Hello, Welcome Honey Good Readers. My name is Cindy Hattersley and I’m a designer and blogger. Today let’s chat about design trends for Baby Boomers (that’s us!)
Design Trends for Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, are either retiring in large numbers or preparing to retire. Age, experience, confidence, and financial factors have brought them to where they are. Most are confident about their decisions and happy with their stage of life. They often identify with a classic informal style. They wish to update their homes so their décor doesn’t shout “old people live here”. In turn, they want their home to be cozy and inviting without nodding to a particular era or trend. Many can afford to travel and like to incorporate items that they have gathered in their travels into their homes. In planning what is likely to be their last home, what are they looking for?
Let’s talk about six design trends for baby boomers…
Good Lighting
For obvious reasons, good lighting is a must for boomers.
Good lighting in the bath should include recessed lighting as well as proper vanity lighting as well. Kitchens should include overhead, under-counter, and pendant or wall lighting at sinks and islands. All rooms should include a combination of overhead lighting and strategically placed lamps and or floor lamps.
In our current family room, we have recessed lighting above the fireplace, lamps behind the sofa, and another table lamp and floor lamp next to the other sofa. We also have a lot of natural light with all of the windows and doors.
Comfortable Stylish Furniture
No form over function for boomers. Boomers want their furniture to be stylish but comfort is key. Ultra-modern furniture that is uncomfortable is not normally favored by boomers. Chairs with ottomans and comfy sofas rule. This Lorraine Enwright (Intuitive Dwellings) designed space features comfy leather chairs centered around a coffee table.
Multipurpose Living Areas On One Floor
Boomers prefer an informal home with kitchens, dining areas, and outdoor spaces connected for easy gatherings. They are over single-function rooms that barely get used, and prefer bedrooms all on one floor. This Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles spread by Suzanne Kasler is a perfect example of multipurpose living. The outdoor areas are a natural extension of the great room space.
Low Maintenance Surfaces
Most boomers have grandchildren. They want the family to feel comfortable and enjoy their homes. Performance fabrics, wood and tile floors, seagrass carpets, and easy care countertops are a must. This Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles kitchen by Barbara Westbrook ticks all the boxes for easy care and maintenance.
A Collected Gathered Look
Boomers have outgrown trends and prefer a collected, gathered look where they can incorporate antiques, inherited items, and treasures from their travels into their decor. This collected space by Stock and Trade incorporates furniture from different eras and styles as well as collected artwork and accessories creating a casual but harmonious mix.
In closing, baby boomers know not to sacrifice comfort for the sake of fashion, they prefer a more comfortable, laid back aesthetic favoring an open floor plan that allows for casual entertaining and gatherings. Hard to care for textiles and surfaces that are not in the cards. Cookie Cutter style is not appealing to Boomers. Their homes are their havens, and they enjoy sharing the artifacts and treasures they have inherited and gathered on their travels in their decor.
I hope you enjoyed this post “Design Trends for Baby Boomers.” If you have any questions or thoughts, please leave comments at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear your thoughts on design trends and your favorite home looks.
About the author: Cindy Hattersley is a designer on the Central Coast of California and has been blogging at Cindy Hattersley Design for over 10 years. Cindy loves a collected look in fashion and design and shares her passion for decorating, gardening, over 50 fashion, and entertaining on her blog three times a week. Follow her on Instagram and Pinterest.
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Gosh, some of these sentences sound exactly like what I wrote in my book, Design Smarts. Must be kindred spirits perhaps.
I am glad you met one another! I am also proud and grateful to have you contribute on Honey Good Warmly, Honey
Hi Mizi
I have not read your book, but I have written numerous posts on the subject beginning in 2015 titled over 55 decor. It sounds like i would enjoy your book. I am anxious to check it out.
Cindy-I could not agree more! I know you’ve said this before, but now that I’m in this stage, I think it’s really resonating. We definitely don’t want our homes to look like “old people live here”! You are so right about multipurpose living areas where everyone is comfortable and where we can mix in our treasures from our travels for the collected look we all love! A mix that’s casual and harmonious! Love that!
So nice of you to write Cindy. Our lives should be a mix of casual and harmonious. too. I am smiling. Warmly, Honey
Right on Cindy.You read my mind. In fact you always do. In fact you’ve been reading it for years on your blog. I remember you writing about this when I first started following you and thought how perceptive. I’m right with you Cindy. We’re one story and as I look around does my home age me? How could it make me look older than my old 80??? Great topic and oh so true.
How nice that you feel that way about Cindy and tell her. I recall writing a story about the importance of women giving one another a compliment. Both women feel good. Warmly, Honey
BEAUTIFULLY STATED CINDY!I COULD NOT AGREE WITH YOU MORE!
COMFORT IS KEY!Our Treasures and Travels ADORN!
THANK YOU HONEYGOOD for asking ONE OF MY FAVORITE BLOGGERS TO BE A GUEST!
SHE HAS A HUGE FOLLOWING AND is ALWAYS SPOT ON WITH HER OPINIONS!Her FOLLOWERS ADORE HER……….
ME INCLUDED!
How are you dear Contessa? It is so lovely seeing your comment on HoneyGood. You are a fan of mine. I am smiling. Warmly, Honey
Lovely to see one of my favorite bloggers featured here! I agree with all the points made and I’m using these guidelines as I plan for my home update. Thank you Cindy and Honeygood!
Cindy has been my “go to gal” for boomer inspiration since I discovered her blog years back. From great tips on interior design to how to let your hair go grey (and following her tips, I am in the midst of letting mine grow out), she has been spot on for so many topics I’m interested in. Now I’m pleased to “meet” Honey and look forward to following her!
Cindy I loved this and also used your blog as a guide when remodeling our home as we figured we may stay until our retirement years. I always love your tips for living with personal style, but also comfort! Definitely thought about that in the planning of our house! Great article and photos here too!
What a wonderful article by one of the blogging world’s most respected design authorities. Beautifully written and so on target!
Thank you for featuring Cindy Hattersley.
Mary Ann Pickett
Cindy, thank you so much for sharing the key points of your collected look in one post. I have followed your blog for years and it is amazing how often I refer to your archives when I have a new project–or am ready to go clothes shopping! Right now, I’m repainting my home and, after a lot of hit and miss, I referred back to your post on white paints. Spanish White is just as glorious as you recommended and I am so thankful that you shared the inspiration. I not only learn from your posts but thoroughly enjoy the equally delightful and creative bloggers who you have introduced me to. The positivity all of you share is a treasure. Thank you!!