Designing for Aging in Place: Proactive Changes for a Future-Ready Home
When thinking about home renovations, most people focus on the here and now—how a new layout, updated finishes, or additional storage can improve day-to-day living. These truly are important aspects that are key to a successful home update, but as the years pass, the needs of a household can evolve in significant ways. By taking a proactive approach and designing with aging-in-place in mind, you can future-proof your home, ensuring it remains safe, functional, and comfortable as life’s seasons change.
We’re increasingly seeing clients embrace this forward-thinking approach. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or a few targeted updates, here are key ways to incorporate aging-in-place principles into your home’s design.
Rethink Your Bathroom: Putting Safety and Accessibility First
Bathrooms often top the list when it comes to aging-in-place updates. With a few well-considered changes, you can create a space that is not only beautiful right now but also safe and functional for years to come. Here are some of our favourite suggestions:
Walk-In Showers and Tubs: Replacing a traditional bathtub with a curbless shower to eliminate the step-over barrier, or consider a walk-in tub with a side door for easier entry and exit.
Grab Bars That Look Good: Modern grab bars can be sleek, stylish, and seamlessly integrated into your bathroom’s design. They provide support where you need it most, particularly around showers, tubs, and toilets.
Wider Doorways and Clearances: Consider widening doorways and leaving ample space around fixtures to accommodate any possible future needs. These changes not only future-proof your bathroom but also make it more comfortable for everyone.
Non-Slip Surfaces: Choosing slip-resistant flooring and shower tiles can provide peace of mind for years to come.
Long-Term Comfort in the Kitchen
Kitchens are another area where thoughtful changes can make all the difference by simplifying daily tasks and keeping your space functional well into the future.
Adjustable Counter Heights: Pull-out or drop-down work surfaces that can be used while seated, making meal prep easier and more comfortable.
Easy-to-Reach Storage: Elements like pull-out shelves, soft-close drawers, and pantry organizers bring items within easy reach, reducing strain and increasing accessibility.
Small elements, biggest impacts
And sometimes, the most impactful updates are the simplest ones.
Enhanced Lighting: Adding task lighting under cabinets, motion-sensor lights in hallways, and dimmable fixtures throughout your home can improve visibility and create a more comfortable environment.
Designing for aging in place isn’t just about the future—it’s about enhancing your current quality of life, too. Designing with this mindset can make your home more functional, efficient, and enjoyable for people of all ages. By making these adjustments now, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is equipped to meet your needs for years to come.
At Thornton Design, we believe that a well-designed home is one that adapts to you, no matter what stage of life you’re in. If you’re considering a renovation, it’s never too early to start planning for aging in place. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you create a home that’s ready for whatever the future holds.
