Designing for the Future: The Importance of Aging in Place Principles in Your Custom Home or Renovation

We’ve already discussed on the blog how crucial it is when designing your custom new build or planning a home renovation to not only consider your current needs but also how your home with adapt with your lifestyle. One of the most impactful and forward-thinking approaches to home design today is incorporating aging in place principles, and should be a top consideration when planning your next project.

Designing with these principles in mind will ensure that your home remains accessible and comfortable as you age, prolonging your time and ability to live independently, as well as benefit you today. In this post, we'll explore what aging in place means, how planning for these elements from the beginning can save you time and money, and some key accessibility considerations we study on each historic renovation or custom new build project we work on here in Dallas.

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place refers to the ability to live in your own home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or physical ability. The concept is centered around creating a living environment that can accommodate the changes that come with aging, such as decreased mobility or reduced strength. When you design your next renovation or custom home design using these principles, you’re not just preparing for the future; you’re enhancing your current quality of life and potentially making your home more valuable and appealing to a broader range of buyers.

Why Plan for Aging in Place from the Start?

1. Cost-Efficiency

As with most things in construction, addressing aging in place considerations during the initial design phase is more cost-effective than making the needed modifications later. Retrofitting a home to include these features can be expensive, disruptive, and honestly - just plain ugly. If you incorporate these elements from the beginning (or build in the infrastructure to easily add accessibility features later), you’ll avoid costly future renovations and ensure that your home is designed to meet your needs as they evolve.

2. Enhances Safety

Planning for aging in place improves safety for everyone in the home, not just as you age but also for guests and family members who may have temporary mobility issues. Considering heights of floor transitions and slip resistance of the materials that will be used for your flooring can help prevent accidents and injuries, creating a safer living environment for everyone.

3. Increases Home Value

Homes designed with accessibility in mind are attractive to a wider range of potential buyers. Features that accommodate aging in place, when done thoughtfully, can increase your home’s market value and appeal, making it a wise investment even if you don’t plan to stay in the home forever.

Why It Matters to Work with a Designer Who Understands Aging in Place Principles

We’ve discussed the importance of these considerations when planning your next renovation or custom home, but, unfortunately, it’s not yet standard practice in the interior design industry to incorporate these concepts into residential homes. When considering interior designers to hire, get their thoughts on designing for aging in place and ask how they will ensure your design will meet basic accessibility standards.

NCIDQ-certification is another good way to vet whether a designer you're considering has been trained on accessibility codes and best practices for creating inclusive and safe living environments. You can learn more about what it means to be a NCIDQ-cetified interior designer in this post.

At Paige Studio, we think through how the spaces we design will be used now and into the future for every project we touch and want to make sure our clients are able to live in their beautifully designed homes for as long as possible.

Here are just a few things we consider when designing our clients’ historic renovation projects and custom new builds:

1. Installing Blocking in Walls for Future Grab Bars

One of the simplest yet most impactful modifications you can make for your future self is to plan for the installation of grab bars. These can be crucial for safety, especially in bathrooms. When you install blocking in the walls during construction at key locations, you can ensure that grab bars can be easily added later without the need for major renovations. This proactive step allows for easy adaptation as mobility needs change over time.

2. Locating a Primary Suite on the First Floor

Accessibility becomes increasingly important as we age so we always try to locate our clients'‘ primary suite on the first level of their home. Locating your primary suite on the main floor of your home eliminates the need to navigate stairs, which can become challenging as we get older or even get injured or sick. This consideration is especially vital if you plan to stay in the home long-term. A first-floor suite offers convenience and ensures that you can live comfortably even if mobility becomes an issue.

3. Considering Floor Transition Levels

Changes in floor levels, such as steps between rooms or thresholds or even just a change in material height (like where your hardwood floors meet tile), can pose a risk for trips and falls. Ensuring that floor transitions are smooth and level is essential for accessibility. This can be particularly important in areas like kitchens and bathrooms where spills and accidents are more common. Planning for level transitions can prevent future modifications and enhance safety for your family now and into the future.

4. Ensuring Appliances are Within Reach Range

Designing a kitchen with accessibility in mind means placing appliances and storage within easy reach. This includes planning for countertops are at a comfortable height, cabinets that are accessible (both in the hardware used to open and placement), and that appliances are not too high or low. Incorporating features like pull-out shelves and easy-to-use controls can make daily tasks simpler and safer which may become crucial as you age but are also a nice features to have now.

5. Installing Barrier Free Showers

Barrier-free showers, also known as walk-in or roll-in showers, are becoming increasingly popular and are not only beautiful but essential for a safe and accessible bathroom. These showers eliminate the need to step over a curb, reducing the risk of falls. They are also easier to clean and maintain. These showers require specific structural considerings and proper planning in the design phase is crucial, however we feel incorporating this feature into your bathroom design is one of the most impactful ways to enhance accessibility, comfort, and resale value.

If you’re reading this post because you’re planning a renovation or custom home build and you want to make sure you’re investing your dollars into a home that will grow with you into the future, I would invite you to reach out to schedule a discovery call directly with our lead designer.

On this complimentary 20-minute call we can discuss your plans and how Paige Studio can help you make the most of your investment and ensure your home serves you for years to come.

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