Multi Generational Living

Statistically, baby boomers are the largest generation of our time. Right now, they are in the process of becoming empty nesters and will transition and become care takers for their parents. Assisted living facilities have been discussed, most likely with hesitation, and big decisions are being made about their current housing status.

Recently, our society has been introduced with a newer concept called multi generational living. This is defined as several generations living under one roof. In some cases, parents are welcoming their children back into the home or encouraging their parents to move in with them.

Red Couch Interiors recently completed a new build where the concept of multi generational living, where the grandparents, parents and children all live under one roof,  is the norm. I had the pleasure of working with this family to design a home that fit their specific needs for each generation. Let’s take a look inside together.

First, there were two master suites designed in the floor plan. The first floor master suite was designed for the parents. The second master suite was designed for their son and his future bride. Each suite consisted of a bedroom with a large walk in closet. The master bathrooms boasted a soaking tub, linen closet, large, custom tiled shower with a built in seat and a long, double vanity with plenty of storage.

The rest of the house consisted of three nice sized bedrooms, one for the grandparents, the rest for any other siblings or guests. Each of those bedrooms also had a full bath adjacent to their respective spaces.

An office space on the second floor and prayer room on the first floor were also included into the design.

The heart of the home included a living room with built in fireplace, dining room and a large kitchen with eat in island.

This kitchen was designed specifically to have as much counter space as possible when hosting family gatherings. The height of the dining room table is the same as the island so the chairs can be interchangeable from one setting to the next. Versatility was key when designing this area.

For the family, designing a multi generational home was a given. Family comes first. Visit this page to view the rest of the home! Red Couch Interiors enjoyed designing their home to fit their specific needs and looks forward to seeing how their family grows and changes through the years.

Design and Construction Week 2017

Designers, builders, manufacturers and everyone else in the kitchen and bath industry has been looking forward to Design and Construction Week for months. For most of us, it’s a belated Christmas present we’ve been dying to open. Not only is this show a time to see the latest and greatest, but it’s also an opportunity to take classes and educate ourselves in our field. Let’s not forget to mention it’s also a reunion for many who haven’t seen each other since the previous year. The friendships you cultivate last a lifetime. When you add up all this greatness, you are sure to have a fantastic show experience. Let me unfold these events and prepare to be inspired!

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) holds the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) alongside the National Home Builders Association (NAHB), who hold the International Builders Show (IBS), to create, what we now call, Design and Construction Week. Combining these two shows is extremely beneficial to its attendees because of the opportunity to see twice as much product all in the same location.

Here’s my list of the products that caught my eye. Enjoy!

1. Throw out all the rules! Almost every vendor was mixing colors, textures and styles. Design Craft displayed a kitchen with contemporary high gloss upper cabinets with traditional, inset, rustic wood stained base cabinets. It’s time to start thinking outside the box!
2. Shiny, brushed, distressed or painted! Kitchen and bath faucets, cabinets, appliances and more are now available in any color imaginable. Instead of eliminating colors from their selections, companies are adding finishes and will keep on adding them. Let your imagination run wild!
3. Technology is here to stay. Virtual Reality was HOT at this years Design and Construction Week. Virginia Tech, DuPont, Cabico and more introduced virtual reality into designing spaces. Once your space is drafted into a computer program, throw on the headset and get ready to walk through your home before construction even begins.
4. Storage solutions are always a top priority when designing a new space. This year was no different. Cabinet manufacturers highlighted their genius storage ideas and designers loved each and every one of them.
5. Last, but not least, outdoor living spaces were expanded upon during the show and they didn’t disappoint. Nature Cast introduced their outdoor cabinetry, which looks like real wood! Goodbye cold, stainless steel cabinets. Hello cabinets full of character!

Share with us your favorite products from the list! Enjoy the new trends in the kitchen and bath industry!