First buyers await Las Ventanas' debut

With their move-ins days away, many of the soon-to-be first residents of Las Ventanas face a problem common among downsizers: They must adapt their "big home" furniture to their new apartments within the life care community.

To help out the residents, Suzanne Caldarello, marketing director for the Summerlin development, asked interior designer Gail Mayhugh of GMJ Interiors for help.

"When it comes to space size, perception is reality," Mayhugh said. "I've had clients that downsized to five-bedroom homes and felt that they were living in a cracker box, where someone living in a studio apartment would think of the same space as a custom-built mansion."

Mayhugh advises clients to consider different ways of using their space.

"Take the labels off of your rooms and use them as you need," she said. "It's envisioning the furniture in a smaller space that's the challenge. Smaller spaces can be just as functional and decorative as a larger home. Any space can be comfortable and inviting."

Starting with a plan always helps, but especially for those living in a life care community because they must consider the living areas outside of their personal space.

"One of the best things about living in a life care community like Las Ventanas is you have an astonishing amount of living space outside of your own apartment. The community has exquisitely decorated areas for visiting with friends, reading a book, playing cards, hosting a dinner party or participating in hobbies. So, start by thinking about how you are going to live and evaluate what items you really need to accomplish those things and to make your home comfortable."

Small spaces don't necessarily equal small furniture. In fact, Mayhugh believes bigger furniture may make the room feel larger whereas lots of smaller pieces may make it feel cluttered.

Mayhugh advises starting in the living room area and locating the architectural focal points. She then begins by placing a large piece of furniture across from the focal point, which may be a fireplace, window with a view, or another large piece of furniture.

"It's usually at this time that someone says 'but we have a large entertainment center or a sectional sofa that simply is not going to fit,'" Mayhugh said. "There's a solution. Break up the entertainment center. Continue to use the center TV piece across from the sofa and then the sidepieces can either be used in the same room or another room as accents. With a sectional, remove the curve piece and separate the sides. It's all right to have a one-arm sofa. Angling furniture or bring them off the wall is another tip for visually opening up a space, versus closing it in."

For residents who purchase new pieces for their home, Mayhugh suggests smaller individual seating, such as a love seat and a couple of smaller chairs. The arrangement will seat the same number of people as a larger sofa, and not crowd the space.

She also recommends nesting tables and storage ottomans.

Multifunctional is a dominant theme.

"For example, one of the Las Ventanas apartments has an eating nook in the kitchen and a dining room area. How many eating spaces are really necessary?" Mayhugh said. "Select just one of these areas to set with a table. The dining area would probably be the better choice since it will be larger. Now the kitchen nook area is available to set up as your home office, craft center or computer area.

"If there is a china hutch, make room for it by placing the narrow end of the table up against the wall. There will still be enough room for up to five chairs each day without pulling the table out. On the wall above the table, place a large mirror or piece of colorful artwork to make the whole setting more visually appealing. Also consider replacing the two armchairs with more comfortable wing chairs or smaller upholstered chairs, which can then be used for additional seating in your living room when entertaining."

Mayhugh believes that the bedroom may be the one room that lends itself to "crowding," because it doesn't require traffic flow.

"Again, think multifunctional. If you need a computer area, a desk can be used as a night stand and work area. Purchase an armoire for your TV and drawer space instead of a multidrawer chest. Place a small-scale chair and table at the end of the bed or a chaise to relax on. Consider purchasing bedside chests instead of just nightstands. Also think about having closet organizers," she said.

Outdoor areas such as decks and patios can be used as an extension of the indoor living area, she said, with comfortable upholstery, lighting, plants and artwork.

Closets are surprisingly adaptable. Mayhugh suggests making one into a work area by pulling out the coat bar and installing a work center.

"Let your imagination and need drive you. The closet doesn't have to be a work area; it can be a sewing room, a bar area with glass shelves or even a china cabinet," Mayhugh said.

Las Ventanas is a full-service life care community featuring independent living in three apartment buildings. The 17-acre property will offer 60 assisted living apartments and suites and a 60-bed skilled nursing center.

Seniors interested in knowing more about can visit the property. It is located at 10401 W. Charleston Blvd., between Town Center Drive and Hualapai Way, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

Real Estate home