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Directions in Design Infuses the Gatesworth with New Style
Senior Living Center Features Classic Tuscan Style
When it’s time for retirement, many seniors set their sights on an overseas vacation. But recent changes by Directions in Design (DID) to the Gatesworth Senior Living Center bring an international flair to residents’ day-to-day living.
The owners of the living center brought in DID’s team of interiors specialists to update the 12-acre campus’ interior look and to redesign the center’s theme. The designers worked to incorporate a classic and traditional, Old-World Tuscan theme throughout the entire facility, allowing the team to make use of a variety of regal reds, moss greens, and golden hues in their design. The theme provided the design inspiration for interior architectural changes and complete renovation for all of the public hospitality spaces within the entire campus from the corridors linking the nearly 450 living units throughout the numerous core amenity spaces to the impressive atrium style lobby.
Located off of Highway I-170, between Ladue Road and Delmar Blvd., the Gatesworth is minutes away from downtown Clayton’s business district, shopping areas, and places of worship. The center offers a variety of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. DID’s team provided design leadership to elevate the facility’s wide array of amenities with an updated, elegant style.
“Residents are accustomed to a high quality of life at the Gatesworth and we wanted to make sure that our enhancements reflected this,” said Jane Ganz A.S.I.D, president and owner of DID. “Our classic traditional old-world theme allowed us to create a beautiful facility and still focus on the dedication to comfort and ease that already exists here at Gatesworth.”
The two-year project was done in phases and carried out while residents were still living on the property. For this reason, dust and noise levels had to be kept to a minimum. The Gatesworth’s owners stipulated that the construction must be done with as little inconvenience as possible to residents. These limitations required innovative problem solving methods from DID throughout the entire extensive renovation project.
The new European theme begins at the main entrance in the two-story reception area. A new chandelier, a custom area rug, new moldings, and a custom-made mahogany and cherry reception desk combine to provide a gracious feeling in the entry which opens into the atrium area.
In the four-story atrium, the designers created the look of an Italian piazza with balconies overlooking the main level. The balconies are highlighted with intricate iron railings, arches and columns to create a classic romantic look. The walls are faux finished in soft ivory gold and highlighted with large wall sconces that create a soft glow. From this dramatic entryway, four corridors lead visitors to other areas of the center.
The residents have a choice of two restaurants in the Gatesworth’s main facility. The Collonade Dining Room provides residents with an elegant environment in which to “dress up” for dinner. During construction, DID replaced The Colonnade’s ceiling which is comprised of detailed segmented wood coffers and old world raised plaster tile designs. A new fireplace was constructed in the dining area to create a cozy feeling. The design team also added a dome in a gold faux finish highlighted with a light cove and several chandeliers to enhance the fine dining atmosphere for which the room is known.
The Palm Court, the center’s second restaurant, now has an open feeling which is both comfortable and casually elegant. Wood casework, wooden trim moldings, circular light coves and classically styled chandeliers add to the inviting feeling of the dining room and bar area. The newly constructed grand bar is adorned with an abundance of detail in the cherry wood and Madera gold granite. The bar area is the setting for frequent happy hours which encourages residents to interact and enjoy socializing. Graceful limestone railings and balustrades allow residents and visitors beautiful views of the large dining and bar area. An eleven foot long buffet serving credenza separates two seating areas. The buffet is made of cherry wood with raised panel doors which conceals storage shelving for the serving dishes.
The Gatesworth large living room also provides opportunity for engaging, panoramic views of many of the core hospitality spaces. The design team enhanced the living room with a wall of custom made book cases which flank a handsome wood and marble fireplace. One of the most outstanding features in the living room is the ceiling which closely resembles a plaster ceiling from the St. Louis Worlds Fair. A very large light fixture mounted in the center makes the ceiling glow. Like many of the center’s features, the furniture in the living room was selected for its beauty, comfort and function. The scale of the furniture was chosen to provide ease of mobility for the residents.
Residents have several areas at their disposal for leisure activities and the renovations have made these areas even more appealing. The 1,100 square foot theater, where movies are regularly shown, has theater style seating and accommodates large groups of people for programs and featured speakers. The wall sconces add soft lighting to the gold patterned walls and the theater curtain.
The craft room received new Amtico wood look flooring, cabinets, tables, and lighting. Right next door Club One, one of the center’s family meeting rooms and formal dining room, was enhanced with a custom area rug which is recessed into the floor. Additional Club One enhancements include elegant draperies which frame the bay window and a new custom bar made of cherry wood with a granite top. Residents enjoy other on property amenities including a newly refurbished handsome library, card room and a game room.
Each residential floor of the Gatesworth now has two inviting lounges complete with fireplace and flat screen TV, lounge seating and a game table. The laundry areas are complete with wallcovering and tile floors with appealing lighting and flat screen televisions.
Opened in 1988, The Gatesworth has been a pioneer in providing area seniors with a variety of services and continuum of care in a residential environment. The center has since won numerous local and national awards.
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Contact Information:
1849 Craig Road- St. Louis, MO 63146
PHONE: (314) 205-2010
FAX: (314) 205-0889
may-zinsers@didinc.com
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