Aging in Place and Having a Beautiful Home

As I reflect on my 25 years in interior design, there are some things that have remained very consistent in terms of the majority of my clients. My clients tend to be older; they may be retired or soon to be, and they have traveled the world and collected art. They want a stylish, updated modern home for their last years to enjoy their family and friends. The aesthetic of the home is very important, and they want it beautiful and accessible for their lifestyle.

And for all that we focus on that is beautiful, I also think it is equally important that the design is functional. I have done homes for clients in wheelchairs, walkers, and most recently for a couple who are dealing with an illness which may (or may not) require a wheelchair at some point. Considering this, I designed, along with Sarah Hamilton of Hamilton Design Studio, a primary bathroom that will accommodate future changing physical needs. Sarah and I met with the clients to review their needs, and we designed a new primary bath that has a clever counter and sink that a wheelchair can pull up to if needed in the future. It is beautifully designed into the millwork, so it is unseen in these photos!

We also added details like pull down handles near the toilet, lots of grab bars in good places, and the flooring throughout the bath has an excellent grip. Sarah also worked on the floor elevation so the transition to the shower stays the same, eliminating the curb. She designed the shower so that a wheelchair can enter, and there is thoughtful placement of all fixtures to adjust and control the shower. We inserted a full length mirror into the pocket door and it is beautiful!

And recently, Michael Graves Studio has partnered with Pottery Barn to design a line of accessible furniture that is stylish and functional! There are power lift chairs, as well as smart designs on beds and dressers to accommodate ease of movement throughout a space. Legs are recessed to eliminate tripping, and beds have light rails on the bottom which illuminate so you can see your way in the dark. We all can agree as we get older, we do not want to fall, we do not want to trip! Check out the Michael Graves collection at www.potterybarn.com

Following is a good checklist for reviewing areas in your home as you age. There’s no reason it can’t be beautiful, and well-designed for aging.

1. Accessible Layout

• Single-Level Living: Homes with a single-story layout eliminate the need for stairs, which can be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.
• Open Floor Plans: An open layout minimizes obstacles, allowing for easier movement, especially for wheelchairs or walkers.
• Wide Doorways and Hallways: Doors and hallways should be at least 32-36 inches wide to accommodate mobility aids.

2. Slip-Resistant Flooring

• Non-Slip Materials: Opt for non-slip tiles, vinyl, or low-pile carpet. Hardwoods or polished stone can be slick, so avoid treat them with anti-slip coatings.
• No Transitions or Thresholds: Smooth, continuous flooring without raised thresholds helps prevent tripping.

3. Bathroom Safety Features

• Walk-In Showers with Bench Seating: Step-free, curbless showers make entry safer. Built-in benches allow for seated showering.
• Grab Bars: Strategically placed grab bars near toilets and in showers provide stability. Many designs blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of the bathroom.
• Anti-Scalding Devices: Temperature-controlled faucets prevent burns by regulating water temperatures.

4. Accessible Kitchen Design

• Lowered Countertops and Adjustable Shelves: Countertops at a slightly lower height make food prep easier for those seated or shorter in height. Adjustable shelving can help items remain within reach.
• Pull-Out Cabinets and Drawers: Replacing standard cabinets with pull-out shelves and drawers prevents the need for bending and reaching.
• Lever or Touch Faucets: These are easier to operate, especially for those with arthritis.

5. Enhanced Lighting

• Natural and Ambient Lighting: Increase windows and use layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent lights to improve visibility.
• Motion-Activated Lighting: Lights that turn on automatically reduce the need for switches and improve nighttime safety.

6. Smart Home Technology

• Voice-Controlled Systems: Smart speakers and devices controlled by voice commands make it easy to manage lights, thermostat, and appliances.
• Video Doorbells and Security Systems: Smart doorbells and monitoring systems offer added security, letting residents see who is at the door without getting up.
• Automatic Lighting and Temperature Control: Systems that adjust based on time or activity can create a safer, more comfortable environment.

7. Furniture and Fixtures

• Comfortable, Supportive Seating: Furniture should be easy to get in and out of, ideally with armrests and higher seating for support. I recommend a 21” seat height on sofas for ease of sitting and standing.
• Rounded Corners: Rounded corners on furniture and countertops can prevent injuries.
• Adjustable Beds and Recliners: Electric adjustable beds or lift recliners allow users to change positions with ease. And thank goodness for Pottery Barn!

8. Outdoor Accessibility

• Step-Free Entry: Ramps or gradual slopes at entrances allow for easy access without steps.
• Well-Lit Pathways: Outdoor lighting ensures safe navigation, and pathway materials should be non-slip.
• Accessible Patio or Garden Spaces: Outdoor areas with seating and wide pathways allow older adults to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Designing for aging-in-place is about balancing safety and accessibility with an inviting, warm, and personalized home environment. We are all going to age, there’s no secret sauce to turn back the clock, but at least we can do our best to stay in our own home, and enjoy the beauty around us of our life and provenance.

“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns

Cheers,

Krissy