Aging in Place

Aging in Place

Create a Home that Grows with You from the Start

Create a home that grows with you from the start. Use Universal Design principals during the design process for a more inclusive, attractive and better thought out space. Aging in place refers to the desire and ability of older adults to continue living independently in their own homes and communities as they age. It is a popular choice among adults aged 50 and older, with a recent study by AARP finding that 77% of this demographic prefer to age in place[1](https://www.google.com/search?q=prevalence%20and%20benefits%20of%20aging%20in%20place). This preference is supported by multiple studies that highlight the numerous benefits of aging in place.

One of the key components of aging in place is the home itself. However, a report from 2020 estimated that only 10% of American homes are considered “aging ready,” meaning they are equipped to meet the needs of older adults[2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9495472/). This suggests that there is a significant gap between the desire to age in place and the actual readiness of homes to support this lifestyle.

Despite this challenge, there are compelling reasons why aging in place is favored by older adults. A familiar environment can provide a strong sense of identity and allow older adults to utilize neighborhood services and resources, fostering a greater sense of community and connection[3](https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/aging-in-place-statistics/). Additionally, aging in place offers the comfort and security of being surrounded by cherished possessions, family, and pets, which can contribute to overall well-being and happiness[5](https://gero.usc.edu/students/current-students/careers-in-aging/the-value-of-aging-in-place/).

Furthermore, research suggests that aging in place can result in potential cost savings at both the individual and societal levels. Recent studies on home-based health programs have shown that aging in place can lead to cost savings for individuals, as well as for state and federal governments[4](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/fall13/highlight2.html). By minimizing the need for institutional care and medical interventions, aging in place can help reduce healthcare costs while promoting independence and autonomy.

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to create an environment that supports our changing needs. Aging in place is the concept of designing and modifying our homes to accommodate the physical and emotional challenges that come with getting older. In this blog post, we will explore some key elements to consider when designing an age-friendly home.

1. Safety First: One of the primary goals of aging in place is to ensure safety within the home. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards are just a few examples of safety modifications that can be made. By taking these steps, we can prevent accidents and promote independence.

2. Accessibility: Another crucial aspect of designing an age-friendly home is improving accessibility. This includes making doorways wider to accommodate mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers, installing ramps instead of stairs, and lowering countertops for easier reach. By removing barriers, we can ensure that every part of the home is accessible to individuals with different physical abilities.

3. Functional and Comfortable Living Spaces: As we age, it’s essential to have living spaces that are both functional and comfortable. Consider incorporating adjustable features such as height-adjustable countertops or adjustable beds. Additionally, choose furniture and decor that prioritize comfort and ease of use. By creating spaces that cater to our changing needs, we can maintain a sense of independence and enhance our overall well-being.

4. Smart Home Technology: Embracing smart home technology can greatly enhance the aging-in-place experience. Automated lighting systems, voice-activated assistants, and motion sensor faucets are just a few examples of how technology can make daily tasks more manageable. These innovations not only promote convenience but also increase safety and security within the home.

5. Emotional Well-being: Finally, don’t forget the importance of emotional well-being when designing an age-friendly home. Incorporating natural light, using calming colors, and creating spaces for relaxation and reflection can contribute to a positive living environment. Additionally, consider incorporating elements that evoke happy memories, such as displaying family photos or cherished mementos.

By implementing these strategies, we can create homes that support us as we age, allowing us to maintain our independence and quality of life. Remember, aging in place is not just about the physical modifications but also about fostering the spirit, comfort of home, social engagement and saving money by not using facilities.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

GET STARTED TODAY

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.
Ultimate Lighting Guide

Ultimate Lighting Guide

When it comes to interior design, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your space. Whether you’re renovating your home or designing a new one, it’s important to understand the different types of lighting available and how to use them effectively. In this expert guide, we will explore the importance of lighting in interior design and provide valuable insights on how to effectively utilize different types of lighting to transform any space into a visually stunning and functional masterpiece.
The right lighting can make or break a room. It has the power to transform a dull space into a warm and inviting haven, or a vibrant and energetic environment. It involves the deliberate use of light to create a desired ambience, highlight specific features, and provide functional illumination for various tasks. By combining these types effectively, you can create a layered lighting scheme that not only illuminates your space adequately but also adds depth and visual interest. All while ensuring all light color is matching across the property. Kelvins (k) denote the temperature scale, so the higher the number, the whiter the light. Cool, whiter light (3000K) is cold, ugly and blue often seen in commercial kitchens, while warm light (1800K-2700K) is best for cozy spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, and restaurants.

Layering

Layering involves combining different types of lighting to create depth and dimension in a room. By using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can achieve a layered lighting effect that adds visual interest and flexibility to your space. For example, you can use recessed lighting or track lighting as your ambient lighting, task lighting such as desk lamps or under-cabinet lights for specific activities, and accent lighting like spotlights or wall sconces to highlight architectural features or artwork. This layering of light sources allows you to create different moods and adapt the lighting to various activities or occasions.

Ambient Lighting:

This type of lighting provides overall illumination to a room. It ensures a comfortable level of brightness and allows for general visibility within the space. The goal of ambient lighting is to create a soft, diffused light that evenly illuminates the entire space without any harsh shadows. This can be achieved through the use of chandeliers, pendant lights, flush mounts, recessed lighting, or even natural light sources like windows and skylights.

Task Lighting:

Task lighting is designed to provide focused illumination for specific activities such as reading, cooking, or working. It helps reduce eye strain and allows for efficient completion of tasks. This includes Bedroom Bedside Lights and gooseneck reading spot lights. Task lighting should be adjustable and placed strategically to prevent glare and shadows. Table lamps, desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and track lighting are popular choices for task lighting. Above a kitchen island, fixtures should reach around 30″ to 36″ from the countertop and multiples should be placed 30″ apart for optimal airflow and light spread. A 30″ to 36″ drop rule applies to lights above dining tables, but you’ll want to get your proportions right: your chosen piece should be at least 6″ narrower than the width of your table, and with round styles, between 1/2 and 3/4 of the diameter. Bathroom/ Wet Rated/Outdoor Lights – Sconces 5’ on center fixtures. For an effective spread of light, an outdoor light fixture should measure at least 1/4 the height of the door.

Accent Lighting:

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features or objects in a room, such as artwork, architectural details, collectibles, candle light and fire light. It adds drama and visual interest to your space by creating focal points. It can be achieved through the use of spotlights, track lighting, wall sconces, or picture lights. The key is to ensure that the intensity and direction of the light draw attention to the desired element without overpowering the overall lighting scheme. Picture lights should be angled at 30 degrees from the piece, and measure half the width of the framed piece below it.

Dimmers and Controls

Installing dimmers and lighting controls is a great way to enhance the versatility of your lighting design. Dimmers allow you to adjust the intensity of light, creating a more dynamic and customizable lighting experience. They also help save energy by reducing the amount of electricity used when dimmed. Additionally, lighting controls such as timers or motion sensors can automate the operation of your lights, making them more convenient and efficient.

Natural Light Integration

Integrating natural light into your lighting design can have a significant impact on the overall ambiance of your space. Consider the placement of windows, skylights, or light tubes to maximize the amount of natural light entering the room. Natural light not only enhances the visual appeal of your space but also provides numerous health benefits, such as boosting mood and productivity. However, it’s important to control and filter natural light to avoid glare and excessive heat gain.

Energy Efficiency & Avoid Glitchy Leds

LED (light-emitting diode) are only a good idea when they are not glitchy on a dimmer. WARNING MOST LEDS ARE GLITCHY AND NOT DIMMER FRIENDLY. That includes under counter light strips, etc.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting encompasses bullet lights, flood lights, motion sensors, deck lighting, security lighting, and well and wash lights from landscape lighting to security lighting. My favorite vendor is https://www.voltlighting.com/
Lighting is an essential element of interior design that can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your space. By understanding the different types of lighting fixtures, incorporating effective lighting techniques, and considering energy efficiency, you can create a well-designed and harmonious living environment tailored to your needs and style. Remember to experiment, play with different lighting combinations to find the perfect balance.
Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

Get Started Today

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.
Beach Interior Design

Beach Interior Design

Picture this: a serene coastal retreat, right in the comfort of your own home. With beach interior design, you can transform any space into a coastal oasis that exudes relaxation and tranquility. Whether you prefer a minimalistic and modern look (as seen above) or a more tropical and vibrant style, there are endless possibilities to bring the beach vibes indoors. Here we will explore how to create your own beach-inspired haven.

Embracing the Outdoors

One of the key features of beach interior design is the incorporation of elements that evoke a sense of the outdoors. This can be achieved through various means, such as using natural materials, incorporating beach-inspired colors, and integrating elements like shells and nautical motifs[0](https://www.google.com/search?q=beach%20interior%20design%20trends%20and%20ideas). By bringing the outside in, you can create a space that truly captures the essence of the beach.

Coastal Chic: Refined and Classic

While a beachy vibe is more relaxed and carefree, coastal interior design emphasizes a more refined and classic look[5](https://www.luxxu.net/blog/coastal-revival-a-trend-that-never-goes-out-of-style/). Clean lines and rigid shapes are commonly used in coastal design to create a sophisticated aesthetic. This style incorporates a neutral palette with pops of coastal colors like blues and whites to achieve a timeless and elegant look.

Less is More

In designing a sophisticated coastal chic home, it’s important to adopt the principle of “less is more”[3](https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandalauren/2021/06/30/skip-the-seashells-heres-how-to-design-a-sophisticated-coastal-chic-home/). Instead of overwhelming the space with seashell-themed decor, focus on carefully selected pieces that make a big impact. This minimalist approach allows the beauty of the coastal elements to shine through without overcrowding the space.

 

Vernacular Architecture and Formal Dining

To bring timeless style to your coastal home, consider incorporating vernacular architecture and creating a formal or semi-formal dining room[1](https://www.southernliving.com/home/decor/best-beach-house-design-trends). Vernacular architecture refers to the traditional local architectural style of a region. By incorporating elements of the local architectural style, you can create a sense of authenticity and connection to the coastal environment.

Textiles as a Statement

Textiles play a significant role in beach interior design, serving as a statement and adding texture to your space. When selecting textiles for your beach-inspired haven, opt for light and breezy fabrics that channel the relaxed coastal vibe. Consider incorporating linen curtains that allow natural light to filter through, or choose slipcovers made of cotton or soft, durable fabrics for your furniture.

To enhance the beachy ambiance, incorporate textiles with beach-inspired patterns and motifs. Look for fabrics adorned with seashells, coral, or marine life to bring a touch of the ocean into your space. Additionally, striped patterns reminiscent of beach umbrellas or nautical-inspired textiles can add a playful and coastal touch to your beach interior design.

Don’t forget about the importance of comfort when it comes to textiles. Incorporate plush area rugs made of natural fibers, such as sisal or jute, to create a cozy and beachy feel underfoot. Layering different textures, such as a chunky knit throw or woven pillows, can add warmth and depth to your living space.

In conclusion, beach interior design is all about creating a tranquil and coastal atmosphere in your home. By embracing the outdoors, incorporating refined and classic elements, and adopting a minimalist approach, you can bring the serene and refreshing ambiance of the beach into your living space. Consider incorporating elements of vernacular architecture and using textiles as a statement to enhance the coastal aesthetic. With these trends and ideas, you can create your own beach-inspired haven that transports you to a relaxing seaside retreat.

Get Started Today

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.

2024 Interior Design Trends

2024 Interior Design Trends

As we look ahead to 2024, let’s explore the new trends in interior design from furniture to color schemes. Based on my research of trending searches and design knowledge, here are the top 9 trends in interior design for 2024:

Embracing the Warmth of Brown

Brown couches are set to be popular in 2024 as they bring earthen warmth, hide spills/dirt and function as a warm dark neutral in room. They create a cozy and inviting atmosphere and function as a neutral that grounds the popular cream texture looks. Sofa shown by Vladimir Kegan

Curved Couches and Chairs

Embracing flowing lines and organic shapes, curved couches and chairs are becoming increasingly popular. They add a touch of modernity and sophistication to your living space while also promoting a sense of comfort and relaxation. Chair and ottoman by Rachel Blindauer’s vendor Collector Group

Stacked Tile and Brick

This trend puts a twist on the classic tile and brick pattern by stacking tiles so they are aligned horizontally and vertically creating an unexpected layout. Stacked-tile backsplashes create visual interest and add a unique touch to your kitchen or bathroom. Domomite stacked tile pictured.

Industrial Charm Gets Sophisticated

Industrial-style decor continues to be popular in 2024, but gets more sophisticated with hand hewn stone, hand hewn wood, brick and metal accents. These features add a rustic yet modern charm to your home, creating a earthen and relaxed atmosphere.

Sculptural Art + Statement Pieces

Wall-mounted sculptures offer depth and dimension, adding a unique touch to your space. Mixing artworks in a variety of finishes, textures, and shapes can create a bold statement. Statement pieces add personality and create a wow factor. Moon Light by Rachel Blindauer vendor Ben & Aja Blanc at Future Perfect.

Dynamic Range Hoods

I anticipate a greater focus on hood vent covers in 2024. Bolder designs incorporating distinct textures such as plaster or wood fluting will be popular. Pairing a dramatic hood vent with an eye-catching range can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Custom plaster range hood pictured.

Two or Tri-Tone Color Schemes

Creating depth and complexity, two or tri-tone color schemes are among the top interior design color trends for 2024. These combinations of colors add visual interest and allow you to play with different shades and tones in your home.

A Pause From Technology

In 2024, there is a shift towards “dumb homes” where clients are seeking a break from technology. Harsh blue daylight lights, flashing led lights, tech listening in and bright touchscreens are giving way to a love of mechanical controls: old-school buttons, switches that toggle up and down, and simpler toilet washlets.

Inviting Living Rooms

So long to cold, white living rooms! Embrace a living room you can actually enjoy without worrying about accidental wine stains. Minimalism has evolved into a look that is less rigid for a more organic and inviting feel. Warm, textural spaces with natural materials in moodier, earthy color palettes. We’re moving away from bright whites and grays toward more creams, browns, rusts.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

Get Started Today

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.

Top Interior Designer Sarasota + Internationally

Top Interior Designer Sarasota + Internationally

The Differentiation of Rachel Blindauer

Rachel Blindauer works directly for her clients with assistants just helping behind the scenes. You won’t be given a junior designer that just got out of college and has no idea what they are doing at Rachel Blindauer. As they say the most expensive advice is bad advice…

Rachel Blindauer, who has over 15 years of experience in designing spaces and residential products, often works with clients that have multiple properties, developers, architects, hoteliers and help them on their own estates and their commercial properties. Rachel’s expertise as an industrial designer also adds a level of high end bespoke furniture and built-in designs on estates and furniture manufacturing cost savings on commercial properties.

Throughout her career, Rachel Blindauer has designed over 1000 pieces of furniture, seating, lighting, and decor items for the various Williams Sonoma, Inc. brands, and was an Assistant Vice President (AVP) at Gabby, a trade furniture company.

Rachel’s expertise in interior design is widely recognized, and she has been featured in various publications for her exceptional work. Her designs have been widely published, and her experience in designing interiors and furniture spans over 15 years.

Based out of Sarasota, Florida, Rachel Blindauer operates her design studio but continues to take on projects in various locations, from Nantucket, Massachusetts, to St. Louis, Missouri, and anywhere her clients need her. This allows her to bring her unique design perspective to her jet set clients in different regions, ensuring that each project is tailored to the client’s specific needs and preferences. Each project is unique, and every item she designs has a story of its own. With a deep commitment to using high-quality materials, Rachel ensures that her creations are not only visually stunning but also durable and built to last.

From residential interior design to assistance on commercial projects, Rachel Blindauer offers comprehensive services tailored to your specific preferences and requirements. Whether you need help selecting the perfect flooring, designing a nursery, or curating a shopping experience, Rachel’s personalized solutions will exceed your expectations.

What sets Rachel Blindauer apart is her extensive experience and expertise in the industry. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of design principles are evident in every project she undertakes, and her work has been widely published.

Rachel Blindauer is dedicated to providing exceptional design services that are functional and comfortable. Whether you are looking for interior design decor ideas, residential interior designers near you, or home interior design services, we have the expertise and experience to meet your needs.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a high-end client with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier, a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you , Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With their wealth of experience and expertise, they can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of luxury and sophistication.

Get Started Today

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.

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