Growing older should feel like stepping into the best chapter of your life—not downsizing into something you barely recognize. Today, more Americans are redefining what retirement looks like. No sterile facilities. No generic layouts. Instead, they are choosing to stay rooted at home, in spaces filled with memories, comfort, and smart design that evolves with them.
At AV Architects + Builders, we believe aging in place is about thriving, not just surviving. Through our Nesting for Empty Nesters® philosophy, we reimagine homes into stunning, flexible, and luxurious retreats where you can live fully—on your terms—for decades to come. With a thoughtful approach, aging gracefully can mean living joyfully, surrounded by beauty and ease every day.
If you're wondering how to make your next chapter the best one yet, keep reading. It’s time to rethink retirement living—and it starts with your dream home.
The Astron House, Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
What Is Nesting for Empty Nesters®?
Nesting for Empty Nesters® is a movement. A mindset. And a master plan for designing homes that blend elegance with effortless living. Created by Francisca Alonso, CEO and Co-Founder of AV Architects + Builders (and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist), this approach focuses on proactive design, ensuring your home grows with you—without ever losing its beauty, comfort, or functionality.
Instead of settling for a so-called "retirement home," you can create a great home for retirement—a space that supports your evolving lifestyle with the same casual luxury and vacation-style energy you enjoy today. It is about making a positive, empowering choice now, so you can enjoy more independence, more connection, and more joy for the future.
Why Plan Now, Not Later?
Most homeowners put off planning for aging in place until it’s too late—when mobility issues or health needs force rushed, expensive changes. Studies show 90% of people delay this critical step. We think you deserve better.
Early planning means you stay in control—of your space, your comfort, and your life. Plus, it gives you the freedom to design every detail intentionally, combining safety and beauty seamlessly.
Imagine having a home already ready for you, one that feels just as light-filled, stylish, and welcoming at 75 as it did at 55. Early action helps you avoid the stressful, last-minute renovations that often come with health setbacks.
Looking for inspiration? See how real homeowners are staying put in dream vacation-style homes.
The Vacation Style Living™ Approach
We believe your home should feel like a getaway every single day. Our Vacation Style Living™ philosophy transforms regular homes into personal resorts—spaces that are open, relaxed, welcoming, and totally adaptable to every stage of life.
What Vacation Style Living™ Means for You:
- Main floor living: Bedrooms, kitchen, and essential spaces all on one easy-access level for effortless movement.
- Flow and flexibility: Wider hallways, smarter rooms, and multi-functional spaces that evolve as you do.
- Connection to outdoors: Patios, gardens, courtyards, and balconies that invite nature into your daily life, creating natural retreats steps from your living room.
- Wellness by design: Abundant natural light, healthy air circulation, intuitive layouts, and materials that boost your well-being.
- Smart home upgrades: From automated lighting and blinds to voice-activated thermostats, technology that supports your independence.
Vacation Style Living™ is not just a concept—it’s a new way of thinking about daily life. By creating an atmosphere of permanent relaxation and ease, we make your home feel like your favorite resort, 365 days a year.
This isn’t just theory—it’s already transforming homes across Northern Virginia and beyond. Take a peek at how empty nesters are embracing their next adventure.
The Must-Haves for Aging-in-Place Design
When designing for aging gracefully (and beautifully), a few essentials should top your list. These design elements do more than just ensure safety—they protect your freedom, your peace of mind, and your ability to live independently for years.
Here are some must-haves:
- Curbless showers and non-slip flooring: Achieve sleek, seamless style while reducing trip hazards.
- Wide, welcoming doorways and hallways: Designed to anticipate changing mobility needs—whether it is for walkers, wheelchairs, or just easier movement.
- Single-story living layouts: No more stairs to climb every day. Everything you need is thoughtfully arranged on one level.
- Multi-purpose rooms: A home office today, a fitness space tomorrow, and a guest room next year—your spaces should work with your lifestyle, not against it.
- Hidden support: Smart grab bars disguised as sleek towel racks, well-placed task lighting, and intuitive storage systems make life easier without making your home feel clinical.
Thinking about technology too? Smart homes are your new best friend. Learn more about designing spaces that are both timeless and tech-savvy inside our Learning Center.
Remodeling or Building New: Which Path Is Right for You?
Every homeowner’s journey is unique. You might already love your current home and neighborhood—making remodeling the natural choice. Remodeling allows you to update and reimagine your home while preserving your community ties and cherished memories.
On the other hand, some people dream of building a custom home from scratch, with every inch tailored to their future lifestyle. Building new offers you a completely fresh canvas, free from compromises, where every decision is made with your needs in mind.
Whichever path you choose, the key is to start early. Aging in place is a proactive lifestyle decision, not just a last-minute adjustment. At AV Architects + Builders, we walk with you through every step, from first sketches to final finishes, making the experience as joyful as it is rewarding.
Still exploring ideas? Check out these creative aging-in-place solutions.
You Deserve More Than Just a Home—You Deserve a Lifestyle
Aging in place does not mean settling. It means leveling up—embracing a life filled with beauty, freedom, health, and style. Your home should evolve with you, not limit you.
With Nesting for Empty Nesters®, you can live where you love, surrounded by everything you cherish. Whether it’s hosting weekend brunches for grandkids, enjoying quiet afternoons on your patio, or waking up each day in a space designed for comfort and elegance, your future can be brighter and more exciting than ever.
Aging is not about losing possibilities. It’s about gaining more of what matters most.
Ready to Create the Home (and Future) You Deserve?
At AV Architects + Builders, we believe your golden years should feel golden—full of joy, comfort, and adventure.
Connect with us today through our Contact Us page—and let’s make Vacation Style Living™ your reality, every day.
Your dream home is waiting. And the best part? You get to live your dream, your way, for decades to come.
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