By breaking down the move into manageable steps, seniors can ensure that moving to and decorating a senior living apartment is easy and enjoyable. “We would start the process of designing their home here by going out to their current home and walking room by room to see what it is they think they want to bring and what they definitely want to bring.
“I will then photograph those pieces of furniture and I will tape the pieces of their furniture on the walls so they can walk in and see ‘this is where my bed is going to go and this is where my great- great-grandmother’s hunch is going to go so they can see how it is going to fit in the space”
11 tips for turning your apartment into a home you love.
Downsizing to a smaller living space can be unsettling, but it can also be liberating. You’re leaving behind the burden of home maintenance and repairs, and opening the door to a life full of freedom and choice — starting with how to decorate your new living space. To help make your new senior apartment as comfortable and beautiful as you imagine, we’ve provided the following 10 small-space decorating tips to turn your apartment into a home you love.
1. Rightsize your furniture.
The biggest mistake people make when downsizing their living space is taking their furniture with them. Furniture manufacturers have embraced the demand for Boomers rightsizing to senior apartment homes and have scaled down their collections to fit smaller living spaces.
When shopping for new furnishings, pay attention to scale and size. Everything looks smaller in a big furniture store. Know your measurements. And make sure the furniture you buy will fit into your elevator and through your new doorway. Now is also a great time to look at a high sofa, which is easier on the joints and can also provide a more comfortable sitting arrangement.
2. Clear the clutter.
It’s easy to forget about accumulated belongings when you have rooms you haven’t visited in years. When you downsize it’s important to consider each item and the value it adds to your life. After all, the more you have to deal with, the less you get to enjoy all the things you love in retirement. Now’s a great time to pare down and showcase your favorite pieces in a new space.
3. Define separate areas with furniture.
Make a small space seem larger by giving each room a distinct, unique décor scheme. Opt for light colors, such as beige and eggshell, in the living room with dim lighting for a relaxed feel, while going bold and bright in the bathroom to liven up the space. Dividers, area rugs and wall curtains are great ways to create the image of separate spaces if a wall isn’t present.
4. Use a rug to create cohesion.
When you have lots of pieces that you love in a small space, embrace the vivacity created by the mix, but use a neutral rug in a subdued pattern to tie all the colors and textures together. Even the most eclectic of spaces needs a grounding base, and a rug can offer that stability.
5. Hang large paintings and mirrors to open up a room.
One secret for making a senior apartment seem larger is to go big with a large piece of art. Large works of art can be the defining element of a small space, tying together a color scheme and creating a single focal point that anchors other items in the room. It could be anything: a painting, a map, signage, or a rug hanging on a wall. As a central piece, it set the tone for everything, so make sure you love it. Choose something that reflects your taste and style.
6. Consider a round table.
They’re easy to walk around and you can always squeeze in an extra chair. Round tables are also great for safety because they don’t have any sharp edges. A Lucite or glass table is less heavy feeling and obtrusive than wood and helps open up a small room.
7. Put corners to work creating vignettes.
Sectional sofas were invented for a reason: They maximize available space. This same philosophy can be applied in just about every corner of your apartment. Create a cozy lounging nook with a chair and an oversized plant. Install floating corner shelves to showcase knickknacks and prized possessions. Keep books in decorative crates or bins in the corner, next to your favorite reading chair or sofa.
8. Add a touch of green with fresh plants.
Desperate for some green in your space but no room for pots and planters? Tuck a fiddleleaf fig in the corner, or line up tiny pots of succulents on a windowsill. Plants breathe fresh air into smaller spaces, and you can find greenery to thrive with any lifestyle.
The fiddle leaf fig will thrive in bright light and regular water, and the succulents require very little attention. Snake plants are great for jet set residents, requiring little to grow and flourish.
9. Calculate kitchen storage.
Your new apartment may have fewer kitchen cupboards than your old kitchen. if so, you’ll need to choose your must-haves. Having numerous sets of silverware isn’t necessary if you won’t be hosting many meals in your apartment. And remember, with our flexible meal plan spanning several eateries on campus, cooking is optional.
10. Outfit your closet to maximize storage
Shop for your closet. There are many good organizing systems for fitting lots of garments in a small space. Keep shoes in bags, boxes or racks. Instead of plastic bins, consider linen storage organizers. They’ll help your clothing stay fresh by allowing air to circulate. Invest in zippered bags to keep out-of-season clothes dust-free.
11. Don’t hesitate to ask for help
At any step in the process you can get professional help: downsizing, selling your home, shopping for furniture that fits your new space, and bringing everything together to move in. Our Move In Coordinator Joseph Jania is here to help or answer any questions you have.
Call or contact us today to chat with Joseph and learn more about how he can help ease your transition and create a space that’s unique to you!
