Fresh start - Interior design for mature living and aging in place
- Diana Weininger
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Designing for aging in place is about addressing the future thoughtfully and anticipating upcoming needs. Starting the process sooner rather than later allows you to fully engage with the project, and most importantly - to enjoy its fruits and the peace of mind that comes with it. But there’s more to comfort than function. Important psychological aspects create a true sense of home and belonging >
Interior design for mature living - Reclaiming space
Reimagining your living space and updating it to reflect your current needs is a compelling reason to consider a renovation, and sometimes even a move. A home that once served the nuclear family well may need adapting to suit your lifestyle as the children leave the nest, the family expands, and grandchildren enter the picture. Creating a warm and welcoming space for the family, while exploring possibilities such as an improved and accessible layout, smarter storage, and better functionality for work and hobbies, are among the issues that interior design for mature living addresses to support aging in place. This life transition presents an opportunity for a fresh start: letting go of accumulated clutter, designing a home that supports your values and routines, or even downsizing into a more manageable and intentional way of life.
Designing ahead for mature living, and the peace of mind that comes with it
Renovation or relocation are big steps. The key to making the most of this transition is to embrace the moment and plan ahead. Starting the process sooner rather than later allows you to fully engage with the project, and most importantly - to enjoy the fruits of thoughtful planning and the peace of mind that comes with it. It’s about consciously preparing for the future and forming a connection with your home (for example, by incorporating sentimental items and introducing personality and soul to it) while giving yourself the time and mental space to settle into the new environment and become comfortably acquainted with it. After years of focusing outward, on children and surroundings, this stage offers empty nesters an opportunity to explore profound personal questions related to their needs and values at this point in life, from practical, psychological, and aesthetic perspectives.
Interior Design for Aging in Place, and Beyond
Designing a home that supports aging in place means rethinking your space with both comfort and future needs in mind. If you're renovating, it’s worth reassessing the layout with fresh eyes, optimizing flow, comfort, and accessibility. When purchasing a new property, an elevator, accessible parking, proximity to public transit, shops, cafés, movie theatres, medical services, and family are essential considerations. Designing for aging in place means addressing the future thoughtfully, anticipating upcoming needs and ensuring that bathrooms, walkways, and thresholds can accommodate changes in mobility over time, but there’s more to comfort than function. Equally important are the emotional and psychological aspects that create a true sense of home and belonging. When planning interiors for mature living and aging in place, hosting family gatherings on weekends or holidays is often a priority. This should be reflected in the design of communal areas like the dining space and living room. A flexible home office that doubles as a guest room for grandchildren, or a cozy guest suite, if space allows, can also play a meaningful role in maintaining valuable family connections. Other relevant design considerations for mature living include layered lighting - combining strong task lighting with soft ambient options; custom carpentry to maximize storage and create an uncluttered, safe environment, and cultivating a unique design language that leaves room for sentimental pieces collected over the years, giving the home a truly personal touch.
Emotional aspects of interior design for mature living and aging in place
The concept of renovating or moving can be intimidating, arguably even more so during times of personal transition. A positive process, however, can turn into an empowering and deeply meaningful experience as the home is not just a physical space, but a personal sanctuary - a source of security, joy, and emotional grounding. By working with an experienced interior designer who is sensitive to the nuances of aging in place, helps you reflect your personality and values, and moreover, who is actively involved in overseeing the renovation itself, you set the project up for success. Involving the extended family, whenever possible, is recommended as well. Their support helps navigate sensitive times and allows you to share the journey.
Added (real estate) value in accessible design for mature living and aging in place
It’s worth noting that accessibility isn’t just about personal convenience, it’s a smart investment in the renovation of your property. Accessible design for aging in place can increase a property’s long-term value, extending its appeal to a broader range of potential buyers. Just like having a balcony, or adding a secure room (Known in Israel as a Mamad) to your apartment as part of a TAMA 38 project, accessible design becomes a differentiating advantage in a competitive market. A beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and accessible home stands out!
Key Takeaways: Interior Design for Mature Living and aging in place
Prepare ahead and opt to start early to fully enjoy the process and connect with the outcome.
Work with a thoughtful, experienced interior designer who understands the nuances of aging in place and provides full project management.
Incorporate accessibility into a broader design vision that fits your lifestyle and reflects who you are.
Use this opportunity to declutter! Keep meaningful pieces, and make them shine in your new space.
Get the family involved – share the journey and turn it into a collaborative celebration of this next chapter.
