How empty nesters are driving custom home design

At Dahlin Group, we are designing for an increasingly significant segment: the affluent, confident and articulate empty nester. This group's lifestyle demands new design parameters.

Entertainment and relaxation have replaced the striving, achieving move-up mind-set. Whether they're retired or working for pleasure, empty nesters neither want nor need a big home to make a splashy, showcase statement or to host a big family gathering. Instead, they seek space that lives graciously and manageably, serving diverse needs for wining and dining, retreat and leisure.

Rather than invest in one 5,000-square-foot mansion, these mature clients want flexibility. They ask for homes in two places and are happy to downsize each one. Empty nesters' sophistication is growing. Global travel is marked by fine hotels, notable resorts and the food, wine, art and architecture of international destinations. Travelers return with pronounced preferences for the ambience and refinement they enjoyed abroad.

Smaller homes are easier to manage and maintain and allow more dollars per square foot, permitting higher amenity levels. A larger—than-average great-room layout is happily embraced over individual nooks or living, dining and family rooms, particularly if the trade-off permits such luxuries as a state-of-the-art wine cellar.

The showcase element makes itself felt in subtler fashion. Inviting space wins out over drama, so the great room's scale and appointments suggest the welcoming warmth of superb hotel lounges. Furnishings and acoustics promote comfortable conversation for two or 20. Earthy, textural palettes reinforce this ambience.

Space is architect-crafted. We are no longer designing a big square room and waiting for interior designers to supply the enrichments. Architects spec furnishing plans, built-ins, lighting, cabinetry styles, finish materials and appointments.

Take the bistro kitchen, the centerpiece of a home geared to casual, abundant entertaining. The stove as hearth lives on with ever more interesting forms, colors and materials. The exhaust hood is a utilitarian component that serves as both fashion statement and visual anchor for the home's most expensive room. In these generous, free-flowing spaces, a seating-bar island is a must. Also popular is the look of sleek component furniture for appliances, and cabinets with features such as concealed holding stations that keep dinner dishes out of sight until it's convenient to wash up.

The master bedroom is smaller and cozier because these clients don't need a bedroom retreat or media space. The kids are gone, and well-crafted living spaces take care of such needs. The master bathroom, though, is another story. Resort style is definitely in: bathrooms have outdoor showers, steam showers and showers with up to eight showerheads. They have mirrors that won't fog up, a shelf for coffee and windows with great views. Other desirable features include whirlpool tubs, warming drawers for towels and robes, mini-fridges for specialty lotions and an integrated TV set.

Regardless of client profile, the symbiotic relationship between architect and product manufacturer is driving continuous improvements and refinements in the custom-home market. Today's new alternative-fuel fireplaces are a case in point; they require no venting or heavy masonry surrounds and are 100 percent clean burning. They also encourage interesting applications; for example, small, bouquet fireplaces can be placed like artwork in kitchens, bathrooms or bookcases, or even on wheels for total flexibility.

What remains unchanged is the custom home as inspiring canvas, holding opportunities and challenges that benefit client, architect and builder.

Mario Aiello, maiello@dahlingroup.com, www.dahlingroup.com