Empty-nesters are looking for less square footage but more comfort, convenience and luxury. After all, life is too short to not love your surroundings.
The Great-er Outdoors
No-mow lawns have sprouted up as the alternative that saves more time, water, fuel and money than the traditional lawn. These lawns have been around for over a decade in parks and other public spaces. Now they're catching on with homeowners - particularly with the growing population of second homeowners who don't want to spend their precious getaway weekends mowing the lawn. They're also becoming popular with seniors tired of the rigors and high cost of constant lawn upkeep.
No-mow lawns are a mix of several slow-growing fescue grasses that form a dense, tough turf. The grasses develop deep roots that help them tolerate drought, and thrive in shady spots. No-mow lawns need no fertilizer, no watering, and they typically require mowing only once per year.
Ordinary Extraordinary
Homeowners are finding ways to turn ordinary rooms in their home into extraordinarily indulgent experiences. Shower customization is today's hottest bathroom trend. Savvy homebuyers are requesting deluxe bath amenities in new homes, or converting their existing bathrooms into private spa escapes. They're installing comfortable seating for the shower and choosing a Home Care by Moen handheld shower with a convenient pause function.
An extra long hose and hand strap make the handheld shower easy to use, even for those with limited mobility. Getting into and out of the shower is easier with the new SecureMount grab bar installation system, also from Home Care by Moen. Not only are SecureMount grab bars easy to install thanks to a revolutionary new SecureMount anchor system, but they prevent slips and falls in the bathroom. New styles and finishes enhance the room's decor - looking more like decorative pieces than safety devices.
Interior Ingenuity
As seniors use their retirement years to jet around the globe, enjoy a second home or visit children and grandchildren, a convenient, accessible space for luggage is a must. According to CNNMoney.com trend spotter Les Christie, luggage rooms, which store luggage and travel goods between trips, are one of the top home amenity trends for 2007. Luggage rooms save homeowners the hassles of cramming suitcases in closets or using inconvenient attic storage space.
Another popular amenity for the senior homeowner is the customized exercise room.
After the kids move out and retirement sets in, many older adults are using their spare time and spare rooms to get in top shape with customized weight training, cardio machines and even indoor lap pools, which provide a rigorous resistance workout without placing stress on joints and muscles.
More out-of-the-box indoor exercise options include a personal dance studio, complete with wood flooring, wall-length mirrors and a stellar sound system; an indoor climbing wall with grips and a safe-landing mat; and an indoor golf simulator for times when you can't get out to the links.
Seniors still know how to spice up their bedroom with hot amenities, including fireplaces, heated mattress pads and large-capacity warming cabinets for blankets, robes, towels and clothing. Convenience-based bedroom trends include a laundry room off of the master suite, remote-controlled window treatments and voice controlled lighting and electronics, making the boudoir more magical than your childhood bedroom.
All items from the Home Care by Moen line of bath safety products are available nationwide at select retailers such as Lowe's and Menard's or at select home health and medical suppliers.
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