Making the change from living in a house to a senior living community can mean seriously downsizing. It’s important for loved ones to help a resident feel like home in their new community. Working together on decorating can be a perfect way to familiarize the senior with his or her new home. Here are some tips for making any senior living space feel bigger:
Use furniture that is appropriate for the space
If a senior is transitioning from having an entire house full of belongings to residing in a one-room apartment, his or her old furniture may not be the best fit. A giant sofa, large bed or even coffee table can be replaced with a loveseat, twin bed and small side table to provide better walking space. This is especially crucial if the senior resident is recovering from surgery or has trouble moving around without a mobility aid.
Move furniture away from the walls
Many people think that lining a sofa or table up with the wall will make a space appear bigger. In fact, providing even just a few inches between the back of the couch and the wall can make the room seem larger. Consider floating furniture like an end table or using a round dining table instead of a square one. These empty spaces offer breathing room that makes it seem like the square footage is more than it really is.
Go for light colors
Your senior loved one may or may not be able to paint his or her apartment. However, the resident has control over the colors of furniture and bedding. Something as simple as changing a dark-colored duvet or area rug for one in a lighter shade can really open up a bedroom. White, light gray or beige furniture or slipcovers can also change the spacial appearances of a smaller apartment. Then, choose fun accent colors to show the resident’s personality. Adding fun trinkets and souvenirs can be a great way for the senior to make their new place home.
Add tall curtains
There is one time-tested trick that makes even small spaces feel like they have luxuriously tall ceilings. Instead of mounting curtains that directly fit a window, install the curtain rod close to the ceiling or upper trim. Then, add fabric that goes almost the entire way to the floor. This flowing drapery misleads the eyes into thinking the entire room is much taller than it is. Plus, a funky fabric can turn the windows into a real focal point.
Turn the walls into a gallery
Seniors can use empty wall space to curate their own personal gallery. There they can feature drawings from grandchildren, photographs of exciting trips and memories, or even showcase their own beautiful art. Colorful pieces can add depth to any room. Also consider adding mirrors to the mix. Whether the senior would use them to fix his or her hair on the way out the door or not, these hanging features add reflection which changes a room’s lighting, making it feel larger.
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