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Given the option, most older Americans want to stay in the their current homes for the rest of their lives—83 percent, in fact, according to an AARP housing survey. Not surprisingly, living at home is where seniors say they feel the most comfortable, convenient, secure and independent.

For seniors living at home, on their own or with their families, making the right interior design and furnishing decisions can go a long way towards achieving the friendlier, safer and more enjoyable living environment they’re seeking.

To help create a more “senior-friendly” home, designer Davis Remignanti suggests the following practical home decorating ideas:

• Private sanctuary: For many seniors who live with their family, the bedroom is often their only personal space. Customize furnishings to create a personal sanctuary for one’s privacy, hobbies and memorabilia. Choose a bed that offers easy access (onto and off) along with appropriate support and comfort.
  
  
• Clear the path: Clear away items—small home accessories, plants, magazine racks—that clutter pathways or require individuals to walk around to avoid. Accommodate wheelchairs or walkers by allowing at least 36 inches between objects. For inspiration, check out free online tools like furniture.com/roomplanner where you can easily map out room plans.
  
  
• Light it up: Ease eye strain with plenty of lighting. Areas to be used for detailed work, like reading and hobbies, require additional task lighting. Generally, place wall switches to control lighting at room entry points.
  
  
• Easy storage: Provide adequate, easily accessible storage that doesn’t require reaching, bending or straining. Choose dressers and wardrobes with large or D-loop handles that don’t require fine finger dexterity. Many children’s dressers feature easy-rolling guides and built-in safety stops.
  
  
• Work the kitchen: Create a seated work area for food preparation tasks. Dedicate a small table and chair in a comfortable location as a workplace, with nearby access to utensils.
  
  
• Support at dinner: Consider investing in dining chairs that provide good back support and have strong, sturdy arms. Seat cushioning adds comfort, but should be securely fitted to the chair.
  
  
• Color their world: To assist with visibility, consider home furnishings in hues that contrast against their backgrounds. To open up and enliven small spaces, consider whites, light neutral colors, blues, greens and light violet as wall colors to help rooms appear larger.
  
  
• Blend and compromise: Respect is the watchword when integrating any relative’s home furniture into your own home design. Compromise when faced with the question of placing a well-loved but less-than-decor-complementary piece in the living room. If it’s a definite “no,” get creative. Instead, reserve a corner for it in the senior’s bedroom.

“Remember that the goal in redesigning a living space for senior use is to enable that senior to maintain her freedom within a safe, comfortable and friendly living environment,” advises Remignanti. “Communication is crucial. Share opinions and ideas and create the solution together.”

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