305 West End Assisted Living Blog

How to Maintain Your Design Style When You Move to Assisted Living

Assisted living senior with high end design style

A senior living apartment isn't just a place to live — it can be a canvas for creativity, a haven of comfort, and a reflection of your style and personality. The value of a beautiful, well-designed space is immeasurable, particularly when going through a significant life event like moving to an assisted living community. 

As we transition into a new space, it's crucial to create comfortable, familiar, and safe surroundings that evoke a sense of individuality and luxury. This blog, curated by 305 West End, shares tips on how to make your new apartment feel like home.

The Importance of Beauty and High-End Design

Your home environment can significantly impact our mental and emotional well-being. According to design principles set by the American Society of Interior Designers, a well-designed space for aging adults should promote a sense of belonging, facilitate engagement, foster independence, and even alleviate isolation. High-end design isn't purely about aesthetics; it's about creating a harmonious environment that enhances quality of life.

Choosing quality materials, thoughtful layouts, and elegant furnishings can transform an empty apartment into a luxurious sanctuary. When every detail is considered — from the lighting to the textures of the fabrics — an older adult’s apartment can be a special place to experience life's cherished moments.

Personalizing Your Senior Living Apartment

Transitioning to a smaller living space doesn’t mean sacrificing personal style or the treasures that define your unique taste. Here are some tips on how to infuse your new senior living apartment with your character while embracing high-end design:

Begin With a Purposeful Layout

Take inventory of your needs and arrange your furniture to support your daily activities. For example, ensure ample room for walking and choose seating that’s accessible and comfortable. You may have to purchase smaller pieces of furniture than you’re used to, but prioritizing functionality can help.

You can also use furniture to define different areas within your apartment, such as a reading nook or a space for entertaining guests. Don’t be afraid to create multi-purpose spaces if you can’t allocate enough separate spaces. For example, you could install a Murphy bed or use a sofa bed in your living area if you plan to have friends or family stay with you.

Embrace Quality Over Quantity

Rather than fill your assisted living apartment with numerous items, choose fewer, more high-quality pieces that will last and that you genuinely love. You can also opt for furniture that provides additional benefits, like a beautiful ottoman that also offers storage.

Follow these 10 downsizing tips for seniors living in NYC >>

Incorporate Personal Decor

Choose a selection of personal items, like family photos or heirloom decorations, to bring a touch of familiarity and warmth to your living space. You can combine treasured items with new pieces to merge the past with the present, creating a cohesive look that tells your story.

Go Neutral With Pops of Color

Use neutral colors for walls and large furniture in your assisted living apartment. This creates an elegant foundation and makes the space appear larger. Other calming colors to consider include blues and greens. 

Try adding pops of color and texture with accessories like pillows, throws, and artwork to personalize your space and make it more vibrant and inviting. 

Add Indoor Plants and Greenery

Indoor plants are not only decorative but can also offer several health benefits, including providing allergy relief, boosting mood, adding moisture to the air, and acting as air purifiers. Low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants require minimal care while adding a touch of nature to your space.

Get tips for moving into an upscale senior living community >>

Light Up Your Life

To create a well-lit and comfortable space, try using a few different light sources, such as overhead, task, and ambient lighting. Keep windows in your assisted living apartment uncluttered, and use lightweight, airy window treatments to harness the beauty of natural light.

Keep Accessibility in Mind

Many senior living communities, like 305 West End Assisted Living, select fixtures, doors, and cabinets with accessibility in mind to ensure that all are easy to use. When not provided, choose furniture that accommodates mobility needs. For example, look for furniture with rounded corners, adjustable heights, and comfortable support to ensure accessibility and to accommodate changing health needs.

Making the Transition to Assisted Living in Style

“Transitioning to a senior living apartment doesn't have to mean leaving behind style and personal expression,” says David Burman, Principal and President of B2K Development, developers of 305 West End Assisted Living and many other award-winning senior living communities throughout the tri-state area. “With an emphasis on high-end design that incorporates both form and function, senior living spaces can enhance the quality of life for their residents.”

Communities like 305 West End promote a stylish and sophisticated look, with high-quality furnishings, floor treatments, and lighting. It’s important to choose a community that reflects your style. By incorporating these decorating and design tips into your assisted living apartment, you can create a beautiful, personalized space that is safe and comfortable and a true reflection of you and your experiences.

Ready to Explore Life at 305 West End Assisted Living?

Discover luxury accommodations, modern services, and upscale amenities in our assisted living community located in the heart of the Upper West Side. Visit our website to explore our community, or schedule a visit to get a closer look. 

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