The downsizing is done, the move is over, so next comes the fun part of transitioning to senior living: decorating! As with any new home, the transition will be much easier if the new apartment feels comfortable and cozy, and most of all reflects the taste of the resident. To make the most of decorating a senior living apartment, try these decorating tips from experts.
Tip #1 Combat clutter
Since most senior living apartments are small, it pays to minimize clutter, especially on the floor. Rather than overwhelming the space and creating trip hazards it pays to create storage space above the floor.
One obvious option is closet organizing systems like those described in the goodhousekeeping.com article, “The Best Closet Systems to Get More Organized” that can be configured for any size and use. To keep floors clear consider hanging racks on doors, undershelf baskets, and even simple wall and ceiling hooks to add storage space. From spice racks in the kitchen to shoe racks in the bedroom to wall-hung racks for magazines, office supplies, or mail, look at the many choices noted in the bhg.com article, “18 Creative Storage Ideas for Small Spaces to Get Organized.”
Tip #2 Lighten up
According to the nia.nih.gov article, “Aging and Your Eyes,” older eyes need more light to see than in younger years so maximizing light is another expert tip for decorating senior living apartments. Lighting is also very important for safety and for doing things like reading, cooking, crafts, and hobbies.
The first step is to capitalize on natural light from windows by installing shades or drapes that open and close easily. For darker spots and places where work is done, strategically placed lamps are easy and inexpensive and run the gamut from floor and table lamps to battery-operated lamps in closets and under shelves.
Other options to consider are track lighting and wall sconces with dimmer switches for setting the mood, and movable accent lighting like hanging lamps that plug in and aren’t hard-wired. To get some ideas for decorating senior living apartments with light, the livingetc.com article - “What is accent lighting? This often-overlooked design idea might be exactly what your home is missing” - is very enlightening!
Tip #3 Embrace nature
Even the most uninspiring apartment can benefit from the addition of living plants. From a luscious leafy floor plant in a corner to tiny potted succulents on a shelf to hanging ferns and vines, house plants are wonderful for decorating senior living spaces. When choosing new house plants keep in mind that some serve double duty by purifying the air. According to the almanac.com article, “The 10 Best Houseplants for Purifying Indoor Air,” these include spider plants that are perfect for hanging, philodendrons and English ivy that lend an elegant touch to a shelf, and larger plants like peace lilies and snake plants. And don’t forget about potted herbs like sage, chives, basil, and mint. For dozens of innovative and unique ways to incorporate plants when decorating senior living apartments try the apartmenttherapy.com article, “How to Display Houseplants: 100 of Our Favorite Plant-Display Ideas.”
Tip #4 Incorporate color
Most senior living apartments are blank canvases at the beginning so a little color can go a long way toward creating a personal comfort zone. One of the easiest ways to add color to every room is with accessories like pillows, rugs, and art. This paint-free decorating tip can quickly bring a room together, create focus points, and help blend the old with the new. Another idea is temporary wallpaper which the blisslights.com article, “12 Ways To Add Color To A Room Without Painting,” notes is a quick and easy way to turn a boring room into a haven.
Paint is also an easy option and the apartmentlist.com article, “22 Apartment Paint Ideas to Liven Up Your Space,” offers a variety of ways to use paint when decorating senior living apartments. To help choose colors that will complement the overall scheme, one rule of thumb for smaller spaces is to keep colors light. That said, darker colors can also add dramatic effect when used correctly, so don’t count them out. To help choose the right color combinations for decorating senior living spaces check out the hgtv.com blog, “Color Rules for Small Spaces.”
Tip #5 Mirrors
One of the best ways to make small spaces feel bigger is with mirrors. As noted in the apartmenttherapy.com article, “36 Stunning Mirror Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Shine,” decorating senior living spaces with mirrors can brighten any room and make even small spaces seem larger. Best of all, mirrors come in all shapes, sizes, and colors so the choices are almost infinite.
Learn more about The Birches! Download our brochure and contact us to schedule a tour.
To find out more about assisted living at The Birches, download our “Just the Facts: Assisted Living” guide and contact us to schedule a tour.
