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)