Custom Interiors Design Center Offers Endless Options to Create Your Dream Dwelling

At Oak Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., residents appreciate the opportunity to personalize and decorate their residences to reflect their own styles.  

And thanks to Custom Interiors Coordinator Erin Pietruszka, it's as easy as it is fun. "Our goal is to help you create a space that feels like home," she says.  

Whether you're looking for built-in bookcases to display your prized collection, a ceramic tile backsplash to spice up your kitchen, or a custom-built closet to maximize your storage space, Oak Crest's Custom Interiors Design Center offers a wide range of services to turn every area into a beautiful, unique space. 

"We offer a wide variety of options," Pietruszka says, "including appliance upgrades, crown molding, recessed and pendant lighting, ceiling fans, window treatments, flooring, tile backsplashes, cabinet hardware--you name it!"

Freshening up

Before a new community member moves in, every residence at Oak Crest undergoes a "facelift," which can include anything from fresh paint and flooring to cabinets, countertops, and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. However, many residents are eager to put their own stamp on their new space. 

David and Margaret Hegmann were no exception. 

The Hegmanns' two-bedroom, two-bath floor plan design already had many of the features they wanted, including an abundance of natural light and a patio. To add their finishing touches before moving from Anne Arundel County, they met with Pietruszka to discuss their wish list. 

"We had ceiling fans installed, crown molding, extra [recessed] lights added to the living area, as well as a decorative ceiling light over the dining table," says Margaret. "In the kitchen, we put in a tile backsplash, lowered the kitchen cabinets, added an extra cabinet for storage, and upgraded the refrigerator."

Dramatic difference

Like the Hegmanns, Glenn and Catherine Hanna decided to add various enhancements before they moved from Finksburg, Md., to Oak Crest in March 2023. 

"We added recessed lighting and custom drapes and blinds," says Glenn.

"In the kitchen, we had an extra base cabinet with a granite countertop installed as well as a backsplash and a stainless steel French door refrigerator."

The Hannas also added quartz countertops, new faucets, and medicine cabinets to the bathrooms in their two-bedroom residence.

"We like everything in our apartment, especially the view off our balcony of the turtle pond in the courtyard," says Glenn.

Try something new

While some residents replicate their favorite features from their old house, Pietruszka notes that many incoming residents see their move as an opportunity to create a fresh new living space.

She recalls one project that included an oversized kitchen island, a wet bar with a wine refrigerator, and what looked like a bookcase but was actually a hidden door to a storage closet. 

"Many people want to try something completely different when they move," says Pietruszka. "Incoming residents who had natural or dark wood cabinets in their former house and now want something light and bright. Others want to try something totally fresh and new, like doing their upper and lower cabinets in different colors."

Worth waiting for

You don't have to be a new resident to take advantage of the Custom Interiors Design Center, though. After 11 years at Oak Crest, Carol Hagan decided to freshen up her one-bedroom design with new flooring, kitchen countertops, and a backsplash. 

"Before I moved in 2013, I had undercabinet lighting installed in the kitchen and crown molding in the living room," says Carol. "I wanted wood floors and new countertops as well, but I wanted to stay within my budget, so I decided to hold off on those. I promised myself that if I were still here in ten years, I would get them."

Ten years came and went, so Carol made good on her promise to herself--and she didn't have to wait long.  

"They did all the work in one day! I am really pleased with the way it turned out. I also had a dishwasher installed, as well as a breakfast bar where I can sit in the kitchen and look out across the balcony while I am eating my breakfast," says Carol.

Trusted vendors

Design services are complimentary for Oak Crest residents, who simply pay the cost of materials and labor. All work is completed by trusted specialty vendors approved by Oak Crest.

"We are hands on with each project from start to finish," says Pietruszka.

"We have contractors we know and trust that we have been working with for many years. My favorite part is seeing the smiles on peoples' faces when the work is complete and they are enjoying their new residence!" 

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.