pandemic shifted many of our priorities and helped us to focus on what really matters.

It changed the way we live our lives right now and how we want to live our lives in the future.

As an interior designer and lifestyle designer for over 35 years, I’ve always been fascinated by:

How we choose to live at different stages of our lives. (It does change)How our choices impact the way we design to accommodate those lifestyle choices.

I want to highlight a select few lifestyle trends that are impacting the way baby boomers will live, work, and play in the future.

 

6 Lifestyle Trends and How They Will ImpactHow You Will Live in Retirement

 

1. Baby boomers are choosing to move closer to their kids and grandkids

They want to participate in their lives, build closer ties with their children and grandchildren. It is a win-win for both and promotes physical and emotional health and well-being and happiness

Influence on design trends:A.      Multi-generational living2 to 3 generations living under one roof30% increase since 2007Separate living quarters to help maintain healthy balance of privacy and togethernessB.    Granny flatsAlso known as accessory dwelling units or In-law suitesSelf-contained living spaceAttached to the main house or located on the main house propertyThe benefits of both of these design trends:Opportunity to share quality time together and make new memoriesProvides a safe environment for aging parents where adult children can maintain a watchful eyePrevents isolation in agingProvides opportunities for shared responsibility and expenses

 

2. Baby boomers are choosing to work longer and delay retirementInfluence on design trends:Outdoor office spacesPrivate area to enjoy natureconnect with the outdoorsPromotes health and well-beingThe benefits of this design trend:Enjoying fulfilling and meaningful workEnhances good mental and physical healthProvide supplemental retirement income

Get your FREE DOWNLOAD:

31 Lifestyle Upgrades

 

3. Baby boomers are choosing a health and wellness lifestyle so they can live longer and better

Desire to re-engage and participate in healthy activities (especially post-Covid).

Desire to participate in more group activities more social time with family and friends.

Desire to continue lifelong learning.

Influence on design trends:Communal livingVillage lifestyleHome SharingThe benefits of this design trend:Live, work, connect, and socialize promotes health and well-being

 

4. Baby Boomer are choosing to stay in their homes and in their communities as they age

Retrofitting existing homes to make their homes safe and to accommodate needs for aging.

Influence on design trends: 1st-floor living spacesBarrier-free entrywaysImproved lighting throughoutWalk-in showersHand-held showersGrab barsThe benefits of this design trend:Remain in their homeStay in their community that they are familiar with

 

5.  Baby boomers retiring early

One of the impacts of Covid: life is too short, why wait? Do it well you can and while you’re still healthy.

Influence on design trends and benefits:Rent vs buy – Provides for a “lock and leave lifestyle, more freedom, less responsibility, and a lot of flexibility.RV retirement – Life on the road provides opportunities for travel, exploration.Life abroad – Nomadic lifestyle, no home base provides ultimate freedom.

 

6. Downsizing and right-sizing  Influence on design trends:Live a simple life with less stuff and less stressSimplify living spaceDecluttering and removing excess stuffThe benefits of this design trend:Makes room for the life you really want because you have more time, money, and freedom to pursue what matters most to youLiving in a smaller space gives you more time for new activities and new experiences.When you live with less stuff, you are free to

 

Which of these lifestyle trends appeal to you as you enter the next chapter of your life?

 

Want to continue learning more about downsizing, decluttering, and lifestyle design?

Sign up for our Newsletter Live the Life you Love… by design!

What is lifestyle design? Check out my website.

Check out my blog page “The Good Life Blog”

 

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