The other day I asked a friend of mine what would be important to her should she design a house at this stage of her life. Her response was so funny I asked her to write it down. Here she is in her own words:
“First, I feel that I must admit something: the whole process of designing a home mystifies me. Really, it does! There are so many things that one would have to think about, however if I had to narrow it down these are the Top Five Things to Consider if I were to design my home tomorrow.”
My post & beam dream!
1-I am not getting any younger. How much longer will I want to carry the laundry up and down the stairs? Can I get my husband to do it for me? Since that isn’t likely, I would put the laundry next to the bathroom. Those wet towels get pretty heavy.
2-As I age, the sound of running water does funny things to me. Why does the powder room have to be near the front door? Because when I come in I am always in a state. Therefore, the bathroom needs to be close to both the entry and the kitchen. Keep the furniture and the island out of the way. When I am in my 70’s I don’t want to be breaking a hip trying to vault over obstacles!
3-Climbing in and out of tubs is a drag. Do I really need a Jacuzzi? Truth is, by the time I have the time to soak in one I’ll need a nurse to lift me in and out of the thing. I would rather hire a really good-looking nurse and try to talk him into showering with me!
My nurse, Jean Paul!!
4- When my children leave, do I really want them to move back in? I may not survive their teens, so why continue to torture myself! I will, however, want plenty of room for the grand babies. Okay, in thinking this through, I do need at least one other bedroom.
5-What would I take with me? There are some pieces of furniture and other items I have collected over the years that I won’t part with while others I’d like to throw into a bonfire. My husband is a collector of stuff. How much do I want to keep rearranging to make a path through the clutter? Might be time for a yard sale!
