Lighting Is Key for Active Adult Community Renovation
When it came to renovating the clubhouse for Shady Oaks active adult community in Red Bank, N.J., interior designer Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs says her priorities were safety, comfort, flexibility and aesthetics when considering the lighting she selected for this popular gathering spot. She also paid close attention to glare control to minimize discomfort, a common occurrence with aging eyes.
Her solution was to provide layered lighting – ambient, task and accent – that included dimmable controls and separate zoning for greater flexibility. Recessed lighting was strategically placed throughout the space to ensure uniform downward illumination and to help define specific areas per zone. Mannarino chose ceiling and wall fixtures from N.J.-based lighting manufacturer Livex to align with her overall design aesthetic.
Other design considerations Mannarino brought to the Shady Oaks community – comprised of 366 condos and townhomes – were selected to elevate the clubhouse’s value as a rentable venue for outside events, turning it into a source of revenue.
Mannarino’s vision was to reimagine the clubhouse as a dynamic, flexible environment that supports a variety of daily and social activities, including dining, games, exercise, movie nights and community events while also enhancing aesthetics, functionality and accessibility. The goal was to strike a balance between elegance and practicality, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for both casual daily use and more formal occasions.
The renovation embraced a holistic approach that addressed both form and function, creating an inviting and adaptive environment for all users. A rich material palette featuring light neutrals, natural teak painted black, warm walnut finishes and rich cognac, delivers visual continuity and a sophisticated feel.
Architectural enhancements included wood beams that were added to the vaulted ceiling to introduce interest and warmth, drawing the eye upward and emphasizing the expanse of the room. The existing brick fireplace, which previously looked heavy and dated, was skim-coated to achieve a smooth, contemporary finish and a slate top was added to the hearth.
The resulting subtle, yet impactful, upgrade refreshed a central feature of the space, allowing it to complement the updated material palette and overall aesthetic. Since burning logs is not permitted and adding a gas-line was not viable, an electric log-set was added for ambiance. Trim was added to plain existing doors throughout, for a cost-effective way to enhance the look.
Defined areas were carefully created to allow simultaneous activities without disruption: Two library seating areas are complete with performance fabric upholstered, comfort-height seating with built-in charging stations to serve as quiet reading nooks or casual conversation spaces. A dedicated game and pub area includes a bar, refurbished pool table with new felt, a card table, and space for a roll-in ping pong table. A dual-purpose game table now flips over for poker play or other solid-surface needs.
When it came to accommodating storage and display areas, Mannarino installed bespoke bookcases with window seats that frame the space, add seating, and provide ample storage while visually accentuating the height of the clubhouse.
The furnishings that she selected are all flexible and functional in nature. New expandable tables with self-storing leaves replaced the folding tables, removing the need for constant setup and take-down. They are paired with new stackable dining chairs with performance fabrics. A new banquet table with a matte porcelain top eliminates the need for linens and replaces the pool table as the food station. Small, lightweight side tables placed near club chairs and window seats are easily movable for game play or snack service. Wide-plank composite flooring replaced the worn outdated carpeting, creating visual flow as well as durability. In addition to being waterproof, the flooring is complemented with durable washable rugs that enhance the design aesthetic while allowing for easy maintenance.
Finally, the windows were outfitted with custom Roman shades that replaced the worn, broken, dated vertical blinds. New ceiling fans, chandeliers, and floor lamps were added to further improve each room’s light quality and ambiance. Mannarino also redesigned the kitchen and integrated a coffee/beverage center by transforming a formerly unused closet.
The finished project earned Mannarino her 40th design award, which was recently bestowed at the Design Excellence Awards gala of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID NJ), of which Mannarino has served as president. Additional projects of hers include restaurants, banquet facilities, medical facilities, historic mansions, New York boardrooms, metropolitan apartments, beach cottages, plus design for events that range from small affairs to spectacular themed celebrations.
