If you’ve decided to not only make life full of possibilities – but much easier – congratulations on choosing to move to a senior living community. But while you’re anticipating taking advantage of all the many benefits, one of the early decisions you’ll want to make is how to create a reflection of you and your lifestyle in your new residence.
You’ve likely chosen your floor plan, location and view, but personalizing your home is the best way to make it your own. If you’re looking for ideas to put your signature touch on your new residence, the following suggestions can help.
Tips for decorating senior living residences
Consider these 15 tips to help get you started:
Decorating senior living tip # 1: Create the illusion of a bigger space
Most senior living residences will be smaller but more user-friendly than the space you’re leaving. Yet less often makes it easier to achieve more. Look for ways to create the illusion of a larger space, such as the use of mirrors.
Decorating senior living tip # 2: Fill your space wisely
Request a floor plan so you know the space and measurements and can begin creating your decorating plan. Decide whether your home will be formal or more casual. How will you tie the rooms together?
Decorating senior living tip # 3: Bring favorite pieces with you
If possible, make room for a favorite reading chair or other familiar objects to create instant comfort and familiarity. Then fill in with new complementary pieces.
Decorating senior living tip # 4: Leave duplicates behind
You likely won’t have room for the extra set of dishes or both a kitchen and dining room table. Be intentional about what you bring so you can leave the clutter behind.
Decorating senior living tip # 5: Choose furniture that provides dual roles
If you’re moving into a smaller space, this is the perfect time to choose furniture that can serve a multi-purpose, such as coffee tables that become a desk or ottomans that serve as storage.
Decorating senior living tip # 6: Use light colors
Staying with light or neutral colors will make a smaller space appear larger and more open. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a pop of color with your couch, pillows, rug or artwork.
Decorating senior living tip # 7: Bring your favorite keepsakes
Make it personal and bring along a few of your favorite framed photos or one or two pieces from a sentimental or beloved collection.
Decorating senior living tip # 8: Create rooms where you’ll want to spend time
The key to home decorating, no matter how large or small the space, is to create an inviting place. Consider furniture, throws or pillows that will beckon you to get cozy and stay for awhile.
Decorating senior living tip # 9: Leave the sofa behind
If space is tight, consider forgoing the sofa and choosing two complementing and comfy chairs instead. Try placing it at an angle, facing a focal point such as a window. Use a small table between the chairs to create the perfect seating area.
Decorating senior living tip # 10: Use your wall space
Don’t forget to go vertical – for interest and more space if it’s needed. Try installing floating shelves painted the same color as the background walls.
Decorating senior living tip # 11: Create a gallery wall extending upward
A great way to create interest and draw the eye up is to display your favorite artwork or photographs on a gallery wall. But don’t stop at eye level – continue up toward the ceiling to create a more open-feeling space.
Decorating senior living tip # 12: Go low with your furniture
Stretch your space with furniture that sits lower toward the floor to create the illusion of more area in the room. Another furniture trick is to pull it away from the walls which will also make your rooms appear larger.
Decorating senior living tip # 13: Invite nature’s light in
If possible, choose a location in your community that is designed to allow natural light to flood into the room. This will not only make the space appear larger and bright but more inviting – and boost your mood as a bonus.
Decorating senior living tip # 14: Add a rug – but the bigger the better
A large rug will fill the space and anchor the room. This is a great opportunity to add color and pattern. But safety first. Attach it to the floor to keep in place and make sure it is not a tripping hazard.
Decorating senior living tip # 15: Float your media center
If you can, hang your television on the wall with shelves on either side. Adding a large shelf underneath can supply a space for storing an ottoman when not in use or provide a workspace.
Ingleside’s Senior Living
If you’re considering whether a senior living community could be the perfect support for you or your parents to live the highest quality of life, we hope you found these decorating tips helpful.
We also invite you to visit one of our Ingleside communities. We believe it’s even easier to enjoy life with the benefits that we offer, including:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
- Fully equipped fitness centers
- Heated indoor swimming pools
- Art studios
- Libraries
- Beautiful walking trails
For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.