Congratulations! You’ve signed on the dotted line and are ready to embrace stress free, turnkey senior apartment living. Let the physical, emotional and social enrichment begin.
Now it’s time to make decisions about the personality of your living space. Don’t rush off to the design center just yet. The first step is to look in the mirror. Unlike your former home, designed to serve the needs of the many, this apartment is all about serving the needs of one.
You.
This time around, your surroundings can really reflect your personality, tastes and lifestyle. Think of it as an opportunity to express who you are today. You may be surprised by what appeals to you now that you are, well…slightly less young.
Do the Math
Decorating a senior living apartment involves elementary math: You now have less space. The good news is less square footage means more bang for your decorating bucks. It also means strategic placement of appropriately scaled furniture is a high priority. So, first on your list of design dos is a layout that maximizes flow and function. Create designated areas for specific purposes and make sure there is ample space to move between them. And speaking of math, it’s a good idea to settle on a budget that suits your wallet before embarking on the project. If you are realistic about your finances, and take the time to do a little research and leg work, apartment decorating will be both fun and fruitful
Clutter Equals Chaos
Clutter in a limited space can overwhelm the ambiance. No matter how gorgeous your décor, clutter will steal the show. Of course, you got rid of a lot of non-essential stuff when you rightsized, but now that you are actually living in your new apartment, you might want to continue the paring down process.
Area Rugs Serve Multiple Masters
Apartment area rugs are the answer to a myriad of issues. First, they anchor your furniture groupings and create boundaries between designated spaces in an open room. They also serve as a focal point for your design scheme. Whether you are going for a vibrant colorful look, or a softer more muted tone, an area rug can set the desired mood. Shifting a rug’s direction and angling the furniture on it can completely change a room’s layout.
In Living Color
The colors we choose for our living spaces can directly impact our mood and energy levels. The blues and greens that reflect tones of nature are relaxing and restorative. Greys and whites are also peaceful. Blues and greens. Pale yellow mimics sunshine and promotes happiness. Before you commit to your apartment’s color scheme, pick up a few samples, throw them up on the walls and see which colors make you feel at home.
Update the Boudoir
Nothing is simpler than updating your bedding. All you need is a new duvet cover and a few new throw pillows and voila! You’ve got a whole new bedroom vibe.
Deck the Walls
Mirrors and large pieces of art can create the illusion of more space. Either can transform a wall into a focal point that anchors the room.
Let There Be Greenery
Plants and flowers are the apartment dweller’s best friends. They add color, scent and texture to a room without taking up tons of space, and they can easily accommodate any budget. Even a row of tiny pots on a windowsill filled with easily maintained succulents can liven up the place.