Did you know your environment can affect your mood, energy level, and even physical health? Many studies have shown that how your environment looks has a measurable impact on your day-to-day life. Whether you live in a single family home, apartment, flat, or senior living community, color, interior design, lighting, personalization, and whether or not you actually like your home matters (source). For seniors, liking where you live is especially important. Thankfully, all Stellar Senior Living Communities have apartments and common space designs that promote calm, relaxation, good moods, and good health. But no matter where you live, you can make your space more personal and attractive, which might even improve your mood, health, and overall well being. Here are some decor and organization ideas to get your senior living apartment ready for spring!
Interior Design and Decor Matters
The way your home or living space looks is more important than you might realize! Which specific design elements you choose are less important than whether or not you like your space. It also doesn’t matter whether you live in a single-family home, senior living apartment, or other type of residence. Your home doesn’t have to be large or expensive to be beautiful, either. The most important thing is that you think your space is beautiful. There, however, are a few universal principles of design that help most people enjoy their homes. For example, one study showed the following findings:
- Warm colors (reds, oranges, and yellows) evoke energy and passion, while cool colors (greens and blues) contribute to feelings of calm and relaxation.
- A good floor plan that has open common areas and private bedrooms helps residents of any space feel safer and more comfortable.
- Natural lighting boosts mood, and well-lit areas are associated with better emotional wellbeing.
- People who live in places where the design appeals to them personally have lower stress and better emotional wellbeing.
- Personalizing spaces helps people resonate emotionally with their surroundings, and increases their satisfaction with their homes.
- Calming bedroom designs are associated with better sleep.
- Accessibility and safety considerations help older adults age in place and benefit their mental health.
Senior Living Apartment Design
If you live in a senior living apartment within a senior living community, you already have a leg up on other seniors. Most senior living apartments (and all Stellar Living apartments) are designed for safety and comfort, with accessibility features to assist and prevent falls, good lighting, open layouts, and calming, peaceful decor.
However, even the finest senior living apartments lack your personal touch and personalization. Your apartment should still reflect your unique style and personality, and resonate emotionally with you. There are plenty of easy ways to personalize your living space, no matter what it looks like.
Easy Ways to Personalize Your Senior Living Apartment
It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to make your apartment feel like home. Here are a few quick & inexpensive options:
- Add decorative curtains. Even (and perhaps especially) if you already have privacy blinds or shades, adding an inexpensive curtain rod and pretty curtains can be an easy way to add some personal style. You can even use Command Curtain Rod Hooks to avoid putting holes in the walls. Just be sure to use lightweight rods and curtains to avoid damage or injury. Great places to find curtains you like include HomeGoods, IKEA, and Target.
- Hang artwork that speaks to you. This might be artwork loved ones have made for you, pieces from favorite artists, or art that reminds you of places where you’ve lived or traveled. You can use Command products to hang framed artwork or canvases (make sure you choose the correct type for the size and weight of the pieces), use easels to display canvases, or just lean a small painting against the wall on a desk or nightstand.
- Houseplants are a great way to add a personal touch, and they also give you an opportunity for a new hobby! See this post on how to get started with indoor gardening for seniors.
- Choose special bedding and linens. Decorative pillows, blankets, towels, and bedsheets can really help make a space personal and comfortable. Try to choose a color scheme and coordinate the colors of all your towels and linens around one palette. This helps avoid things looking disorganized or chaotic.
- Change up your seasonal decor. Keep your space fresh and interesting by switching out decorations and accent pieces to coordinate with holidays and seasons. This can also be a fun hobby for senior citizens and retirees. You may not have had time to do this kind of decorating in the past–now’s your chance!
Getting Your Senior Living Apartment Ready for Spring
Spring is a great time to personalize your senior living apartment. It’s a season of fresh starts and new beginnings, why not start now? Here are some decor and organization ideas we recommend to get your senior living apartment ready for spring.
- Declutter and organize your space. It’s a great time to do some spring cleaning! Say goodbye to any decor pieces, clothing, or items that are stained, in disrepair, or simply no longer your style. Check out this post for more great tips on decluttering your senior living apartment.
- Spring is the perfect time to add fresh flowers or greenery to your living space. If you don’t have any houseplants, now might be the time to pick up an easy plant to brighten up a windowsill. Succulents, pothos (also known as devil’s ivy), and snake plants are all great choices. You can also just grab a grocery store bouquet! Thrift stores are great places to find inexpensive and unique vases. With flower food, even grocery store flowers can add weeks of color and life to your space.
- Since spring brings warmer temperatures and more daylight, you might want to switch up your linens. Lighter curtains and/or bedding in pastels, florals, or brighter colors are a great way to welcome spring.
- Take this opportunity to organize your closet. Now’s the time to put away heavy winter coats and gear. While you’re at it, you may want to donate any pieces of clothing that don’t fit or haven’t been worn in a year or two.
Keep Budget & Safety In Mind
It doesn’t take a large budget to accomplish any of these small changes. Try shopping secondhand stores or discount stores (like TJ Maxx, Ross, and HomeGoods) to find great items at lower prices. Also, keep safety considerations in mind for senior citizens. Avoid tripping hazards, like nonsecured rugs, wires, or curtains that pool or drag on the floor. Don’t hang heavy items that could fall and cause injuries. With these safety and budgetary concerns in mind, anyone can have a beautiful senior living apartment that brings joy.
Stellar Living hopes you find these ideas to get your senior living apartment ready for spring helpful. As you can see, small changes can have a big impact! If you’re looking to downsize or for a new senior living apartment, why not tour a Stellar Living community near you? Our Family Advisors are waiting to answer any questions you may have.
