Designing for the rest of your life: an architect’s insights
If you're planning a home for the rest of your life, you might feel a bit of pressure to get things right! Don't worry, that's exactly what an architect can help you with, helping you create the perfect home ideally suited to you, your plans for the future and supporting your ideal lifestyle. We'll help you plan a home that brings joy every day for the rest of your days. Here are some of our insights on what to consider when you're designing and renovating your forever home...
Design for you, not the market
So you plan on this being your last home? In that case, forget about the market and resale value and design a home that's just right for you. If you've always wanted red walls in your dining room, do it! If you love dramatic chandeliers, let's do it! If you fancy the idea of slipping into a spa at the end of the day, let's create the most luxurious bathroom you could imagine. It's time to let your creativity shine through and afford the little luxuries you've always dreamed of. That's one of the reasons it's a great idea to use an architect for your forever home. We'll help you tailor the design so it's both a reflection of your personality and supports your lifestyle, making everyday living a joy.
Design for you and your lifestyle, not the market, with practical touches and an infusion of personality.
Think quality, not quantity
As you get older, maintaining a large home is not only a pain, it's taking you away from the things you'd rather be doing, like spending time with family and exploring all there is to love about this great city of ours. So, instead of spending money on larger spaces, turn your attention to the quality of spaces and materials. This will enhance your life no end and help you enjoy your home more than ever before. Invest in quality materials like stone, timber, concrete and steel that will require little maintenance and stand the test of time, even getting better with age (just like you). And when it comes to the spaces themselves, feel confident to have fewer bedrooms and create the library you've always wanted or rather than having a separate formal dining area, create a dramatic double-height space over the dining table so that every day feels like an occasion.
Think about your health and comfort
It's important that you stay fit, healthy and active for as long as possible so you can get the most out of your new renovation. For this reason, it's important to think about how your home can support your health. Access to natural light is essential, both because it helps to keep your home naturally warmer in winter and to feel more connected to nature and the seasons, so north-facing windows should be a priority if possible. Similarly, your home should be able to ventilate naturally and easily. Good cross-flow ventilation will ensure your home catches the summer breezes and stays cooler on hot days. Consider using low-VOC paints and products to ensure your home's air quality remains high.
Select quality materials which will age well and stand the test of time and create spaces that are light-filled and airy.
Self-sufficiency
Similarly, you probably want to reduce your living costs during retirement so you can live more fully on the money you do have squirrelled away. Investing in things like solar panels, rainwater tanks and all-electric appliances will not only help you save the planet, it'll help you live more self-sufficiently and save your wallet, too. Say goodbye to big power bills and water restrictions by incorporating self-sufficient principles into your home.
Thinking about accessibility
No one wants to think about a time when you can't easily move around but, just like taxes kicking the bucket, decreased mobility as you age is ultimately unavoidable. To ensure you can stay in your home for the rest of your life, or as long as feasibly possible, it's important to consider how accessible your house is. Designing for accessibility or decreased mobility is not what it used to be: no need for ugly grab rails and plywood ramps. In fact, when designed in from the beginning, accessible features are a seamless part of the overall look. Everything from step-free thresholds to compact lifts can be planned in your renovation so, when the time comes, you'll be prepared. Key things to consider are:
Providing adequate space in bathrooms, hallways and other smaller spaces for wheelchair or walking frame mobility
Incorporating double studs in showers and beside the toilet for future grab rails, grab rails can even be designed as a feature, simply part of the wall detail, rather than an afterthought.
Provisioning space for a future elevator or stairlift
Including at least one bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor which you could move into at a later date
Lighting is important, so you might choose to go with a light-coloured kitchen instead of a dark scheme to be easier on the eyes
