The House to Ourselves: Reinventing Home Once the Kids Are Grown

The glossy photographs in this beautiful book suggest a life of activity, comfort and pleasure for empty-nesters--who make up one of the fastest growing demographics in the U.S. today. The authors argue that""design-savvy baby boomers are using their life experiences and knowledge of their deep-seated desires to rewrite the book on architecture after having their children and careers,"" and certainly, the book suggests that for boomers who have saved enough money, the possibilities are limitless. Image after image shows spectacular remodelings and new constructions. The apartment featured in""A Hip Retirement Haven"" looks more like a New York artist's loft than a typical retirement-community pad. And the river valley home built by 11 friends who decided that they wanted to retire together resembles nothing more than a woody resort: it contains a main lodge, a bedroom wing, a library, an enormous kitchen and a pavilion. Other chapters feature homes designed to be private retreats, family compounds and workshops or offices. The authors preface their many examples with an opening essay that highlights the six design""essentials"" for late-stage homes: single-level living, an open floor plan, flexible space, specialty rooms, low-maintenance exterior landscape and quality craftsmanship. Throughout the book they use floor plans, sidebars and photo captions to clearly explain how these principles have been applied in each home. A stimulating and inspiring book for couples who are looking forward to or already living alone, this book also contains many original and practical innovations.