Choices for colour, light and line of women living in continuing care retirement communities in the USA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the choices of female residents living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) for familiar design elements and principles. Eighteen residents of CCRCs participated in the study. Q-methodology was used to explore the opinions of residents regarding their choices of familiar interior design elements and principles based on their former and current residences. Three factors were identified using PQMethod 2.11 for analysis. Seventeen sorts were defined by Factor One, Symmetrical Traditional; nine were defined by Factor Two, Naturalistic Rhythm; and four were defined by Factor Three, Individualistic Variety. The first factor, Traditional Symmetrical was defined by a combination of symmetry and a strong use of line, natural light, colour, ornamentation, and harmony incorporated into a formal, traditional style. The second factor, Naturalistic Rhythm, was defined by a combination of rhythm, natural light, line, colour, and harmony incorporated into a relaxed, casual transitional style. The third factor, Individualistic Variety, was defined by a combination of colour, line and pattern, but was not indicative of any particular style.