Top Home Improvement Tips for Living with Alzheimer’s-Universal Design

March 7, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is a guest post on a subject matter that touches so many of us. My own father-in-law is a dementia sufferer and I have had a first row seat to witness the challenges living in a home that is not designed to accommodate the illness presents. As a professional designer, I have an interest in addressing the design of living spaces for adults impacted by Alzheimers that will provide easier living conditions for all in the household.

Here is a recent remodel of a master bath that is universal design compliant so my clients can age in place without issue.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

You may think living with Alzheimer’s means living in a sterile, nursing home-style environment. However, one of the hottest trends in home remodeling is “universal design,” which means creating an environment that allows homeowners to enjoy their homes at any age. That includes living well into their golden years, and accommodating the mental and physical decline that can come with aging. Those same modifications can apply when making homes safer and more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More of us are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and this means making appropriate home modifications to meet loved ones’ needs. As pointed out by the experts at Redfin, “Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.4 million Americans, about 5.2 million of which are 65 and older. It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home.” Thankfully, with universal design options, you can meet those needs in ways that are not only safe, but livable and fashionable.

Studies show Alzheimer’s disease erodes judgment, balance, memory, general behavior, and basic senses like hearing and vision. Because of the effects of the disease, some experts advise making important modifications to reduce risks while keeping your loved one independent, such as:

Eliminate steps. At least one entryway to the home should be free of steps.
One-floor living. The main floor of the house should include at least one bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen conveniences.
Doorways and hallways. Doorways throughout the main living area should be free of thresholds and should be a minimum of forty-two inches wide.
Flooring. Replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring, such as hardwood floors or linoleum.
Floor space. Open floor plans are a benefit to those with mobility issues. Reducing clutter and broadening walkways helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
Easy-to-use handles. Doorknobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever handles.
Controls and switches. Place thermostats at lower levels, add a remote control, or add devices or apps which allow for voice control. Switches should be placed at heights accessible from a wheelchair, generally forty-two to forty-eight inches off the floor. Similarly, install electrical outlets higher for easier accessibility.
Lighting. Improving lighting throughout the home is a simple and important step toward safety. Add light fixtures, install brighter bulbs, and add nightlights to enhance safety for those with failing vision or to help those suffering with disorientation.
Bathroom. A taller, hands-free toilet and walk-in shower improve independence and safety. Installing grab bars and a seat for the shower are also important selections.
Countertops and sinks. Opt for shallower designs to keep things easier to reach.

The AARP notes that most of us want to remain at home as long as possible, and with that in mind, home styles are favoring designs that allow people of all ages and abilities to remain comfortable, mobile and safe in their living arrangements. For those who are caregiving to Alzheimer’s patients, that means stylish options can accommodate your loved one on all fronts. As explained by some professionals, it’s an opportunity to choose aesthetically pleasing but also practical solutions for living independently as long as possible.

Here’s the most exciting part: thanks to modern trends, functional equipment is more fashion-friendly than you think. Even grab bars offer a spa-style appeal coupled with safety and support. As The Wichita Eagle explains, “Many of today’s grab bars are cleverly disguised, looking instead like sleek soap dishes, functional shampoo trays, trendy towel racks and even toilet-paper holders.”

Safety marries fashion. If you thought home modifications for the elderly meant giving in to an institutional, sterile environment, think again. Homes can be safe, accessible and fashionable. Thanks to the trend of universal design, caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can meet their loved one’s needs effectively and beautifully.

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Hottest Bathroom Designs Trends Leading into 2018

December 22, 2017 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Are you contemplating a bathroom remodel in 2018? Below is a guest post article that will help you think through some of your design decisions. Of course S Interior Design is here to assist you in person in the Scottsdale/ Phoenix Arizona area !

Below is a picture of a tile we are incorporating into one of our clients’ bath designs to be started in 2018. This tile will be used with an almost solid concrete look porcelain large format tile.
It will be stunning!

Also shown are the sink and faucet that will be used. Another trend is the use of single hole faucets versus wide spread two handled faucets. This is a good option to consider when the vanity space is not too large.

New year, new bathroom! As we say our final farewells to 2017, so too do we look forward to 2018 and the design trends that are sure to define it. This past year had us adorning our bathrooms with unique light fixtures, gold accents and standalone vanities. What’s in store for the coming year? Read on and find out!

Monochrome Paint Schemes

If the word “monochrome” makes you think of generic and impersonal bathrooms, you’re not alone, but it’s time to reset your notions for the new year! Supplementing your standard white bathroom with just one bold accent color lets you maintain a cohesive theme while still allowing ample room for creativity.

Try a striking black accent wall or a daring cobalt blue mirror frame – both colors will be huge in 2018.

Relaxing Standalone Bathtubs

Fancy bathtubs aren’t just for celebrities anymore! 2018 will be a big year for freestanding and island bathtubs.

With the recent proliferation of bathing products such as bath bombs and aromatherapy oils, it’s only natural that the standalone tub is about to enter the spotlight. Relaxing and luxurious, a new bathtub can provide both creature comfort and aesthetic appeal. It’s time to say goodbye to the ubiquitous shower-tub combo and usher in the new era of statement-making bathtubs.

Marble Finishes

Marble has long been a staple material of luxury bathrooms, but historically it has been too expensive for use in the average renovation. But recent years have seen more affordable marble tiles come on the market, and thanks to this the material will see a huge boom in popularity in 2018.

Rip out that old floor and replace it with large marble tiles for an instant dose of class that can make even the smallest bathroom feel vast. You can also keep it more low-key with a marble shower backsplash or marble slab countertop.

And don’t discount decor as an opportunity to hop on this trend! Soap dispensers, trays and vases are easy ways to add a little pop of marble to your bathroom.

Patterned Tiles

With monochrome color schemes being so popular, it’s no wonder that another big trend for 2018 bathroom design is the use of patterned tiles. Simple colors effortlessly complement bold, eye-grabbing patterns.

Classic dots and stripes are always in style, but this year will see some daring new patterns take center stage. Angled forms are in, so keep an eye out for triangular tessellations and geometric getups.

If you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, try using patterned tiles on a shower floor or on an accent wall instead for a less intense but still on-trend look.

Technology in the Bathroom

As we progress through the digital age, it’s getting harder and harder to resist the allure of the smart house. And there’s sure to be a spike in the prevalence of tech-filled bathrooms in 2018.

Smart mirrors look at first glance like regular mirrors, but one tap reveals a touchscreen integrated into the glass, allowing you to do things like read news headlines and view your daily schedule as you get ready in the morning. There’s also Bluetooth-enabled showerheads that use voice commands to control water pressure and stream music right to your shower.

Toilets are also getting the high-tech treatment. Seat warmers add an invisible element of comfort to any bathroom, while automatic deodorizers bring us one step closer to the ultimate dream: the self-cleaning toilet.

For a quick and simple bathroom tech upgrade, try giving your light fixtures a new lease on life with smart bulbs that allow you to adjust color and intensity from a phone or tablet app. Having such control over the ambiance can turn an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing escape that will leave you feeling not just clean but comfortable too.

In Conclusion

Modern bathrooms are getting smarter and sleeker, but they’re also experiencing a youthful surge in creativity and comfort. This perfectly balanced combination of form and function means that 2018 is the perfect year to design a bathroom that’s both fun and practical. What trends are you most excited for this year?

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The 5th Wall- Ceiling Design Ideas

September 20, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is a guest post on the subject of what can be done with ceiling design. Here in Arizona many of the homes have very high ceilings ranging from 12′ to 20′ or more. Sometimes the builder of the home has thought about the high ceiling height and added architectural details to make it more interesting. Other times the ceilings ares lacking any kind of design attention and can make a space seem empty. If you live in an older home here in Arizona, you may have the dreaded popcorn ceiling texture. It that is the case, the very best and the first thing to do is to have it removed and the ceiling re-textured and painted.

From simple ideas such as paint or wall covering options, to architectural beams and coffers, the options are vast. So look up…..is there something special you can do to your ceilings in your home?

Guest Post:

How to Make Your Ceiling More Luxurious

Never underestimate the importance of ceilings. They have a huge impact on the overall impression your home gives. It’s not just furniture, window treatments and wall decorations that individualize a particular room, but the right blend of colors, décors, interior design ideas, and lighting choices.

Are you under the impression that nobody looks up? Here’s where you are wrong. Even if you don’t intentionally raise your eyes to check out a ceiling, your glance embraces the whole environment the minute you step in a room. Boring plaster finishes with hardly any décor or personalized touches will probably make the entire room indifferent.

There are ways to make your ceilings luxurious. Let’s just start by saying that there are expensive and inexpensive ways for doing so, and so it will depend on your budget, how much you want to spend on a specific room, and whether there are reasons for completely transforming a particular ceiling or not.

by BGLiving

Evaluate the space first

First things first. Look up! What do you see? What’s the height of the room? What’s the current condition of the ceiling? Which room is that? In order to make the right decisions, take one step at a time.

Is your ceiling high or low? And what impression would you like to give?

High ceilinged rooms are considered luxurious because they are impressive on their own, but watch out. They can make the room cold and impersonal. In this case, you have two options: you should either use tricks to lower down the ceiling or take advantage of the height and just make it elegant.

by Zillow

If the ceiling is low, things are a lot harder. Low ceilinged rooms warm up faster and better in the winter and make your life easy when you simply want to change a light bulb. But if the space is not large or it is overcrowded with furniture, and there are no big window openings, it will be claustrophobic.

Are there damaged ceiling parts?

Roof leaks are often more than enough to have catastrophic effects on ceilings. So before you talk about remodeling your ceiling and make the fifth wall more luxurious, it’s imperative that you fix it. If you need to hire a pro to do some ceiling repairs, you might want to consider some extra labor work. This might be your chance to install a coffered ceiling.

Are you interested in improving the looks of your dining room, bathroom, living room, or hallway ceiling?

It’s actually up to you whether you want to spend money on transforming the ceiling of a private space (like your bathroom’s ceiling). If you ask any interior designer, they will tell you that it’s worth transforming any ceiling. And that’s true! The question is how much are you willing to spend? It will also depend on whether you want to change the looks of one room’s ceiling or all of them.

by Accenthaus

In the case of the latter, think smart. Choose inexpensive, but smart solutions for ceilings at private spaces and spend more to transform ceilings in the dining or living room.

How to make high ceilings look gorgeous

Whether you have a vaulted coffered ceiling or a plain, white one, as long as it is high you can do wonders by playing with colors.

Since the space already breathes from the height of the ceiling, you can use intense colors and install ceiling medallions in historical designs.

Use ceiling stencils. There are amazing patterns on the market. You can either decorate the entire ceiling or parts of it. Depending on the design you choose, you can leave the ceiling white or paint it dark red or blue.

by SWZ Architects LLC

If you select dark colors, you bring the ceiling down. So, if you want to give the effect of a lower ceiling, choose dark shades and dare to go for a black ceiling too. Black is back and gorgeous. It will make a greater impression if you install white crown molding. It will bring out the elegance of the black color.

You can also lower the ceiling by using complex patterns in intense colors. Go for coffered ceilings with particular designs. The more colorful the better!

Get inspired by Italian frescoes. If you can afford a modern “Michelangelo” to do some art work on your ceiling even better. It can’t get better than “The Creation of Adam”!

If you have the money to install wood panels, go for it. But make sure the rest of the room’s setting is simple-white-chic. By keeping décors in neutral colors, you bring out the character of wooden ceilings and won’t make the room heavy.

How to give the impression of high ceilings

Low ceilings are practical and make rooms cosy. And yes, they can be extremely elegant, too. Here are some interior design ideas:

by Elad Gonen

How about dressing the ceiling with wallpaper? Just avoid intense colors and complex patterns. Wallpapers on ceilings are an excellent idea for bedrooms. White plaster ceilings look more exotic with some woodwork done on the top.

Use slim stenciled patterns. Make a difference by investing in golden or silver colors. Give an elegant and original impression by petite flowers and green leaves at the edge part of the ceiling and all around the crown molding.

The truth is that most people are not happy with what they have. If we have high ceilings, we struggle to lower them down. If we have low ceilings, we do our best to increase their height. Since you cannot rebuild the house, here are a couple of things you can do to make the ceiling look higher.

Paint the ceiling in high or semi-gloss neutral color. Glossy light shades will deceive your eye in believing that the room is higher.

by Pepe Calderin Design

You can also remove the plaster and expose the initial ceiling structure. This will literally give you a few more inches of space. Avoid installing coffered drop ceilings. Crown moldings will look lovely, but avoid oversized ones.

In your effort to make your ceiling look higher, you will discover that you can change many things in the room apart from repainting the ceiling. Here are the best tricks:

Use striped wallpapers or paint the wall in stripes. Vertical stripes make us look thinner and taller. They have the same impression on our homes, too.

Avoid tall furniture. Keep everything in average size so that items won’t suffocate the room. It’s best to have floor to ceiling bookcases and fill all shelves with books and displays up to the last one at the top.

by Webb & Brown-Neaves

Put framed pictures all the way up to the ceiling and even over door casings. They give the impression that the ceiling is high. Avoid pendant lights and chandeliers.

Paint a diagonal wall stripe to give the impression that there is a staircase going up. It will create the illusion that there is more spaceand give a movement feeling to the space.

If you are interested in installing wainscoting, prefer vertical beadboards that will give the same impression striped walls do. Hang drapes as high as possible and let them touch the floor. Install 1/3 sized wainscots and keep the upper wall side the same color as the ceiling. If you want to add color, paint the beadboard.

by Jeremy Kohm Photography

Go wild with unique ceilings

Not all ceilings are flat. Some are cathedral, some are curved and some are octagonal. You can use thick stripes, intense colors, and Asian inspired stencils or go for more sophisticated solutions like designs imitating Italian art and the Renaissance period.

The truth is that the higher the ceiling is the more things you can do to decorate it. The kitchen and dining room will simply look lovely if is painted blue and complemented by wood boards. Pendant lights definitely give a dramatic effect as they travel all the way down from a vaulted wood ceiling. So, do explore your choices.

by K2 Design

A few tips to get you started

All types and sizes of ceilings can become luxurious. It’s good for you to remember that. The most important thing is to identify the pros and cons of your ceilings, use your imagination, cross check what’s available, and don’t forget to check your bank account before you start planning. So, these are some last tips to get you started:

Spent time thinking of colors. They make the greatest difference. The right shades will add glamour; the wrong ones will be disastrous.

Pay enormous attention to lighting. If you like chandeliers but the ceiling is low, hang one at one corner and over a small table or chair.

Remember that your ceiling becomes more elegant with hidden lighting all around the trim.

by Drewett Works

Don’t forget that ceilings do not stand alone. They are part of the room. The most gorgeous ceiling in the world will lose its appeal if the rest of the room is messy, overcrowded and too colorful.

Use different architectural ideas in each room. After all, all endeavors aim at improving the looks of the entire space and not just the ceiling. Every room serves a purpose and must have a unique character. So, play with variations. Use contrasting colors in the dining room but smooth transitions from wall to ceiling for the bedroom.

Our ultimate advice? Let your imagination travel, stick to your personal tastes and enjoy every minute of it!

URLs to resources used in article

inexpensive ways
http://www.houzz.com/inexpensive-ceiling-ideas

install a coffered ceiling

35 Majestic Decorative Coffered Ceiling

transform ceilings in the dining or living room

16 Impressive Dining Room Ceiling Designs

coffered ceilings with particular designs

21 Incredible Detailed Ceiling Design Ideas From Experts

White plaster ceilings

Plaster Ceiling Design + Architectural Mouldings

installing wainscoting
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/wainscoting-designs

Pendant lights definitely give a dramatic effect
http://www.houzz.com/high-ceiling-pendant-lights

enormous attention to lighting
http://www.ofdesign.net/interior-design/33-ideas-for-ceiling-lighting-and-indirect-effects-of-led-lighting-beautiful-3102

different architectural ideas
http://freshome.com/ceiling-design-ideas/

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Livable Garage Space

August 31, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is a guest post on the subject of converting your garage into livable space to then rent out as a source of income. Maybe a good idea , maybe not….but even if you don’t want or need to do a conversion of the garage to lease out, you may still want to use it as additional living space for yourself. Perhaps a teen hang out space? Or a men’s den?

While it is not as easy to do as simply putting down an area rug and adding a sofa, it can be done much more easily than building an add on structure from the ground up.

Converting Garage Into a Living Space

Cities all around the country are experiencing tremendous growth in real estate and asset prices, and people are looking for ways to cope (or cash in) on the recent spike in rent prices. If you are a homeowner who perhaps is recently out of work, or just are looking for another stream of income, then perhaps you should consider converting your garage into a living space.

Perhaps your child has just graduated college and is having trouble finding work. While their old bedroom has been demolished and rebuilt into your new library, the garage is still a viable spot for them to live, with a quick renovation. San Francisco, New York, and other cities in the United States are seeing astronomical rent prices, so there’s a chance that your new rental space could be quite a cash cow, even if it is just a spruced up garage. here are several reasons to consider renovating your garage into a living space. There are several aspects to consider, which we have outlined below.

Remodeling Essentials

When you are remodeling your garage into a living space, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. If the garage is attached to the house, then you will need to think about how the renter will be able to access this space. Will they be passing through the main house to access the space? A detached garage will require more insulation, as it is a separate structure from the main dwelling. Many people are renting out these spaces as “mother in law” units, especially in college towns where students are looking for a cheap place to sleep.

Insulation and Temperature Control

Windows and doors are where the vast majority of heat is lost from a structure, so your first priority is ensuring that these areas are insulated with high quality materials. Insulated windows and doors can do an incredible job on cutting heating and cooling bills, and they are definitely worth the investment. Since a garage door is much larger than a standard door, insulating this door is especially important for temperature control.

Living spaces likely require more privacy than the typical garage, so be sure to install blinds and curtain rods. Likewise, you will want to make sure that the door used to access the room has a lock and is working smoothly. If the floor is concrete, then it can be dreadfully cold in the winter. Installing snap-in wooden flooring is a relatively cheap way to make the space more attractive and livable.

Interior design Considerations

Garages are small, so you should focus on creating utilitarian shelving and storage spaces that allow people to organize their things and avoid clutter. Installing a wooden or vinyl flooring will ensure that the floor is more comfortable and cohesive.

Pay attention to the lighting in the room. A nice floor and new blinds won’t make up for a single lightbulb dangling bare from the ceiling, attached with a bright orange extension cord. Even a cheap overhead lighting fixture coupled with a lamp or two can make a space look much more cozy. Christmas lights are popular lighting choices for students, and they’re quite affordable to boot.

Shelving and modular furniture can be very useful for using a garage as a living space. A futon is another student staple, and the ability to use it as a couch and a bed makes it very attractive for someone living on a small budget. Tables with integrated cabinets and storage can meet a variety of needs in one piece, allowing you to save space and maximize usefulness to the user.

Natural wood materials are very on-trend and also match the rustic charm of converting a garage into a living space. Consider drying a tree stump and using it as an end table. Raw wooden planks can also be painted with bold colors for a more edgy look. No matter what decorative palette you use, it will be a hit as long as the space is inviting and functional. Following these tips will help you renovate your garage a desirable and attractive living space. Renters will be flocking to rent out your space, and your wallet will be much heavier.

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Kitchen Remodel-Big Investment, Big Pay Off

August 17, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is an article published by Pulte Homes on the subject of 5 Kitchen Design Trends that home buyers are interested in. The article shares some great ideas to think about if you are planning a kitchen remodel. S Interior Design likes that their design is not only focused on the look, but also the functionality aspects. Your kitchen is the most functional area in your home and if it doesn’t work well, it doesn’t matter how beautiful it looks.

Kitchen Design Trends that Improves a Kitchen’s Beauty and Functionality

A kitchen is the heartbeat of a home so it’s no wonder that the kitchen is the number one consideration in choosing their next home.

Pulte Group’s Interior Designs Team will merchandise about 425 homes in 2016 and the models they decorate reflect the hottest design trends and interior innovations.

“Today’s home buyers are willing to spend more in the kitchen – from energy-efficient appliances to quartz countertops,” says Janice Jones, PulteGroup’s national vice president of interior design, which effectively acts as one of the largest design shops in the nation with 33 design professionals. “We continuously conduct consumer focus groups to best understand what they want in their kitchens and are constantly refining our kitchen designs and its elements to ensure it delivers on functionality, creative design and easy maintenance across all our buyer groups.”

Jones says that in 2016, five kitchen trends are emerging as must-haves when consumers are planning a kitchen renovation project or if they are looking for some easy kitchen updates. These design trends can already be seen today in new Pulte homes being built throughout the country.

The “Wow” Factor: Bold and oversized lighting choices add drama to the completed space. Decorative lighting is key in the kitchen and adds dramatic flair as well as functionality to the kitchen, especially over the kitchen island.

Transparency: Consumers love to personalize a space. By switching out some cabinet doors with glass doors, you extend visual boundaries while displaying “a few of my favorite things.”
Bridging the Gap: Consumers say you can never have enough storage, especially in the kitchen. Double stacked cabinets extend to the ceiling, which maximize storage space for those special occasion items.

More drawers, less doors: The functionality of drawers outweighs doors. These designs are emphasized through the use of bold hardware.

Mixed marbles and metals highlight gray wood tones. Materials are being mixed, colors contrasted, and styles interchanged to create a unique and personalized point of view.
To see more kitchen designs, visit www.pulte.com.

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