Tracy Young, the interior designer for Castle View retirement village in Windsor, says “goodbye chintz, hello light, bright and contemporary” for older buyers focused on living rather than retirement.
“Today’s later living generation is increasingly discerning, and those looking to move into retirement want somewhere that meets their exacting demands,” said Tracy Young, who designed a number of the interiors at Castle View, an age-exclusive village offering 64 contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with the largest rooftop unit providing over 1,000 sq ft of light-filled living space.
The development comes with facilities that include a spectacular Sky Lounge and roof deck for views of Windsor Castle, and there is a restaurant for lunch and dinner that also caters for private dining, two bars, lounges, and a tranquil library.
What is today’s older property purchaser looking for in a new home?
“Moving to a new home and downsizing is a huge decision in later life, but with thoughtful design and careful configuration, a retirement village apartment can offer plenty of living space, particularly if the use of that space is carefully considered,” said Tracy.
Interiors – keep it light, bright and neutral
Natural daylight is so important, a light and airy space being so much more inviting, helping you to feel energised and happy by promoting a sense of wellbeing. There is nothing better than seeing the sun streaming through the window when having your breakfast or morning cuppa, so I always advise using light colours for walls, décor and furniture to reflect light and create a sense of space.
Furniture – are you sitting comfortably?
It can be difficult to accommodate furniture from your old house, not least if it is on the large side, so there are a few things to think about.
Some people relish a fresh start with completely new furniture, while others prefer to hang on to favourite items, at least until they have lived in their new home for a while, and then make considered changes once they know what they need.
Smaller items can fit in well, while older furniture may be rather dark. Alternatively, these could be ‘upcycled’ by spraying them a lighter colour to give the best of both worlds, a treasured item but with a fresh new look.
Beds are usually standard sizes, so they can be accommodated more easily and it is often good to start off in a bed that you are familiar with. Storage beds can be very useful as they offer a huge amount of storage in the base and are easy to operate and access - another great storage solution, particularly when downsizing.
Sofas and armchairs can sometimes be problematic as styles and designs change and some older furniture can again be on the larger side. Large sofas and chairs can make a room look small, so it is good to consider what you really need and maybe buy new from the outset. Always remember that new sofas and armchairs can take several weeks to be delivered (often 8-12 weeks from ordering), so it is worth planning early to ensure you have something to sit on when you move!
Choose furniture such as tables, sofas and chairs with simple curved edges, and subject chairs and sofas to the ‘sit down, get up’ test – getting up from a chair can become increasingly onerous as we get older. Some dining chairs can be exceptionally heavy, particularly if made of oak, so look for lighter chairs that are easier to move, and come in all sorts of materials and colours.
Storage
Inevitably when downsizing it is not possible to take all your personal belongings and old furniture with you, so better to be ruthless from the outset and decide what not to take! Look upon it as a new beginning, and an opportunity to surround yourself with some lovely new things.
Clean lines and keeping your new home uncluttered helps to create the impression of space, so storage cupboards are vital. Castle View apartments are well equipped with built-in wardrobes and bathroom cupboards, while the laundry cupboards are designed so that the washing machines and tumble dryers are raised up for easier access when loading/unloading so less bending down is required.
Bathroom fittings fit for purpose
Showers are often easier than baths or wet rooms, which can become slippery and are generally less convenient, and should be equipped with grab handles to aid access and stability plus non-slip finishes. The controls should be positioned so they can be adjusted before you get underneath the shower to avoid the shock of excessively hot or cold water!
Shower chairs can also be a real boon for those who might be less steady on their feet, or who simply wish to sit while showering.
Tracy Young
Kitchen equipment
In retirement, a new, modern and well-designed kitchen can be such a pleasure to work in. Designed to be space saving and efficient, cookers with integrated ovens and fridges need to be positioned at the correct height to prevent unnecessary bending, especially if mobility is an issue. Simple touches, such as the oven door sliding inwards certainly helps, as does a ‘magic storage’ cupboard so you simply pull the shelving out for easier access to food, pans or utensils. Plug sockets positioned slightly higher than normal again mean they are more easily accessible and reduce the need to bend down.
Carpets and curtains
Modern apartments such as those at Castle View have been designed to maximise natural daylight thanks to large windows, so to ensure privacy without blocking out too much light, neutral toned voiles made from soft light sheer fabric are better than curtains in living areas. Curtains can sometimes look a bit heavy too, particularly with smaller windows, and Roman blinds are a great way to ensure that they do not cover too much of the window and block out the natural light.
Ensure that curtain rails/tracks operate smoothly and with minimum effort to avoid having to tug at a curtain to open and close it. Electrically operated tracks could also be considered.
Give careful consideration to the carpeting, too. Some deep pile carpets can be more onerous for somebody with limited mobility whereas smoother flooring can be kinder to joints, while mats and rugs can become trip hazards.
Details and accessories
Decorative mirrors are a great way to reflect natural illumination into darker areas such as a hallway or small bedroom.
Introducing brighter accent colours can be achieved with accessories such as cushions and rugs. Dark and warm colours tend to absorb light, whereas lighter colours will reflect it.
Underfloor heating is good, not only for distributing and controlling warmth in winter, but also means there are no wall-mounted radiators required so there is extra wall space for furniture, art or pictures.
Other things to think about for the older or less able person
“A spacious apartment with plenty of room to move around is vital, so avoid filling it with too many items of furniture,” Tracy added. “Also avoid a property with stairs or steps, opt for an apartment that is on one level, while ensuring there is a good lift if you are going to live on anything other than the ground floor.
“Being less mobile does not mean that your home has to be any the less stylish, and good interior design can incorporate all you need to make things a little easier and help you to thoroughly enjoy your new home.”
Prices at Castle View currently range from £375,000 to £975,000.
Find out more at www.duckbarn.co.uk/pages/castle-view-windsor and www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk.
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