One of the most exciting aspects of moving to a senior living community is the opportunity to create a whole new retirement home for yourself. Decorating is one of the most essential parts of a new beginning because it makes a new apartment a place that reflects the tastes and personality of each resident. When moving to a smaller retirement home apartment from a large family home, there are many ways to decorate to maximize space so that life can be as carefree as it should be. Here are pro decorating ideas to consider. Rightsizing is key
Even before moving to a new retirement home, it’s a good idea to look at what you plan to bring from the perspective of “Will it fit?” What many call “downsizing” should be considered “rightsizing” – only that which will add to the décor should be moved. Base your decisions on the floorplan of the new apartment so that when the move is complete everything fits and there are no items left to move again. For more ways to make downsizing easy and successful, check out our blog, “Tips for Smooth & Easy Downsizing in Retirement.”
Consider different furniture shapes
Smaller living spaces may require concessions when it comes to furniture. In general, round is better than square or oblong for coffee and side tables because sharp corners are eliminated allowing for easier movement within rooms. Round is often a better choice in dining tables as many retirement home apartment dining rooms are smaller. To better understand whether to choose round or not, the spruce.com blog, “Find the Dining Table Shape That Is Right for You” offers great comparisons.
Hang drapes higher
Even retirement home apartments like those at Sonrisa that have high ceilings can benefit from hanging drapes higher, a drapery trick that makes windows and rooms appear larger than they are and expands the view. This makes windows appear larger and add height to the room overall. Adding sheer drapes with heavier privacy drapes also allows light in when wanted and keeps it out when night falls. Find out how to hang drapes right in a retirement home in the younghouselove.com blog, “How to Hang Curtains High & Wide (The Window Looks Bigger).”
Make light right
Light is an essential ingredient in successfully decorating a retirement home, even those that have large bright windows. One key is to place lighting such as lamps in places where they will be used the most. A reading lamp on an end table or a floor lamp placed over a favorite easy chair will serve to not only provide light for specific tasks but to create focal points and lighten dark corners. Other tricks include placing lamps near mirrors to benefit from the added reflection and positioning flameless candles on shelves or in groups on tables to add a soft glow. Wall-mounted lighting is another option that can be hard or soft wired and placed anywhere it is needed without a floor footprint. Find out more ways to make light right in the smallhousedesign.net blog, “9 cool small room lighting ideas.”
Don’t shy away from using color
The smaller living spaces in a retirement home apartment offer seniors a chance to experiment with the use of color. Though many may believe that lighter is always better for small rooms, bright bold colors can also make a room more dramatic, personal, and fun! From draperies to accents like rugs and pillows to paint and more, the hgtv.com article, “Color Rules for Small Spaces,” looks at some of the outside-the-box possibilities as well as how to do it right by experimenting first.
Embrace nature indoors
Sunny California lends itself to making nature part of the décor in a retirement home. From sunny windows to bright corners, to shelves and tables, retirement homes can really benefit from indoor plants. Plants not only help keep air clean they bring life and color into spaces that might seem too sterile. For a look at some of the many indoor plant possibilities, check out the marthastewart.com blog, “24 Beautiful Indoor Plants That Are Perfect for Apartment Living.”
At Sonrisa Senior Living our residents make their retirement home apartments a reflection of themselves and the lifestyle they embrace. To learn more about Sonrisa’s housing and amenities, or to schedule a tour, contact us today!
