With nearly 38% of Hamilton County’s 367,000-plus residents being 50 and older, new home designs continue to evolve in response to their changing consumer preferences.
In the 55-plus market, the floor plan life cycle is shorter than ever, influenced by increasingly savvy homebuyers who are of the age where “I want what I want” is nonnegotiable.
Here are some of the latest trends builders and developers are seeing the 55+ market desire for their home and lifestyle.
The choice to engage
During the pandemic, social distancing altered our idea of how close is too close. Designs are changing to focus on privacy while providing residents the opportunity to engage with neighbors on their own terms.
Designing attached homes that maintain a strong sense of privacy and individuality can be challenging. Creative use of space such as a garage providing a backdrop for a semi-public front courtyard that buffers a semi-private front porch can help achieve this. Residents are shielded from forced, direct engagement with passersby yet still visible enough to extend an invitation if they choose.
Breaking out of the past
Older layouts of 55-plus plans divided the home into formal and informal spaces. But the days of these formal “walk-by” spaces, which are seen but rarely used, are long gone.
Today, the 55-plus market favors an informal design for their lifestyle. This is more than just an open floor plan. Although buyers want connectivity, thoughtful design elements make sure the space is much more than just one big room.
Circulation and layering
Eliminating hallways and unnecessary circulation is also a trend for the 55-plus market. When one room flows seamlessly to the next, deliberate staging with shifts in flooring material, wall colors and varied ceiling treatments and heights can create a visual distinction between each space.
This leads to a natural, unforced circulation pattern where each room maintains its sense of unique function while remaining interconnected with the rest of the plan.
It’s clear that the evolution of 55-plus buyer preferences is far from over, especially in the wake of 2020.
To find an architect, builder or home professional in the greater Chattanooga area to make your dream home come true, visit the member directory at www.HBAGC.net.