8 Strategies for Designing an Aging-in-Place-Ready Living Room

When building a home, it's important to consider all ages of potential homebuyers. When it comes to the living room, finding a balance between design aesthetics and functionality can be a challenge, but to make a living room that is suitable for those looking to age in place, it is necessary, according to home remodeling and design platform Houzz. Bad lighting, tripping hazards, and complex layouts can make living rooms difficult to navigate for older homeowners, but there are ways to design living rooms that can accommodate people of all ages and abilities. Some design strategies include: widening doorways, thinking about the living room floor plan and furniture layout, avoiding unnecessary steps or tripping hazards, such as a raised hearth at a fireplace, and more.

Even if wheelchairs and walking frames are not in the picture, a wider doorway will generally make for a more comfortable route in and out of your living room, our experts agree. So if you’re renovating extensively, consider resizing your doorways. Read more