KBB - April 2012 - (Page 10)

ROAD TO KBIS Three More to Watch A pair of generations and a third consumer pro le will also make an appearance at KBIS’ UNcontained Last month, we introduced you to three people, who represent two of the four generations now in the workforce. Your future clients—as well as your friends, relatives, children and grandchildren—all four, along with a fth consumer type, are the subjects of the UNcontained exhibit at KBIS, which runs from April 24-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Their concerns and their attitudes about work and play will be showcased in a series of inspirational shadow boxes presented in shipping containers. Why take this journey through the lives and lifestyles of these disparate generations of consumers? After all, doesn’t everyone wish for the same things: peace, comfort, a satisfying sense of beauty, appetites ful lled and love? Yes, they do. But old ideas are passing, making room for new ways of living, experiencing life, ful lling imaginations and passions. Get to know these distinct consumer groups. Come listen to their interests, their values, their way of living life. Understand their world, improve their lives and homes and grow and pro t from it. Having already peered into the motivations and inner workings of two generations, let’s take a look into three more containers of imagination and meet their inhabitants. Consider their stories and nd the keys to making yourself valuable to them. Toss away your traditional ideas about design. Enjoy the theater. Meet the Caregiver Years ago, a multigenerational home was commonplace. In recent decades, however, that paradigm shifted as families separated for job-related moves, special living situations or good-weather destinations. On this front, as well, change is upon us. Economic and social reasons are holding families closer once again. The Prime Time generation is more vital than ever, prizes independence, wants to help and sometimes, needs to accept help. Some prefer aging in place while others, aging with family. The Prime Timer is individualistic yet wants to feel valued and appreciated. Changes in lifestyle create new design needs. THE TRANSFORMATION OF A CAREGIVER Meet Gloria, a retired nurse, who has lived independently in Sacramento, CA, since the passing of her husband, Peter. After a long career of caring for others, a minor illness has caused Gloria, who is now 72, to rethink her priorities and her health. Although nancially she could remain independent, at the urging of her family she is making a big change and is becoming a new kind of caregiver. Her Home. After her brief illness, Gloria and her son Marcus decided it would make sense for her to join his family in their small but comfortable home. Her daughter-in-law Karina assured her she would be an amazing help with her two small grandchildren. Gloria moved into a bedroom, which was converted from an of ce, and Marcus is making changes to accommodate her and planning ahead for any future health issues. 10 + K BB April 2012 / www.kbbonline.com / The Of cial Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - April 2012

KBB - April 2012
Contents
Online Contents
Editorial
Show Director's Note
Road to KBIS
Web Savvy
Consumer
Trends
Products
City Smart
Design
Cinderella Story
Education
Ad Index
Last Word

KBB - April 2012