Retirement Floorplans
and the Latest Design Trends

Retirement floorplans are carefully designed to meet the buyers needs and the needs of aging. Builders use methods like surveys to discover what buyers want. Here are some of the latest trends in floorplans for your retirement home.

If I could only use one word to describe today's retirement floor plans, that word would be "open." Kitchens open into the living rooms. Cozy dining areas are in the kitchen. Living rooms are practically non-existent, instead they are "great rooms." Formal dining rooms open into living rooms.

But here are the most important tips:

Master Bedrooms

First, and most important, master bedrooms are usually on the main level. I recommend this if only for resale value. Most people in retirement prefer their bedroom on the first floor or a ranch home. This is also one of the criteria for an

"aging in place" floorplan.

Kitchens

Next, kitchens are very open--opening into the living or great room. Granite counter tops are still the most important material wanted by buyers. Also, a new trend is to nickel fixtures in kitchen or bath for an upscale look rather than the traditional chrome, but chrome is still popular. Having an upscale look is what today's retirees look for.

A cozy and casual dining spot for 2 to 4 is usually within the kitchen or off the kitchen and can replace the formal dining room. Any spot will do. It is open and flows with the floorplan. The formal dining room can be smaller.

"Great rooms" are replacing separate rooms. They are more open and flowing and combined with the kitchen opening into them, well, you have a great look and easier living for retirees. The best flooring would be tiles, hardwood and the new stain resist carpets--anything to make maintenance easier.

Add a Sunroom -- usually in the rear of the home off the main living area. You may have an option to have a screen porch instead.

Covered Patio -- Even if you have a sunroom or screen porch, you may also want a covered patio for outside dining or gardening. The covered patio usually is off the sunroom or screened porch. Today's boomers want it all.

Bathrooms--more luxurious with upscale fixtures, sinks, tiles and separate shower from soaking tubs. The shower has a seat in it. Bathrooms are larger and airy with larger windows and use of glass block, and, if possible include his and her sinks, upscale lighting fixtures and bowls, mirrors. Make your bathroom spa-like--reminiscent of hotel bathrooms in luxury hotels in the islands.

Floorplans have larger windows, interesting ceiling treatments and lots of crown molding.

Bonus Rooms are good for guests or an office -- This is a room on the second floor. You may have an option for the following: sky basement (for a storage area) or upstairs bonus room.

The Bonus room for guests is good when your home is out of town and guests may stay for longer periods of time. They and you will be more comfortable with this large separate space away from main living areas.

Sometimes you can combine half bonus suite and half storage area.

Other ideas are cathedral ceilings for a spacious feel (add a ceiling fan for air circulation) and kitchen island or extra counters--more room to make those healthy salads.

Retirement floorplans should make every day tasks easier and close at hand. Plan a laundry room in a convenient place. Plan how you will take your trash out and how far from the kitchen it is.

See universal design which incorporates features good for retirement floorplans such as wider doorways, stepless entries, lower light switches and raised dishwashers. These are designed to make life easier as you age.

Please consult with your design experts for the best retirement floorplans. These tips are for information only and no guarantee on how they will work in your retirement home. Floorplans and options that are available at your community may vary greatly from this information.

To Top of Page

Return from retirement floorplans to home page