Director of Living Revolution, Brandi Beckley, joins Matt to demystify FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) for senior living communities. They break down the common design and purchasing mistakes, why cheap furniture costs more in the long run, and how thoughtful choices impact resident and staff experiences. Brandi shares practical insights on creating cohesive, functional spaces that elevate community image and operational ease.
Guest Bio
Brandi Beckley is the Director at Living Revolution, a Chicago-based firm specializing in FF&E solutions for senior living communities. With a background in event management and nonprofit advocacy at LeadingAge Illinois, Brandi brings a unique blend of strategy and empathy to designing functional, beautiful environments that reflect a community’s mission and values.
Timestamps:
01:01 – Brandi’s path from international business to senior living
02:51 – Why FF&E is more than just furniture shopping
04:30 – New builds vs. refreshes: What’s trending in senior living design
05:20 – The top 3 mistakes communities make when refreshing spaces
09:58 – A real-world refresh gone wrong—and how to fix it
12:41 – Which products don’t hold up in senior living environments
14:35 – Rethinking artwork: function, emotion, and wayfinding
15:38 – The right first step for a successful refresh
16:48 – Brandi’s own furniture hacks (and what she doesn’t buy for her house)