Comments (0)

By candace kramer, May 17, 2011 3:23 pm

As many of you know Aging in Place is a big focus of my work (see definition below) and having this knowledge truly helps my clients make their lifestyle one that will last!

Aging in place refers to living where you have lived for years, typically not in a health care environment, using products, services, and conveniences which allow you to remain home as circumstances change.

This Saturday, the local remodeling firm, Neil Kelly will be hosting a wonderful event:

The “Home for a Lifetime” Fair…

Click below to download the flyer for more info:

Home for a Lifetime Poster

Should be a fantastic, informative and inspiring day!

For more information about Aging in Place go here.

Comments (3)

By candace kramer, April 1, 2011 4:35 pm

Happy Friday!

Found this fabulous townhouse transformation via homedsgn.com and wanted to share it with your for a little Friday inspiration! The owners of this modest Montreal home wanted to add a second story and expand their 800 sq ft. but when building codes and restrictions ruled out this option, the ingenious team at naturehumaine developed an amazing plan with multiple split levels. By pushing out into the backyard, the architects achieved maximum space and captured wonderful natural light.

Here’s the before and after shot of the exterior! Pretty cool right?

Now, let’s take a peek inside…

Don’t you just love creative design?

Have a fantastic weekend!

All images via homedsgn.com and naturehumaine

Comments (1)

By candace kramer, February 10, 2011 1:31 pm

Last week I had coffee with Rhonda Knoche, a fabulous designer for Neil Kelly Remodelers.

The Neil Kelly Company just won 11 regional CotY (contractor of the Year) awards from the Nationals Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Rhonda won an award for Whole House Remodel under $250k! Kudos to Rhonda and Neil Kelly! As many of you know, I was a designer for NK  for 10 years and still think they have some of the best talent out there!

Some of their beautiful work…

Gorgeous right?

Anyway, I wanted to pick Rhonda’s brain about Universal Design , Aging in Place and local information about these issues.

Like Jane Austen says ” There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort!”

Rhonda is a CAPS designer, Certified Aging in Place Specialist or as Rhonda puts it,

“Universal Design is subtle design and appeals to those that value sustainability.”

Music to my ears!

In her last seminar, she shared with the audience her recent accident, breaking her leg and how she dealt with the physical limitations and mobility issues in her own home.

The big three items she covered in the seminar were;

1. Enter and Exiting home

2. Stairs and Ramps

3. Kitchen & Bath modifications.

Be sure to click here for all their up coming seminars.

Patrick Roden RN,PhD, has a website and blog, aginginplace.com – where he address all the issues of how to continue to live in your home throughout your maturing years, safely, independently and comfortably. He grew up living with his grandma in a multi-generational home and his impressions are truly inspiring.

Thank you Rhonda for some great ideas on living & aging gracefully in the comfort of our homes! Glad to see that your leg looks better too!

p.s. Right now in 2011 we have 70,000 centurions in 2040 there will 700,000 in the U.S.

Comments (95)

By candace kramer, November 12, 2010 4:45 pm

Hello there! It’s been a busy week with a trip to Seattle for the Picasso exhibition and a drive out to the coast but I knew I had to share this amazing remodel with you before the week came to a close.

Everyone loves good makeovers and the ones involving tiny spaces, creative design and ingenious solutions are my all time favorites! Check out how Seattle artist, designer and welder, Michelle de la Vega, created this beautiful little 250 sq. ft. haven…

The before…

This lonely little detached garage is just begging for some love.

The after! Isn’t it fabulous!?

A cozy, light filled sleeping loft is so perfect for the space. Must be a dreamy spot on all those rainy days.

The kitchen is well organized and accessible with open storage solutions. Love those vintage crates that most likely serve as drawers!

The rustic wood burning stove becomes sculptural in this room along with Michelle’s own art installations.

The glass boxes housing pillow forms are actually a tribute to Michelle’s father. Each one is covered with his old architectural drawings. A lovely personal and nostalgic touch.

You know I am a big fan of great bathroom design and this one delivers. Its simplicity is calming, earthy and zen like and I love how surprising a tub is in this tiny home!

To finish our little home tour, I had to point out this old locker. Re-purposing found and used objects like this really adds to the depth and personality of your home. It’s also a great way to be green! Up-cycled perfection.

Oh and just so you know…Michelle only spent $32,000 on the renovation!

How many of us have garages that only house our junk!? What could you do with a space like this? That home office you’ve always wanted, a studio, a guest house? So many possibilities…

Have a lovely weekend!

All images via michelledelavega.com