Her process draws on the fundamentals of interior design and hours of detailed planning to ensure every element is both beautiful and functional. With the popularity of home design TV shows, she notes, “...everybody calls themselves a designer when they're not, maybe they have no training at all, or they may be a decorator, but there's a difference.” For Bonnie, that difference is rooted in expertise. “Not just art,” she says, “but an understanding and application of art and science. And, then the whole aging in place or senior living design... that's a whole other next level, and it's really healthcare design.”
or sixties and preparing for it, because it doesn't have to be ugly. That's the number one thing. Everything I try to do is very beautiful.” The key is to treat these upgrades as proactive investments, not reactive fixes. “It’s actually a preventative measure,” she explains. “If you plan ahead, you’re not scrambling after an accident or injury. You’ve already set yourself up for safety, comfort, and independence.” Falls, Bonnie stresses, are one of the most preventable causes of serious injury among older adults. By addressing potential hazards early, homeowners reduce the risk of that “spiral downward type thing” that often follows an accident. She’s seen firsthand how quickly a single incident can change someone’s living situation. “If people wait till they think they need it, it’s too late because they've had an accident or a fall or something, or even surgery,” and now need a home that’s ready for recovery and mobility support. listening— understanding the homeowner’s preferences, daily routines, and vision for their space. “I do a lot of remodels, and when I do them, I'm working with the homeowner to find out their likes and dislikes—things like that,” she says. Once she’s gathered that information, Bonnie takes careful measurements and translates her ideas into CAD (computer-aided drafting) plans. Every detail—accessibility, safety, lighting, electrical placement—is considered. The result is a design that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards without sacrificing beauty, creating a clear blueprint for trusted contractors to follow. Her process begins with
Design for Aging in Place Before You Need It Bonnie’s number one piece of advice for anyone considering a remodel or new construction with the future in mind? Don’t wait until you need it. “Ideally, somebody would have their home completely set up for aging in place if that's where they're truly going to be for a long time,” she says. “I even recommend doing it, not when you need it, but more when you're in your fifties
12
HOME SWEET HOME Magazine
Powered by FlippingBook