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Wow Factors for Clients Over 50

What design features does the 50-plus custom-home buyer want? Our list includes everything from universal design to outdoor living rooms, pet-care stations and dazzling water features.

By Susan Bady, Senior Editor, Design
May 1, 2009
Custom Builder

Sidebars:
50 Ways to Wow Them

PHOTO GALLERY

View the photo gallery of 50 wow factors for clients over 50:

To view the photo gallery, click here.








Older custom-home buyers love the idea of an outdoor kitchen that outshines their neighbor’s. This one has it all: a large prep space, a flat-screen TV, comfortable seating and magnificent views captured through a series of stone arches. The sloped wood-beam ceiling protects expensive appliances and furniture from the rain and desert sun. Builder: Platinum Homes, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Architect: Giesen Design Studio, Phoenix
Residential elevators have struck a responsive chord with home buyers, especially baby boomers who want to age in place. Almost any floor plan can be made “elevator ready” by stacking closets. Elevators are stylish as well as functional, with such features as marquetry veneer panels, custom flooring and various types of moldings. Builder: Sanddollar Construction, Hilton Head, S.C.; Architect: Roberts Design Group, Hilton Head, S.C.
A casita can serve many purposes, including home office, studio and guest quarters. The casita can be detached or attached, with a separate entrance for the user’s convenience. Builder: Village Homes, Greenwood Village, Colo.; Architect: Knudson Gloss Architects, Boulder, Colo.
Wine rooms range from closets to full-blown cellars and tasting rooms. This handsome wine cellar is enhanced by a trompe d’loeil painting of a vineyard; display cases with glass shelves and wrought-iron doors; wooden wine racks; and a built-in peninsula for tasting. Builder: Barenz Builders, Germantown, Wis.; Architect: Patera, New Berlin, Wis.
An accessible shower doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a hospital. This attractive bath includes a zero-threshold shower as well as a whirlpool tub. Builder: Ginsburg Development Cos., Valhalla, N.Y.; Architect: Kephart Community Planning Architecture, Denver; Interior Designer: Lita Dirks & Co., Greenwood Village, Colo.



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Unique water features are memory points, especially in the desert. These reflecting pools mimic the shape of the house. Builder: Platinum Homes, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Architect: H&S International, Scottsdale, Ariz.
This dishwasher is raised above the standard height so that the homeowners don’t have to stoop when loading. Builder: Parrish Construction, Boulder, Colo.; Architect: Knudson Gloss Architects, Boulder, Colo.
Kitchens can be made accessible without sacrificing aesthetics. Here, the lowered-29-inch countertop features under-counter storage and wheelchair accessibility. The above-counter appliance garage was also lowered from its standard 18-inch height. For additional functionality, there’s a low cooktop, a side-opening oven and a bend-free dishwasher. Hardwood floors are easy for the client to navigate. Remodeler/Architect/Interior Designer: Richard Morrison, AIA, ASID, Menlo Park, Calif.
Low-maintenance exteriors help mature clients fulfill their dream of a “lock-and-leave” lifestyle. Builder: Waterstone Homes, Denver; Architect: Knudson Gloss Architects, Boulder, Colo.
A restful retreat as well as a place to conduct business in the home, this library conveys a sense of solidity and timelessness with its dark wood paneling, built-in bookshelves and coffered ceiling. Tiffany Pixler, project manager for Platinum Homes, says ornate wood detailing is an old trend that is coming back: “Most of our clients want a 'Harvard style’ library.” Builder: Platinum Homes, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Architect: Giesen Design Studio, Phoenix
The walk-in closet is a great opportunity for upgrades such as a real dressing room with elaborate built-ins. Here, shelves and drawers hold folded items while glass doors keep dust off clothing on hangers. Builder: Platinum Homes, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Architect: H&S International, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Flexible spaces adjust to the client’s changing needs. This family room can easily be converted to a guest room, recreation room or media room. Builder/developer: Peter Mocco, Liberty Harbor North, Jersey City, N.J.; Interior Designer: Lita Dirks & Co., Greenwood Village, Colo.
The potting room is a hot button for 50-plus home buyers, many who are avid gardeners. The keys to this room’s appeal are its wide, deep sink; marble countertops with pullout cutting boards; storage cabinets for containers and supplies; indestructible brick floor; and ample fenestration. Builder: Vaughan & Sautter Builders, Wayne, Pa.; Architect: McIntyre Capron & Associates, Paoli, Pa.
The pot-filler faucet is another hot item, especially when paired with an upscale, stainless steel cooking range. Interior designer Sandra Clinger added this feature while remodeling her own home (shown). Interior Designer: Lifestyle Interior Design, Denver
Rest assured that your 50-plus clients have pets and dote on them. Why not suggest a pet feeding station for the mudroom or laundry room, and perhaps a doggie shower? Builder: Vaughan & Sautter Builders, Wayne, Pa.; Architect: McIntyre Capron & Associates, Paoli, Pa.
No mere media room, this state-of-the-art home theater is complete with lobby posters and cushy reclining seats. The walls and ceiling are insulated for maximum sound quality. Builder: Platinum Homes, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Architect: H&S International, Scottsdale, Ariz.
 

50 Ways to Wow Them

• Zero-threshold (stepless) entry

• Elevator

• Wine room

• Courtyard

• Great room with fireplace

• Outdoor kitchen

• Casita or studio

• Enhanced lighting, especially in bathrooms

• Smart home technology (especially for security)

• Non-slip flooring

• Wider hallways and doorways

• Abundant storage space

• Multipurpose (flex) rooms

• Low-maintenance exterior materials

• Dual home offices

• Home theater

• Drop zone

• Guest quarters

• Pools, ponds, fountains and other water features

• Upgraded laundry room with extra counter space and storage

• Pet grooming/feeding station

• Potting/gardening room or bench

• Built-ins for books, art, photos, family mementos, etc.

• Library

• Open kitchen layout

• Butler’s pantry

• Walk-in pantry

• Pull-down storage cabinets

• Marble or granite countertops

• Large islands

• Raised or lowered appliances

• Lower kitchen countertops

• Prep sink in addition to main kitchen sink

• Pot-filler faucet over stove

• Space under bathroom vanities for wheelchair

• Hands-free faucets

• Faucets and doorknobs with lever handles

• Curbless walk-in/roll-in shower

• Oversized shower

• Seat in shower

• Steam unit in shower

• Multiple showerheads/body sprays

• Radiant heat flooring

• Heated towel bars

• Decorator grab bars

• Step-up tub

• High-rise toilet

• Dual master suites

• Dual walk-in closets

• Separate sleeping quarters for a spouse who snores

Highlighted items featured online

© 2009, Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

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