Identity for the Sandwich Generation

The Sandwich Generation encompasses ages 35 thru 65 that are caring for parents and children, while trying to save for their retirement. This new sub-generation creates a need for multigenerational living. Several generations living beneath one roof is not a new concept, but with the longer life spans and college graduates moving back home until they find employment, this group is growing rapidly. It creates a new dynamic of hardship and sense of family that is trying to identify itself. Concerns of privacy, intimacy, and comfort prevail. Recognizing the size of the Baby Boomer demographic and how rapidly families are becoming confined in this “Sandwich Generation”, builders are adapting plans to create living spaces suitable for multigenerational living. Adaptations include dual master suites or even a fully functioning in-law suite or attached apartment with it’s own separate entrance. The most critical aspect in designing for these types of families is a need for privacy, giving each generation their own special identity within the home.

Colors should be fresh and appealing for all members of the household. Whether incorporating color on walls, furnishings, or personal items within the home, forming different color palettes establishes identities for each generation.

Color plays a huge role in establishing the diverse identities of these multigenerational families.

Another way to establish identity from room to room is through the placement of color within interior spaces. A colorful accent wall or brightly colored kitchen cabinetry can create a statement in your home. Looking at materials such as grains, seeds, flowers or natural stones can provide inspiration for color. Colors can range from golden yellows, to leafy greens, grayed violets, and slate blues.

Neutrals may be more your style. Incorporating neutrals and subtle pops of bright colors are always a relatively safe way to work color into a room. Looking to colors of the earth and sky, such as a sunset on the beach, can create a warm neutral palette that is always calming.

The Future Looks Bright for Residential Construction in 2015.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2014 Fall Construction Forecast Webinar predicted a strong finish for 2014 and the growth would continue to be seen in 2015 and 2016. This growth, represented by “pent-up” demand and steady job and economic growth, allows trade-up buyers who have delayed home purchases due to job insecurity to enter the marketplace.

Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics said, “Prospects are good for continued gains in overall economic and housing activity. The main reason for this growth is that the job market is quite strong.” He also mentions that we are creating about 225,000 jobs per month or 2.75 million per year. That is double the pace necessary to reduce unemployment.

The Palettes

Three distinctive influencers have emerged for 2015.

1. Techno-Color

Technology goes beyond personal devices as smart homes become the norm. The ability to control functions of the home from a distance is a sought after requirement. Did I lock the doors? Did I leave the lights on? Now these questions can be answered and addressed with the touch of a button through our mobile devices. Adjust the room temperature, record your favorite TV program, or control the home security system with just a touch on your smart phone. Talk of such devices and services leads to a conversation about a future trend called the “Internet of Things”, which in the near future will include refrigerators, car dashboards, glasses and watches. Smart home devices range from neutrals - black, white or silver, to vibrant hues of red, coral and blue.

2. Exploration in Nature

The Sandwich Generation is rapidly growing, placing interior spaces at a premium. Each generation has unique requirements for personal and private areas of the home in order to be comfortable. Developing a harmonious color palette is key for this type of living arrangement. Colors need to appeal to multiple generations. Natural materials and tropical colors inspire this palette. Colors found in nature create a unique space that appeals to not only Baby Boomers, but their younger Generation Y family members as well.

Colors from this collection work well for accent walls or pops of color in home décor through out the living space.

3. The Necessary

A neutral palette creates a good foundation for any home whether it is traditional, contemporary or historical. Colors inspired from the earth and sky create calming effects in an otherwise chaotic life. There is nothing like taking a moment from the vibrant and bold technocolors produced and viewed through our electronic devices. Neutral shades work well in creating a relaxing master suite or as a backdrop in a great room. Combine several colors from The Necessary neutrals collection with the vibrant Techno-Color collection such as Bona Fide Beige SW 6065, Cotton White SW 7104, and Coral Reef SW 6606 or another option is Oyster Bar SW 7565 with Cyberspace SW 7076 and Lupine SW 6810.

15 Shades of GRAY

With neutral palettes cooling off, these shades are sure to modernize a space.

Story Telling – The Life of Your Reclaimed Wood

Does your reclaimed wood have an interesting past? Not only will you have a beautiful, recycled element in your home, but you’ll also have a great story to tell.

Residential uses for reclaimed wood

 

Techno-Color

Exploration in Nature

The Necessary