What Exactly is Aging-in-Place Design?

In May, Randy, co-owner of Eastlake Renovations became certified as an Aging-in-Place Specialist through the National Association of Home Builders.  Many people are unaware of what that means, so today's blog is about exactly that.

Aging-in-Place Design means we are knowledgeable and passionate about helping our aging clients stay in their current, comfortable homes as long as they possibly can by making safe, appropriate and attractive modifications to their homes.  Whether it be something as small as adding grab bars to their bathrooms, or installing appliances with automatic shut off features or adding a bedroom with bathroom to the first floor of their home, we can handle it all.  The cost of doing an Aging-in Place remodel is far more affordable than the cost of Assisted Living or a Retirement Home.  When you think about it, even if the project cost $50,000, that could be spent within 9 months at an Assisted Living facility.

The process is easy and we have it very streamlined.  We come to our client's home and assess the exterior and interior of the home to determine what modifications are most important to be made and in what order.  We do all of the leg work for the customer and run the entire project for them so it is as stress-free on them as it possibily can be.

Here are some ideas of what can be done to improve our customer's homes.  If you know of anyone who is in need of our services, please be sure to share our information with them.

An Open, Barrier-Free Bathroom Design

A pull-out flat work surface for easy accessibility

Raised washer and dryer and roll-under laundry sink

An open floor plan along with a shower seat and grab bars in the shower are great accessibility features

Cabinet doors open and slide back in to allow for roll-under accessibility to the kitchen sink

This beautiful shower stall has many great accessibility design features such as the easy access shower seat, sliding hand-held shower head and grab bars

A Kohler Rising Wall Bathtub

An under-the-counter microwave drawer adds a great accessible feature to the kitchen

An open floor plan is a must for easy maneuverability

A pneumatic, vacuum elevator is a great design feature

A raised oven allows for lesser need for bending over

A roll-under cooktop is great for a wheelchair bound occupant

Sensitive-touch faucets are a great feature for someone with strength issues

Grab bars don't have to look institutional and notice the fold-up shower seat that blends in with the wall tile

A plate drawer under the counter is a great design feature

Porches and Outdoor Living Areas

It is that perfect time of year to start designing your outdoor spaces whether it be a sun room, a front porch, or a covered back patio.  Check out these beautiful pictures and get inspired.  Be sure to call us at Eastlake Renovations, Inc. to bring your dreams to fruition.

Use this space to choose really neat lighting and furniture along with great accessories

 

A sun porch is such a great place to hang a vintage porch swing to invoke memories of days gone by 

Shabby chic yet so light and fresh

Ceiling fans are a must in outdoor living spaces to keep the mood breezy and cool

                               

 

Love the rusticity of this porch

  

Elegant outdoor living at its best

Increase your living space by moving to the back porch. Notice the TV that was even included in this design

Create your outdoor living space to reflect the

 architectural style of the rest of your home

LOVE the fireplace in this outdoor living space

How inviting is this porch area?

Refresh Your Porch

Beautiful, crisp outdoor living space

                                       

Amazing Kitchen Island Ideas!

There are so many fun ways to personalize an island in your kitchen to perfectly fit what goes on in your home.  Check out these FABULOUS ideas!!!

Beautiful way to incorporate an old look in a new kitchen.

A twist on the farm sink look

LOVE THIS!!!  Find an antique piece and let's make it an island.

Your kitchen doesn't have to be large to include an island.

Another great way to incorporate an old antique piece.

LOVE the use of this very old piece as an island.

Old, slim piece that provides great storage.

Use the island as a way to add a pop of color to your kitchen.

Color, butcher block top, seating and storage - such efficiency!

A beautiful piece of furniture with amazing storage.

The island is a great place to also add eating space to the kitchen.

A lower table added to an island can even provide formal eating and is perfect for accessibility.

A nice petite island to provide eating for two.

Another great example of an island for eating and storage along with an extra sink area.

Islands provide a great kitchen space for multiple storage ideas.

A great way to make use of an island column.

Notice that not only does this island provide a great space for storing beautiful glassware, but on the other side of the cabinet is a bench with a drawer under it.  Genius!!!

LOVE all of the storage this simple, little island table provides!

The island provides a great place to store produce.

What a great idea, to use the island as a place to store your cooking sheets - love the doors on both sides!  Also notice the side compartment for garbage.

The island provides a great place to put an under-the-counter microwave - a great universal design feature!

Another great accessibility feature is to store plates and bowls in an under-the-counter drawer.

Not only does this island provide wine storage, but it sports a butcher block top for food prep along with a lidded garbage opening that scraps can just be swept into, to a garage receptacle below.