Your New Home--A Reflection of Your Lifestyle

Finding an apartment home that suits your needs perfectly is easy at Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md.

With studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans that cater to every preference and budget, there's an apartment home for you at this vibrant, active community! And, adding your personal style through custom finishes is just as stress-free, thanks to a talented interior design expert and the community's new Design Center. 

Custom Interiors Coordinator Jenna Burroughs, who came to Riderwood last year from Windsor Run, the Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, N.C., specializes in optimizing residents' living spaces to be functional yet beautiful.

"The most rewarding part of my job is the ability to help residents create a space that truly reflects their personality and style," Burroughs says. "The addition of our wonderful new Design Center gives them the opportunity to browse an array of design options, from the traditional packages all the way up to the new, higher-end packages."

All of Riderwood's apartment homes come with modern appliances, countertops, and vinyl plank flooring; carpeting; and a fresh coat of paint. Residents have additional options for making customizations. 

"We work together on projects as simple as custom window treatments to full-scale bathroom renovations, electrical work," explains Burroughs. "Some of our most popular upgrades include creating custom closets, built-ins, and bookcases; and installing new bathroom fixtures."

Recently, Burroughs sat down with the Tribune to discuss her new role and the many resources she provides.

Q: When do you meet with prospective residents who are interested in customizations?

A: Usually, I begin working with prospective residents shortly after they've reserved their apartment home at Riderwood. Together, we talk through a variety of options, and I begin to get a good sense of what they're looking for. 

After they've made their selections, I create renderings that help them visualize the end result. From there, I take care of scheduling the work with our preferred vendors--all of whom are vetted for quality and have worked with Riderwood for many years. 

Throughout the entire process, I stay in touch to provide updates and connect them with Riderwood's planning and moving consultant and other vendors who can help with downsizing and moving. 

Sometimes I meet prospective residents right after they join the Priority List. This is a great time to meet because they are interested in learning more about how they can personalize their future living space. We look at different floor plans and interior design options. 

That way, once they make their final decision on which apartment home is right for them, they already have an idea of what--if any--changes they would like to make to achieve their dream home. 

Q: What are the most requested custom services?

A: Currently, the most asked-for changes include paint and flooring. We've also seen an increase in requests for new cabinets and countertops. Interior design trends change and tastes change--many people find it refreshing to have a new look.

Some new residents stop by the Design Center after they've had a chance to settle into their apartment home. Taking time to "live" in a new space can be quite valuable--you never know what might grow on you. And, the best part is that most design requests can be completed in the span of a day! 

Q: What is the most important thing for people to know about customizing a Riderwood apartment home?

A: My priority is to help residents make their apartment homes feel comfortable and personal. To illustrate this goal, I often share the story of my grandfather, who moved to Windsor Run when I worked there. 

Prior to his move, he lived in a bright green house--it was my grandmother's favorite color. After she passed away and he decided to move to Windsor Run, he let me know that he wanted his apartment home painted the same bright green. 

He said, "That's what I've had for 50 years. It's what your grandma liked, and that's home to me." So now, his apartment home is bright green, and feels just like home!

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