Interior design spans many areas: residential, healthcare, office, retail, and hospitality, all of which require slightly varied expertise based on the needs of the people using those spaces. When focusing on the residential aspect of interior design, one sector stands out: assisted senior living. Most people have some connection to a senior living community or assisted living facility, either through a family member or perhaps employment. While these communities may seem like a staple of the modern world, a unique expertise is required to design them, both architecturally and in terms of interior.
Most popular, modern, multi-family residential complexes have bright colors and geometric patterns. From an interior design perspective, these are meant to be bright, airy, and designed for people who do not require assistance. Non-senior housing often incorporates vibrant colors, more patterns, trendier designs, and large graphic patterns in flooring materials.
However, someone with aging eyes might interpret these patterns as a change in elevation or material, which can invoke fears of falling and hesitation to move around. While no housing is inherently “unsafe,” senior housing tends to be much more cautious in its design. Every building is ADA compliant, but senior living spaces often include additional elements such as handrails, particularly in hallways, and wheelchair-accessible showers. These handrails should contrast with the wall finishes to improve visibility. The use of color can also aid navigation, as aging eyes need to see clear distinctions between wall surfaces, doors/trim, and floors, so providing ample contrast between floor finishes and wall finishes is essential.
Many senior assisted living facilities risk resembling a hotel environment. The goal, however, is to make elderly inhabitants feel permanently at home, without conveying the temporary nature often associated with hotels. Cyndi Klein, Interior Design Department Manager at Elevar Design Group, shared her personal experience of a family member in a senior assisted living facility. “While growing up, our mom was always changing and updating the rooms in our childhood home. She was always painting rooms, moving furniture and artwork around, and changing the décor… So, when it came time to move our mom from her home to a safer environment with less upkeep, it was important to bring furnishings, pictures, and other accessories that reflected her previous environment to help her with this major life transition.” Cyndi said that witnessing and being part of this transition has helped her implement interior designs in senior assisted living facilities more thoughtfully, recognizing that the impact goes beyond the person moving—it affects the whole family.
Another key aspect of this design process is using colors that feel similar to home and calming, such as blues, along with a warm, consistent color scheme. It’s also crucial to avoid low-traction flooring and minimize transitions between flooring materials. The elderly may interpret a glare on the floor as a wet spot, so it’s best to avoid materials that produce any sort of glare or shine. Wood elements can create a comforting atmosphere, and there should be ample space for movement, provided that handrails and other safety precautions are always in place.
As with any area of interior design, there is much to consider when designing the interiors of senior assisted living facilities or communities. The overarching goal is to create a warm, safe environment where residents can feel at home, and families can rest assured that their loved ones are not only safe, but happy, too.
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