If you think the residences in senior living communities are institutional, drab and boring, we’d like to introduce you to some residents who have brought real design flair to their homes.

 

The Builders

The San Gabriel Valley is blessed with an abundance of Craftsman-style bungalows. Jack and Sally Samuelson thought it would be “fun and unique” to incorporate the style when designing their Royal Oaks cottage. Over a six-month period, the couple built a home that boasts many elements of the architectural style, including mosaic wall paneling, crown molding and intricate ceilings.

The Minimalist

Regents Point resident Joann Allen calls her small space “my villa by the park.” Allen has accented her home with various pieces of Asian contemporary art that she’s collected over the years. She says each piece brings in the “peaceful and tranquil colors of the sea.” One of Allen’s favorite features: a Murphy bed that disappears each morning and allows greater use of the floor space.

The Traditionalists

Warmth and tradition are the hallmarks of the home of White Sands residents John and Ann Todd. The couple brought to their apartment many antiques and other home furnishings that they have lived with and loved for years—ranging from mahogany furniture to oil paintings. Some of the art are family portraits by Ann. “We love the apartment and it fits our needs beautifully,” says Ann.