INTrend Senior Living

SENIOR LIVING VOL. 6

BUILDERS DESIGN

To Our Valued Partners, Design has always lived at the intersection of culture, fashion, and human behavior, and few years have highlighted that more vividly than 2025. As we enter our 50th year and celebrate our 20,000th project, Builders Design remains committed to translating cultural shifts into spaces that don’t just look beautiful, they sell, they connect, and they create unforgettable moments of “I want to live here.”

Jon and I built this company with an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape how we show up for our clients. We’ve never chased trends, we’ve interpreted them, translated them, and applied them with purpose, creating spaces that evoke emotion the moment someone walks in. That philosophy guided every corner of our work in 2025, a year that broadened our reach through the integration of the Carlyn and Company team and expanded our influence in Luxury Class A Multifamily with signature installations in Arizona, Charlotte, and the DC Metro region.

We also opened new doors in the West, with Denver as our hub, with reach across Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Texas, where early traction reaffirmed the value of authentic design storytelling in both Model Homes and Multifamily. As we look ahead, we see a market recalibrating, pipelines reopening, and a renewed focus on affordability, not as a constraint but as a catalyst for smarter, more intentional design.

INTrend has always been more than a trends report. It is our collective lens, shaped by culture, fashion, wellness, behavior, and the thousands of homes and communities we have been trusted to design. This edition carries forward that legacy. Our sincere thanks to Sphere, Cynthie, Jenn V., Jessica S., and Lesley N. for leading this year’s effort with passion and precision. And a special thank you to our entire BD team, whose creativity and execution continue to fuel our evolution.

As we honor half a century of partnership and look toward the future, Jon and I remain grateful for your trust, and energized by the work that lies ahead.

Joe Duffus Joe@buildersdesign.com

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SENIOR LIVING

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BREAKING OUT OF THE BLANDEMIC

KEY TRENDS

Populations (millions)

Households (millions)

Median household income

337.64

129.69

$78,700

2.7%

» Rapidly aging populace and longer longevity fuel demand. » Growing necessity for middle-market senior living solutions.

Projected growth 20252030 2.4%

KEY TRENDS

8.8%

» Tech-savvy, innovative, independent & diverse define seniors. » Age-inclusive design: vision, hearing, balance, memory, touch. » Ability to age in place with longer Senior Living tenure.

SENIOR LIVING

Populations by age

2025

2030 projection

<=17

21.0

20.2%

1834

22.8

22.1%

3544

13.2

13.2%

4564

24.4

23.9%

65+

18.6

20.7%

The ratio of people ages 25 to 64 to people aged 65 or older will be 2.8 to 1 in 2025.

That ratio is projected to decline to 2.2 to 1 by 2055.

25 to 64

65+ 5

LIFESTYLE SHIFTS

LIFESTYLE SHIFTS

» “80 is the new 50” as we live longer, are more active & healthier. » Seeking a new chapter – lux comfort, activities, community.

» Elevated experiences: spa, wellness, recreation, social, learning. » Hospitality: gourmet dining, concierge services, tailored activities.

SENIOR LIVING

NEXT GEN EXPECTATIONS » Design goes lux; inunit tech for safety; wellness lighting.

» Taking the principles of biophilic design into unit interiors. » Open floor plans that creatively designate space but are safe. » Cozy environments that embrace wood, curves and calm colors.

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AGING SOCIETY Aging populations impact all real estate sectors. As individuals get older, they leave the workforce, potentially reducing office demand. They spend more on healthcare and travel and less on consumer goods, potentially impacting hotel and retail demand. They also change their living preferences, moving from apartments to single-family homes to senior living facilities across different acuity spectrums. While pervasive across all sectors, we believe that single-family rentals and senior housing will be the biggest beneficiaries.

AGING SOCIETY

Aging populations impact all real estate sectors. As individuals get older, they leave the workforce, potentially reducing office demand.

They spend more on healthcare and travel and less on consumer goods, potentially impacting hotel and retail demand. They also change their living preferences, moving from apartments to singlefamily homes to senior living facilities across different acuity spectrums. While pervasive across all sectors, we believe that singlefamily rentals and senior housing will be the biggest beneficiaries.

SENIOR LIVING

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NEXT GEN EXPERIENCE Senior living is all about wellness; mental and physical. With the more hightech, medical care (“hardcare wellness”) coming into this segment, there is also an increasing desire for much simpler, lowtech wellness where social and emotional wellbeing matter (“softcare wellness”).

SENIOR LIVING

HARDCARE SPACES

SOFTCARE SPACES

» onsite medical facility/staff

» art studio; onsite theater, library

» gym and staff trainers

» private dining room, wine bar

» personalized care levels

» spa amenity spaces

» tech safety enhancements

» outdoor communal space & activities

“We predict 2025 is the year more people aggressively both log off and “analog on”: seizing retro, predigital tech, hobbies and experiences … as wellness, and in wellness.” GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT TRENDS FOR 2025 8

HARD-CARE SPACES REINVENT

HARDCARE SPACES REINVENT

VIRTUAL REALITY THERAPY ROOMS – virtual reality therapy is a rising senior trend

EMBRACING THE OUTDOORS – Indoor / outdoor gardening spaces

NEW TYPES OF FITNESS SPACES – new types of fitness spaces

MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING – game rooms, art studios – appeal to all ages

SENIOR LIVING

GIVING BACK – seeing more senior communities have “dogood” spaces

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In San Francisco, global

SOFTCARE SPACES GO LUX

In San Francisco, global design firm March and White Design (MAWD) has crafted Coterie Cathedral Hill, a collaboration between Related Companies and Atria Senior Living.

SENIOR LIVING

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SPACES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING Cultural hotspots like theaters and lobbies bring the opportunity to further lifelong learning close at hand

SPACES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING Cultural hotspots like theaters and lobbies bring the opportunity to further lifelong learning close at hand

SENIOR LIVING

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WELLNESS COLLABORATION Amblebrook’s collaboration with WellSpan Health Services provides residents ways to proactively manage their health. Amenities include a demonstration kitchen, music room, physical therapy and seasonal flu shots, easy access to spas, fitness room, nail and hair services, SENIOR LIVING

and alternative health therapies such as reiki.

One of the most unique aspects of Amblebrook is its focus on socalled Blue Zones—regions of the world where people tend to live the longest. Amblebrook’s goal is to provide those same benefits— physical, social, and emotional—by creating a vibrant retirement community unlike any other.

The Nourish Demonstration Kitchen offers a 12seat classroom for 12

residents’ handson health & cooking events.

NEW CONCEPTS MIXING GENERATIONS

SENIOR LIVING

MIXEDUSE A RETIREMENT FACILITY AND DAYCARE CENTER. Interaction between the

Forefront Living, a senior living community, opened a tuitionfree preschool in the North Dallas

generations provides mutual benefit.

societal challenges, the continuing need for childcare and the emerging demand for olderadult

INHOUSE DAYCARE FACILITIES ARE AN ECONOMIC SOLUTION. neighborhood. Intergenerational Day Centers are an innovation that addresses important supportive services that help them remain independent. These facilities provide care, and specialized resources and activities for both older adults and children in one location.

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FUTURE TECH ENHANCEMENTS

FUTURE TECH ENHANCEMENTS

SENIOR LIVING

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01 – SAFETY

02 – FACILITY HELP

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

ROBOTIC COMPANIONS

03 TECHNOLOGY

AI IN EVERYDAY ITEMS

With the stair climbing aid TOPRO

China has unveiled plans to incorporate

The Sentence smart walker is an intelligent

Step, you have a sturdy support in

humanoid robots into its elderly care services

assistive device that learns the users’ habits over

front of you when going up and

to deal with their aging society; with an elderly

time to prompt suggestions about sentences

down the stairs.

care service network by 2029.

they intend to speak.

HOSPITALITY FOCUS

SENIOR LIVING

WINE LOUNGES A fresh focus on bringing hospitality home sees new wine lounges and bars becoming social hubs in senior The ‘Wine Lounge’ at Livelle Mulholland in Woodland Hills, CArepresents an increasingly hospitality focus for Senior Living.

living spaces 15

NOSTALGIC AMENITIES

SENIOR LIVING

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An analog destination, the ‘Poolside Press’ at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, FL is a stylized newsstand

IN-UNIT CIRCADIAN LIGHTING

INUNIT CIRCADIAN LIGHTING Circadian lighting in senior living is a lighting system that mimics natural daylight patterns to support residents’ sleepwake cycles and overall wellbeing. soft, warm tones in the morning to brighter, cooler light during the day for alertness and focus,

SENIOR LIVING

Lighting gradually shifts from

then returns to warmer, dimmer tones in the evening to encourage relaxation, melatonin production, and better sleep. This can also help reduce behavioral issues such as sundowning.

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LISTENING ROOMS

LISTENING ROOMS

A new hub in the heart of the home.

SENIOR LIVING

“Listening room searches have more than doubled…”

HOUZZ RESEARCH VIA FORBES

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GROW-YOUR-OWN

GROWYOUROWN AMENITY CENTER EXCITEMENT MODA’s multifamily housing development in Calgary, Alberta known as GROW, includes 20 residential units and ramped roof gardens. The 0.6acre urban farm is a “seamless environment that blurs interior and exterior, as well as private and public space”. DEZEEN SENIOR LIVING

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Appleby Blue an almshouse in London has gardens all around the complex to supply fresh food for the kitchens, promoting food growing, cooking and eating together. ARCHPAPER

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FROM SUNROOMS TO NIGHT ROOMS A counter-trend to the sunroom, the night room embraces the moodiness of the end of the day.

FROM SUNROOMS TO NIGHT ROOMS A countertrend to the sunroom, the night room embraces the moodiness of the end of the day.

SENIOR LIVING

Govee’s projector brings the night sky indoors

“Is the Night Room the Next Big Thing in Design?”VERANDA 20

REIMAGINING THE SENIOR LIVING LOBBY BD

NO MORE RECEPTION DESKS Forwardthinking communities are replacing institutional front desks

•

THOMAHOLEC DESIGN

The result feels more like a boutique hotel than a facility checkin.

BIOPHILIC ENTRY DESIGN Living walls, water features, and abundant natural light create calming, wellnessfocused first impressions. Skylights and floortoceiling windows are becoming standard in new builds.

WAYFINDING THROUGH DESIGN Distinct carpet patterns, accent colors, and door colors help residents

SCENT Signature lobby scent diffused at entry a proven hospitality technique now entering SL

SOUND Curated ambient music zones different tempo & mood by area, not just overhead speakers

LIGHTING Dramatic entry chandelier or pendant moment lighting sets emotion before a word is spoken

instantly recognize their floor. Design subtly handles orientation

MATERIALS Woodwrapped ceilings, stone floors & textured

without relying on signage.

wall panels tactile richness that reads “home”

SENIOR LIVING

with coffee bars or loungestyle entries where concierges move freely.

THE DEMENTIA COLOR WHEEL

THE DEMENTIA COLOR WHEEL Color with PURPOSE. SENIOR LIVING

Design with EMPANTHY. Care with INTENTION.

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SHERWIN-WILLIAMS SENIOR LIVING COLOR SYSTEM COOL FOUNDATIONS

INDEPENDENCE

ASSISTANCE

MEMORY

Nature-inspired cool neutrals - soft grays & muted blues that create a logical, stressreducing environment.

Rich, colorful, sophisticated medley - vibrant tones celebrating autonomy for independent living residents.

Best for: Corridors, admin

Best for: Dining. lounges

Organic, earthy palette ideal for wayfinding in assisted living. Avoid similar cool tone pairings - hard for aging eyes to distinguish.

Lively, saturated palette designed specifically for memory care - helps aging eyes “see” better and distinguish spaces.

Strong neutral bases - taupes, creams & warm beiges that anchor any space with timeless comfort.

Best for: All areas

Best for: AL wayfinding

Best for: Memory care

SENIOR LIVING

WARM FOUNDATIONS

SW Memory Collection - Selected Colors (SW codes) SW 6486 Reflecting Pool

SW 6352 Soft Apricot

SW 6564 Red Clover

SW 6536 Searching Blue

SW 6379 Jersey Cream

SW 6660 Honey Blush

SW 0025 Rosedust

SW 6626 Sunset

SW 6451 Nurture Green 23

INUNIT COLOR

A shift away from clinical health care hues towards warmer, more human focused color.

SENIOR LIVING

Beingon, in or near the water is good 24

for our brains.

SOCIAL SPACES, FLEX ROOMS NEXT-GEN AMENITIES

SOCIAL SPACES, FLEX ROOMS & NEXTGEN AMENITIES ‘THE “STUDIO” FLEX MODEL Singlepurpose craft rooms are being replaced with fluid studio spaces moveable walls, furniture that shifts the entire room in minutes. Yoga at 8am, book club at 2pm, cocktail hour at 5pm. One space, infinite programming.

Key Design Feature: Retractable walls + modular FF&E on wheels

Key Design Feature: Private dining + bar adjacency + resident wine ockers

COFFEE BAR AS SOCIAL ANCHOR The coffee bar has replaced the reception desk as the heart of the community. With communal hightops, soft seating & warm lighting, it drives spontaneous daily connection. 79% of residents say they moved into SL for social connection this is the #1 passive design tool to support that.

SENIOR LIVING

on casters & adjustable lighting

SPEAKEASY BARS & WINE ROOMS Resident wine storage lockers, cocktail lounges & speakeasystyle bars are now standard features in new builds not extras. Often paired with a private dining room for hosted dinner parties. Residents entertain like they would in their own homes.

Key Design Feature: Positioned at the center of pedestrian tow

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WHAT’S NEXT? According to the United Nations, one in six people will be aged 60 years or over by 2030, a demographic shift that will have profound social and economic impacts. Older adults are more informed, more tech savvy, and more active than past generations, and they want to live in urban communities that embrace their expanding desire for choice, wellness, inclusion, and connection to community. In 2025 and beyond, affordability will also be a key concern, especially for middle-income retirees. GENSLER 2025 FORECAST

SENIOR LIVING

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WHAT’S NEXT? “Retirement ages are extending, lifespans are typically longer, and older adults are often the demographic with the highest spending capital. This lifestyle shift requires a simultaneous shift for those designing, investing in, and providing places for older people to live.”

Brooks Howell, Sendor Lavang Leader SENIOR LIVING

»R edefining 55+ Living: Healthier, tech-savvy seniors seek vibrant communities with cultural and social amenities. »M ultigenerational Appeal: Mixed-use neighborhoods keep older adults socially engaged and active. » Tech-Driven

Care: AI, robotics, and data analytics enhance senior living, easing caregiver strain and improving well-being. GESLER

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