Senior Living Blog

Decorate and Personalize Your Senior Living Space in 5 Steps

Written by Allegro Staff Writer | Apr 9, 2024 3:58:00 PM

Moving from a family home to a retirement community is a significant transition. Whether moving alone or with a spouse, you’ll want to make creating a comfortable space that feels like home a priority. This is essential – the sooner your new place looks and feels like home, the sooner you’ll be able to settle in!  
 
Many senior living communities provide spacious one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments with modern kitchens and appliances. With some thoughtful interior decorating choices, you can transform your new digs into a space that fosters relaxation, individuality, and functionality.  

To help get you started, here are some decorating tips tailored to create a senior living retirement home you and your guests will enjoy. 

Decorating tips for your senior living retirement home 

Maximize storage space 

Disorganized and cluttered living spaces contribute to stress and inefficiency. Organize your senior living retirement home with creative storage solutions.  

Invest in furniture with built-in storage spaces, such as ottomans with hidden compartments and bedside tables with drawers. Utilize vertical space with wall-mounted shelves and hanging organizers without sacrificing valuable floor space. 

Download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community.

 

Create a comfortable environment

Comfort is vital in any living space, especially in a retirement home apartment. Splurge on luxury comforters, colorful bed sheets, cozy throws, plush pillows, and comfortable furniture. 

Scented candles (if allowed), relaxing room sprays, lush green plants, and luxury bath products can create a comfortable oasis. 

Choose calming colors  

A living space for relaxing after a long day at the pool or socializing with friends is a must. Decorate your apartment with soft, neutral colors like blues, warm beiges, and earth greens to create a tranquil environment. Feel free to accent with pops of color, favorite artwork and accessories. 

Try something new 

Retirement is a fresh start, a new beginning, a time to take risks and try something new. If your previous home was traditional and decorated with kids in mind. Go all out with your new apartment with modern furnishings, bright colors, and trendy designs. Now’s the time to decorate on your terms in your style.   

Embrace technology  

Technology like smart speakers (like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri), smart home lighting and small appliances, and medication reminders can make life easier in retirement communities. 

Many retirement communities implement technology throughout their communities, so be sure to ask. For example, Allegro’s connected living program allows residents to schedule doctor’s appointments, view community calendars, participate in virtual events, and communicate with family and friends through a personal robot or mobile app.  

Prioritize safety and accessibility   

Make sure your design elements prioritize safety and accessibility. Avoid tripping hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered pathways, and insufficient lighting. Choose furniture with rounded edges, and ensure the community has safety features such as grab bars and walk-in showers. 

Personalize with favorite items   

Check with the retirement community to confirm the items you can bring to your new apartment. Nothing makes a new space feel like home more than favorite keepsakes and personal items. Bring your favorite chair and buy gorgeous frames for pictures of your children and grandchildren. Don’t forget your favorite artwork, accessories, family heirlooms, and keepsakes to personalize your retirement home. 

Wrap-up

Decorating your retirement home should be a chance to start fresh and create a comfortable living space. By incorporating your favorite pieces, maximizing storage, and utilizing technology, you’ll create a fantastic living space to relax or enjoy time with friends and family.  

For more information on Allegro Senior Living communities, please get in touch with one of our helpful advisors! Download our free guide, “Choosing the Right Senior Living Community,” to learn more.