The latest survey from the American Institute of Architects show an increase in aging in place features in client homes. This is great news! It means that individual households will be gaining safety and accessibility, making it easier for them to continue independent living. It’s also great news for those who will eventually buy these homes. It means they can better handle temporary injuries that might have them on crutches or in a wheelchair for a period of time. It also means they can entertain guests who have these needs temporarily or permanently. Check out my latest piece on this topic, with insights from architects around the country. Don’t miss the Last Words section for an especially important insight!
A residential elevator can make a multi-story home accessible to residents and
guests unable to use [IMAGE CREDIT: AARON D. MURPHY – DESIGN // TOMSIMAGES.COM – PHOTOGRAPHY]
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SPECIAL BOOK PREVIEW!
When I wrote my latest book and sent in the final manuscript, I had no idea that a pandemic was going to be hitting us in a matter of weeks. (Wellness by Design published in September 2020 when we were deep into it.)
We’ve experienced a great deal of national crises in the three years since – including some of the worst wildfires and hurricanes – so I thought a bonus chapter would be helpful for readers. Here are some of the topics that will be covered:
- Adding resilience to your home
- Insights and benefits of multi-generational living
- Tips on noise reduction
- How and why to create flex spaces
- Importance of access to nature
- New advances in smart home technology – what’s next!
If you have your copy of the book already, you know that it shares a secret URL for checklists and resources on my website. That’s where the bonus chapter, (working title: Lessons for Today’s Homeowners), will publish on October 24.
I’ll keep you posted.
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SOCIAL GOLD
I’m saying goodbye – at least temporarily – to Clubhouse. The new update to the app has made it ridiculously unfriendly to creating and hosting my WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS interviews there. I’ve absolutely loved interviewing experts from the health, design, remodeling and technology spheres these past two-plus years and am searching for a better platform to continue them. (Let me know if you have thoughts on this.)
In the meantime, you can enjoy the earlier conversations via recordings on my blog links.
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PAST CLUBHOUSE RECORDINGS
Here are links to Clubhouse recordings from past sessions.
2023 Recordings:
- 9/6 Designing with Steam Showers and Saunas — Recording Link
- 8/16 Wellness Design and Allergies — Recording Link
- 8/2 Back to School Ideas — Recording Link
- 7/19 Designing for Music — Recording Link
- 7/5 Best She Shed Ideas and Trends — Recording Link
- 6/21 Best Man Cave Ideas and Trends — Recording Link
- 5/17 Designing Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces — Recording Link
- 5/3 Designing with Water Features (Ponds, Fountains, Water Walls, Etc.) — Recording Link
- 4/5 Top Tile Trends — Recording Link
- 3/15 Wellness Design and Dementia — Recording Link
- 3/1 Best Wellness Products from Design & Construction Week — Recording Link
- 2/15 Designing with Fire Features (Fireplaces, Fire Tables, Fire Pits, Etc.) — Recording Link
- 1/18 Healthy Home Improvements with Best ROI — Recording Link
- 1/4 Creating Home Fitness Rooms — Recording Link
2022 Recordings:
- Find these links on their new archive page!
2021 Recordings:
- Find these links on their new archive page!
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GOLD DUST
Here are some links from around the web to enhance your home, health, safety and life:
- Resilience-related: Reduce the risk of water damage during winter and Taking on winter weather – PURE Insurance Blog
- Sustainability-related: Permeable driveways can help roll back runoff – San Diego Union-Tribune
- Gardening-related: 20 Low-light houseplants you can grow practically anywhere – Bob Vila Blog
