When designing retirement communities, one of the biggest challenges is creating an environment that feels like home while incorporating modern aesthetics. The balance between contemporary design and classic familiarity is crucial in making residents feel comfortable and at ease. As the needs and preferences of older adults vary widely, retirement communities must thoughtfully consider everything from color schemes and furniture styles to the overall layout and ambiance of shared spaces. These choices can significantly impact the well-being and happiness of residents, potentially improving their daily lives and overall experience in their new home.
McCrite Plaza Style Strikes the Right Balance Between Familiarity and Modernity.
Many retirement communities have recently shifted towards a more modern, contemporary look, incorporating sleek lines, open spaces, and minimalist design elements. This trend reflects broader changes in interior design and aims to create a fresh, clean, and updated atmosphere. However, while some residents appreciate the modern touches, others may find them unfamiliar or even off-putting.
For many older adults, comfort comes from familiarity. They often prefer environments that remind them of their own homes or echo the styles they have been accustomed to over the years. Classic styles, with warm wood finishes, floral patterns, and cozy furnishings, can evoke a sense of nostalgia and provide emotional comfort. These elements make spaces feel lived-in and personal, which can be particularly important for residents who may feel a sense of loss when moving away from their long-term homes.
When you Enter the Doors of McCrite Plaza, you Feel the Impact of Color and Design.
Colors play a significant role in setting the mood and feel of a space. In retirement communities, using the right colors can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes residents feel at ease. Soft, muted tones like pastels, earth tones, and warm neutrals can provide a comforting and calming environment, which is essential for residents who may feel anxious about their new surroundings. This potential for design to positively impact residents’ comfort and well-being is a key consideration in retirement community design.
On the other hand, overly sterile or cold color palettes, such as all-white or grey schemes, can make a space feel impersonal and uninviting. While these colors are often associated with modern design, they may not be suitable for all areas of a retirement community. Instead, a careful balance of warm and cool tones, combined with thoughtful accents, can create an environment that feels contemporary, clean, new, and cozy at the same time.
Creating Warmth in Shared Spaces
Shared spaces, such as libraries, dining rooms, and gathering areas, are central to fostering community and encouraging social interaction among residents. The design of these spaces should promote comfort, accessibility, and inclusivity. Libraries, for example, should have comfortable seating, good lighting, and easy-to-reach bookshelves, creating an inviting space for residents to relax, read, or engage in quiet activities.
When Pat and Judy McCrite designed and built their communities in Topeka and Briarcliff, they wanted their residents to feel at home, so design was foremost in their minds. It was to be home, not a hospital or institution. The gathering spaces were designed to be inviting and friendly. Socialization is so important, and space needs to be available and enticing for residents to come and relax and visit with other residents.
Dining rooms, often the heart of social life in retirement communities, should be designed to feel welcoming and homely. Small tables can encourage conversation and a sense of equality among diners, while comfortable chairs with armrests provide support and ease of use for older adults. Thoughtful touches, such as tablecloths, artwork, and plants, can add warmth and personality to the space, making mealtimes feel like dining at home rather than in an institution.
Gathering spaces, such as lounges and activity rooms, should be versatile and adaptable to accommodate a range of activities and events. Furniture in these areas should be functional and comfortable, with pieces that are easy to move and arrange as needed. Soft seating options, such as sofas and armchairs with plush cushions, can make these spaces feel inviting and encourage residents to linger and socialize.
The Importance of Furniture and Layout
Furniture selection is critical in retirement communities, not just for aesthetics but also for functionality and safety. Older adults often have specific needs regarding seating, mobility, and support. Chairs and sofas should be at an appropriate height to make sitting down and standing up easy, and armrests can provide additional support. Furniture should be sturdy and stable to reduce the risk of falls, and all pieces should be arranged to allow for easy navigation and access, particularly for those using walkers or wheelchairs. Additionally, incorporating soft, cushioned surfaces and rounded edges can help minimize injuries from accidental bumps or falls.
Residents First: Designing for Comfort and Community
Use your mouse or finger to take a virtual tour of one of our Briarcliff apartments above.
Ultimately, the goal of designing retirement communities is to create spaces that feel like home while accommodating the diverse needs of residents. While modern design elements can offer a fresh and updated look, they should be balanced with touches of familiarity and warmth that evoke a sense of comfort and belonging. By carefully considering color schemes, furniture choices, and the overall layout of shared spaces, retirement communities can create aesthetically pleasing environments and deeply supportive of residents’ well-being.
Use your mouse or finger to take a virtual tour of one of our Topeka apartments above.
When touring multiple communities, it becomes apparent that owners and builders have different concepts for their communities. Some facilities are designed to please the adult children of the residents and seem very contemporary and modern. However, the McCrite family has always insisted on classic architecture and colors that were the most friendly to the residents.
Give McCrite Plaza a call in Briarcliff-Kansas City at (816) 888-7930 or (785) 267-2960 in Topeka and come for a tour. Residents’ happiness and safety are our primary focus!
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