It’s a subject we don’t like to think about, but aging is inevitable. Today, I attended a workshop at DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas) on aging that provided a catalog of aging-related interior design scheme recommendations. However, I condensed the list to suggestions that you can begin making today that enhances life whatever your age and increases the value of your home. Topics include lighting, kitchens, showers, flooring, baths, and doors. Read the blog at Blog Article: http://bit.ly/QDic1I

1. Interior Design Trends: AGING IN PLACE April 22, 2014
Robin Lechner Designs – RobinLechnerDesigns.com – robin@robinlechnerdesigns.com
It’s a subject we don’t like to think about, but aging is inevitable. Today, I attended a workshop at
DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas) on aging that provided a catalog of aging-related interior
design scheme recommendations. However, I condensed the list to suggestions that you can begin
making today that enhance life whatever your age.
Baths: Many bathroom fittings have been designed that are attractive and can double as grab rails:
paper holders, towel bars, soap dishes, etc. Make certain they’re affixed to walls that are reinforced to
withstand 250lbs.
How long do you plan to live in your own home? As do most
of us over 45-ers, you probably want to continue living
independently for as long as possible. If you’re younger, you
most likely have parents or close relatives who feel the same
way. “Aging In Place” is a concept for modifying your home
to accommodate age related physical and mental challenges
that allows you to live safely, comfortably, and happily
throughout your senior years.
Lighting: Replace yellow incandescent lights with LED
bulbs that have a white light. As we age, our eye lenses
turn yellow making it more difficult to see in light
produced by incandescent bulbs. Add under cabinet light
strips in the kitchen and bath. There are even battery
powered strips with an adhesive that fit inside drawers
and shelves. Layer lighting with direct, indirect, and task
fixtures that are on dimmers for total light control.
Showers: Update to a barrier-free shower. In addition to
the drain in the middle of the shower, place one flush
with the tile by the door, eliminating the necessity of a
low threshold to hold back water and a potential stumble.
Add a bench and a hand-held showerhead for the option
of showering standing or seated.

2. Flooring: Consider the slip factor. Pre-finished engineered wood flooring is more slippery that
traditionally finished wood floors. Slate is naturally a non-slip surface. Porcelain tiles are less slippery
than marble. Use radiant heating in bathrooms; area rugs become very slippery in moist settings.
Doors should be a minimum of 32” in width.
“Smart” equipment and appliances are energy efficient and makes life more convenient. Many
applications can be downloaded to your cell phone to run many features of your home from a
distance.
These are just a few design updates that can be incorporated into your home to make life more
convenient and enjoyable at any age, add value to your home, and will continue to address comfort
and safety as you reach your senior years.
Call for a FREE no-obligation half hour telephone consultation about Aging In Place or any interior
design topic of your choice.
Blog Article: http://bit.ly/QDic1I
Kitchens: French door refrigerators reduce bending and
reaching. Microwaves should be placed under or at
counter top level instead of their customary spot above
the stove. Induction cooktops are the safest stoves you
can own. The surface cools immediately after lifting a
pot, and many turn off automatically when water boils
out. Stove controls should be at the front rather than at
the rear.