Retired Interior Designer Highlights Siena Lakes' Design Flexibility for Active Senior Living

Barbara Kopitz, a former professional interior designer with over 35 years of experience, selected Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., for its open, contemporary homes that allow residents to personalize their living spaces. Her expertise, which included serving as a weekly design columnist for the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, brings credibility to her assessment of the community's architectural appeal and design flexibility.

Since moving to Siena Lakes in 2022, Kopitz has transformed her Luna floor plan home, a two-bedroom, two-bath residence with an open layout, den, and outdoor lanai. She furnished the second bedroom with a sofa that converts into a bed for guests, while also using it as an exercise space. The den was converted into her husband Bill's office, complete with shelving for photographs and memorabilia, creating what she describes as his "man cave."

The importance of color in home design led Kopitz to paint the living room pale aqua, the master bedroom light blue, and the guest bathroom soft yellow. She emphasizes the value of putting a personal stamp on individual homes, noting that visitors appreciate the colorful walls. The homes at Siena Lakes feature large windows to maximize natural light, with Kopitz choosing drapes for the primary bedroom, Venetian blinds for the second bedroom, and leaving living room windows uncovered.

Concealed ceiling plates with wired openings for light fixtures or ceiling fans allow residents to customize lighting. Kopitz added a modern chandelier over the dining table, a flat LED ceiling light in the living room, and ceiling fixtures in each bedroom. On the lanai, she created an oasis with matching furniture, plants, and a five-shelf metal etagere for her orchids, enhancing the connection to nature.

Beyond home design, the couple stays active through community amenities, including exercise classes, bocce, trivia, swimming, and educational talks. Kopitz contributes to the community by writing interior design articles for the newsletter The Resident Chatter, sharing tips on preventing clutter and displaying photos and art. She also participates in Siena Stories, a program where residents share life experiences, recently discussing her 23 years as Aretha Franklin's interior designer before becoming the group's leader.

The design flexibility and active lifestyle opportunities at Siena Lakes, as highlighted by Kopitz's experience, underscore the community's appeal for retirees seeking personalized, engaging living environments. Her professional background lends authority to the endorsement, emphasizing how the homes support both aesthetic preferences and practical needs for aging in place.