Brief
Many people want to continue to enjoy their own home as they get older.To make the most of independent living, interior design experts suggest focusing on five key aspects to create your forever home.
Insight
Many people want to continue to enjoy their own home as they get older. This is a time when empty nesters can repurpose kids’ rooms and retrofit them for hobbies, guests, and grandkids.
Accessibility, mobility, and comfort are all top priorities, though renovations that account for these might not all fit within your budget or the layout limitations of your home. To make the most of independent living, interior design experts suggest focusing on five key aspects to create your forever home.
. Rethink Stairs
A single-floor home might not sound stately, but it is a wise choice for families planning to age in place. If you’re purchasing a home, consider a ranch-style house that doesn’t have exterior stairs from the sidewalk or driveway.
If you have a multi-level home, you’ll need to address stairs. Install a chair lift or consider an elevator. With new technology, installing an elevator does not have to spell an extensive renovation. Robin Wilson, a leading expert on sustainable design, says many of her clients repurpose a coat closet or other existing space.
“They select one of the newer elevators that are hydraulic or pneumatic. These newer models are able to be installed in a few days and some even use a regular electric outlet,” she says.
2. Get Smart about Lighting
Increasing visibility in your home can help enhance mobility and reduce tripping hazards. “As we age, less light reaches our retinas, so we need more light in our surroundings to avoid falls and other accidents,” says Lisa M. Cini, an award-winning senior living design expert. Incorporate lamps, add skylights, and keep window treatments airy to let in plenty of light.
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