The House to Ourselves: Reinventing Home Once the Kids are Grown

From Publishers Weekly
The glossy photographs in this beautiful book suggest a life of activity, comfort and pleasure for empty-nesters—who make up one of the fastest growing demographics in the U.S. today. The authors argue that "design-savvy baby boomers are using their life experiences and knowledge of their deep-seated desires to rewrite the book on architecture after having their children and careers," and certainly, the book suggests that for boomers who have saved enough money, the possibilities are limitless. Image after image shows spectacular remodelings and new constructions. The apartment featured in "A Hip Retirement Haven" looks more like a New York artist’s loft than a typical retirement-community pad. And the river valley home built by 11 friends who decided that they wanted to retire together resembles nothing more than a woody resort: it contains a main lodge, a bedroom wing, a library, an enormous kitchen and a pavilion. Other chapters feature homes designed to be private retreats, family compounds and workshops or offices. The authors preface their many examples with an opening essay that highlights the six design "essentials" for late-stage homes: single-level living, an open floor plan, flexible space, specialty rooms, low-maintenance exterior landscape and quality craftsmanship. Throughout the book they use floor plans, sidebars and photo captions to clearly explain how these principles have been applied in each home. A stimulating and inspiring book for couples who are looking forward to or already living alone, this book also contains many original and practical innovations. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Book Description
Parents with grown children represent one of the largest demographic groups in the country today, and their living needs are often radically different from when they were raising families or working full-time. Architects are responding with innovative solutions to the demand for homes designed for two but with room for more. This book, featuring hundreds of color photos and illustrations, covers renovations and remodels, brand-new homes, and even new types of communities throughout the U.S. Ideas vary from single-level designs to accommodate the physical needs of people as they grow older, to flexible open-floor plans that welcome visitors and allow plenty of socializing. The House to Ourselves helps boomers explore a wealth of possibilities.


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For many couples, the time when the children move out is a period of great adjustment and change. Architect Lawson and Connor, an author whose work on architecture and home design has appeared in numerous magazines, team up to show readers several homes designed specifically for empty nesters. Building one's dream house is always much easier with money, and the owners of the featured abodes certainly seem to have it (one 2600-square-foot home is described as "relatively small"). Although designed for empty nesters, the homes often have accommodations for visiting children and grandchildren. Other important design factors as people age are accessibility and space for the pursuit of lifelong hobbies and interests. Profuse color photographs and floor plans are provided throughout. For comprehensive collections. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.


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