If you’re getting ready to move to a senior living community, you’re probably already excited to start planning what you’ll need in your new space. Chances are, your new residence will be a bit smaller than what you’re used to at your current home. But the good news is that modern senior apartments are filled with thoughtful features to help create a cozy and convenient living space where you can enjoy more with less. To help you make the most of your new space, here are five tips for decorating a one-bedroom senior apartment to make it inviting and comfortable.
1. Mind the Measurements
If possible, ask permission to visit your new apartment (or a comparable one) to take measurements and snap a few photos (walls, hallways, closets, windows, etc.). A visit can also help spark decorating ideas, so take a loved one or friend to brainstorm. Whether you’re able to measure or not, you can always ask for a floor plan with square footage details. The more information you have ahead of time, the easier it will be to plan how to decorate your space – whether it’s coming up with one-bedroom decorating ideas or deciding the ideal placement of furniture, rugs, closet storage items, etc.
2. Start Fresh with Furnishings
If you’re moving out of a house or a larger apartment, your substantial bedroom set and extra-long living room couch won’t be practical. That said, when you consider how to decorate a one-bedroom senior apartment or a larger two-or-three bedroom, keep in mind that scaling down doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. This is the perfect time to pass the large furniture set down to an appreciative family member or donate pieces to charity. Then, you can grab a friend or loved one and hit the stores to shop for new, smaller-scale furniture pieces that keep that luxury feeling. Be on the lookout for furnishings that include clever storage features, which will be beneficial in your new apartment.
3. Get Space-Saving Savvy
While square footage is generally at a premium in an assisted or independent senior living community, the trick for decorating smaller spaces like one-bedroom assisted living apartments is to find creative ways to maximize comfort and convenience. The best furniture for senior living is furniture that blends beauty with functionality. For example, putting your TV recliner at an angle in the corner is a great space saver. You could also consider swapping out that bulky side table and lamp next to your reading chair with a slim floor lamp and attached tray table combo. It will take up far less space, and you’ll still have a handy surface to rest on, like a book or your morning coffee.
4. Convert to Vertical
As you explore how to decorate a senior apartment, the question of how and where to store everything will be crucial. Here’s where vertical space is your friend. Not only can it help save space, but it also helps reduce tripping hazards because there will be less negotiating around excess furniture. Consider replacing a horizontal dresser with a highboy. Use over-the-door shelving systems or hang a storage organizer from the pole in the closet. To keep bulkier essentials like paper goods, snacks, etc., out of sight, choose tall, slim cabinets with doors.
5. Mind the Mementos
Sometimes, parting with years of mementos can be the toughest challenge of moving to senior living. You can ease the move into a senior living community apartment by planning a day to reminisce and reduce. Make it a special occasion and have loved ones join in. Choose selected items to take with you, then make a gift of the remaining items to family members. Including a paragraph about the people in a photo or the meaning of a memento will create cherished heirlooms for later generations.
Decorating tips aside, the goal of moving to a new apartment is to create a space that will feel like home. Keep it airy yet cozy, and ensure it allows natural light to stream in. It should also have a sense of familiarity that we all cherish in our surroundings. If you follow these tried-and-true suggestions for decorating a senior apartment, the experience can be pleasurable and stress-free. Just picture yourself relaxing in your new apartment with everything perfectly arranged and perfectly comfortable!
