If life could be categorized by seasons, you could say that those who are empty-nesters would be moving into their Autumn years. Autumn gives us vibrance in the changing colors of the trees and cool solace after long, hot summers much like the empty-nest stage of life. Vastly different from their predecessors, the empty-nesters of today face an unprecedented range of opportunities and choices. For them, the changing of the seasons leaves them no longer engrossed in raising their children. They are, in a sense, starting over. Some are choosing to retire. Others are starting new careers. Whatever their choice, none are ready to idly sit by.

All across the country, their ranks continue to swell with the aging of the Baby boomer generation (Statistics say 10,000 people turn 50 every day). The sheer size of their number leaves no doubt their ideas and beliefs will have a profound effect on many things in our society, one of which being the homes they will live in.

Empty-nesters of today are interested in living life to the fullest. As a group, they are better-educated than their parents and more likely than not to be married. And while many of them are once again living alone, it's a fact that for many others, the nest is not always empty. Several face the reality of having to care for an elderly parent or a Boomerang an older child who's come back to live with them. And still others are stepping in to help care for their grandchildren.

They are interested in outliving the age of their parents and as a result, are more active than ever. They are teaching aerobics, jogging and watching what they eat, even on their vacations. Studies tell us they are traveling more, golfing profusely and drinking diet Coke. In short, it is clear they are actively enjoying their post-parenting years.

Today's empty-nesters generally fall into one of two categories: the Matures age 55 and up and the Boomers age 45 - 55 years old. While their lifestage as Empty-nesters is the same, their reactions and values are often different, based on their experiences early in life. The Matures grew up in times of personal sacrifice and war. Their attitudes, therefore, tend to be conservative and disciplined. They view vacations and retirement as rewards for their years of hard work. The Boomers, on the other hand, grew up in times of economic prosperity, helping them formulate high expectations in life. Boomers tend to have an attitude of entitlement created by their presumption of economic growth, according to Inc. magazine. And what these two groups of empty-nesters desire in housing is reflected in these attitudes.

It would appear that what they want in a home would be different, but surprisingly, the opposite is true. It's only their attitudes of reward and entitlement that set them apart. Both groups want a home that reflects their desire for natural beauty, mature landscaping and views that they can enjoy from within their homes. This corresponds with their desire for plenty of windows to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Additionally, an abundance of windows provides a great source of natural light which today's empty-nesters also crave. A case in point is illustrated by builder Russ Sweetman of Centerville, OH. As a builder of custom homes, Sweetman satisfies his empty-nester buyers by including sunrooms and elaborate kitchen windows as beautiful as the picture windows traditionally found in formal or family rooms.

Home offices are also important to today's empty-nester, many of whom, as they approach retirement, are choosing to continue to work from their homes. Others look to the home itself to provide another source of income. Many are purchasing multifamily homes, such as duplexes, and renting out the other living spaces to supplement their income.

Both groups of empty nesters are interested in homes that might be thought of as jewel boxes, homes that are modest in square footage and packed with amenities. They want security systems or gated communities for safety. They want volume ceilings for a sense of openness and built-in bookcases to shelve their favorite reading material. They prefer hobby rooms, three-car garages and pampering master suites.

Recreational activities are also very important to the empty-nester, not only for personal enjoyment, but also for health-related reasons. Therefore, accessibility to golf courses, biking/hiking trails, and health clubs is essential.

Empty-nesters wish to spend less time up-keeping their home, translating into their desire for low-maintenance homes, such as those with brick exteriors or permanent clad siding. They desire efficient floor plans that are open and easy to get around in (master suites on the main floor).

All of these preferences in home design are reflected in the 100 designs inside Season of Life. We at Design Basics believe that each of them uniquely benefits the empty-nester. The plans feature a wide variety of amenities and square footages, and each can be customized to adapt to the special needs and desires of most any buyer.

Entering into a new season of life, today's empty-nesters bring unique characteristics into a wide realm of opportunities that lie ahead. The home they choose to build will be one of the most exciting opportunities of all