Downsize space, upside amenities — no problem | Home and Garden

The kids have flown the coop and now the two of you are looking to build a smaller nest. But downsizing doesn't have to mean downgrading. Today's mature homebuyers are looking for less square footage but more comfort, convenience and luxury. After all, life is too short to not love your surroundings. Join the ranks of mature homebuyers nationwide and make your next home your best home with amenities that are great for your golden years.

Ordinary extraordinary

Mature adults are finding ways to turn ordinary rooms in their home into extraordinarily indulgent experiences. Shower customization is today's hottest bathroom trend. Mature homeowners are requesting deluxe bath amenities in new homes, or converting their existing bathrooms into private spa escapes.

To keep it safe, features like comfortable seating for the shower may include a Home Care by Moen's handheld shower with a convenient pause function. An extra-long hose and hand strap make the shower easy to hold, even for those with limited mobility. Getting into and out of the shower is easier with the new SecureMount grab bar installation system, also from Home Care by Moen. Not only are SecureMount grab bars easy to install thanks to a revolutionary new SecureMount anchor system, but they prevent slips and falls in the bathroom. New styles and finishes enhance the room's décor and look like decorative pieces rather than safety devices.

Interior ingenuity

With many mature adults using their retirement as a time to jet set around the globe, get a second home, or visit children and grandchildren, a convenient, accessible space for luggage is a must. According to CNNMoney.com trend spotter Les Christie, luggage rooms, which store luggage and travel goods between trips, are one of the top home amenity trends for 2007. Luggage rooms save homeowners the hassles of cramming suitcases in closets or using inconvenient attic storage space.

Another popular amenity for the mature adult is the customized exercise room. After the kids move out and retirement sets in, many older adults are using their spare time (and spare rooms) to get in top shape with customized weight training, cardio machines and even indoor lap pools, which provide a rigorous resistance workout without placing stress on joints and muscles. More out-of-the-box indoor exercise options include a personal dance studio, complete with wood flooring, wall-length mirrors and a stellar sound system; an indoor climbing wall with grips and a safe-landing mat; and an indoor golf simulator for times when you can't get out to the green.

Mature adults still know how to spice up their bedroom with hot amenities, including fireplaces, heated mattress pads and large-capacity warming cabinets for blankets, robes, towels and clothing. Convenience-based bedroom trends include a laundry room off of the master suite, remote-controlled window treatments and voice-controlled lighting and electronics, making your mature boudoir much more magical than even your childhood bedroom.

Regardless of the size of your home, whether you build new or buy used, filling your empty nest with hot amenities will help to make your golden years as good as gold.

All items from the Home Care by Moen line of bath safety products are available nationwide at select retailers such as Lowe's and at select home health and medical suppliers.

Courtesy ARAcontent