Age In Place Condo | How we transformed this condo
In August of 2020, we started to work on an age in place condo project for a dear friends of ours. For me, I held this project near and dear to my heart. You see, our client had recently lost her husband and was going to downsize. We had worked with this family before in assisting them with furniture. The move was not only a downsizing project, but also a move from the country to the city. So many emotions and decisions to be made. Our son has played hockey and football with our clients’ grandson so this was like a family project for me.
When the family asked if I would assist with this project, I happily accepted. While our renovation calendar was full, there was no way I was going to let anyone else look after this.
As Is
If you have followed our journey, we always like to share what the ‘As Is’ looked like.
The Plan
When walking through the condo, it was evident that the entire until was going to get some kind of love. Here are the major items we address:
- Change out all flooring to be one consistent flooring (rated for wet areas as well).
- Redesign the kitchen
- New appliances.
- Interior walls, baseboards, casings, and doors received all new paint.
- All new tile and countertops in both bathrooms.
The Kitchen
As we all know, the kitchen is the heart of the home. This space was going to get some major love. The one major part of the kitchen that my client did not like was the angle of the cabinets/counter peninsula. For this age in place condo project, we utilized some wonderful accessories from Rev-A-Shelf to assist us with this.
Here are a few of the goodies we used.
Wall Pull Down
The Cloud Blind Corner
Base Cabinet Pull Out
The After
We started this age in place condo project on September 24, 2020 and completed it on November 17, 2020. Since Covid has played such a huge part in our lives, we did not get back to take final photos until last week. It was really nice to be back and see the condo, see our client and get in a visit and check in to see how things are.
My photographer was not available so I went with my trusty iPhone. The day we chose to have final photos taken, it happened to be a very dreary day. I normally don’t take photos with the interior lights on but unfortunately, I had to have them on to get some half-decent shots.
Click on each photo to read more.
Age In Place
There were a number of age in place items that we incorporated into this unit.
- One consistent flooring throughout the entire unit.
- Kitchen wall cabinet pull downs
- Corner kidney pull outs
- Spice pull out
- Tray pull out
- Microwave drawer
- Cabinet pulls on all cabinet doors in the kitchen
- Lever hardware for interior doors
- New bathroom hardware with levers
- One consistent wall colour
- Comfort height toilets
While many people do not like the term, ‘age in place‘, we call it that so that we can live in our homes for the longest length of time. I know I’m in my early 50’s and renovations that we carry out in our home are with the focus on aging in place. I would love to stay in our home for as long as we can. Aging in place does not need to be just for the 70+ age group! I also know that if I could build my own age in place villa, I would be incorporating many elements that would allow myself and my husband to live in the home for many, many years.
As I mentioned earlier, we completed this project in 2020 and it took us quite some time to get back to get some photos. I look forward to getting many more photos of our other completed projects to share with you.
Shop the Organizers
While many of the organizers that I’m listing below are not exactly offered to the general public (as a designer, we have access to many more options), I have rounded up some of my favourite kitchen accessories from Rev A Shelf that you could add to your kitchen.
The items below contain affiliate links. Any purchases, at no additional charge to you, are most appreciated and make this blog possible.
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Brava!!! Such a vast improvement to both the look and the function of this condo, Sheri! I love how you used the Rev-a-shelf line to make access so much easier. And YES to consistent flooring throughout – not only does it eliminate trip hazards, it visually expands the space too. I’m sure your client is thrilled with their sparkling new space! I’m about to take on this very same type of project for my parents downsizing move later this year, so I love the inspiration here!
Thank you, Janet. I can’t say enough about a consistent flooring and I know we speak the same language!
Good luck this year with the downsizing of your parents. They are in great hands with you at the helm!
I saw the before and after in person and while the pictures are great, the transformation in person was amazing! Everything was shiny and new, but so homey and trendy. The changes suited the furniture that were both antiques as well as the new more contemporary. It really complimented the owner’s personality and felt like home. Well done Sheri!
Thank you so much, Laura. It was such an honour that your family asked me to help your mother-in-law. I was so happy that her furniture fit and that even though her location changed, her home was familiar to her with all of her memories!