Aging in Place: House Designs that Will Enhance Your Lifestyle

When you buy a home, you may picture your entire life ahead in the space. There’s real comfort in knowing you’ll be in your residence for years, if not decades, to come. 

Yet many older adults—even those who wish to stay where they are—share certain worries about safety and functionality in their living space. More than 40 million Americans are now over age 65, and by 2030, older adults are expected to represent 20% of the U.S. population. 

This means the number of people looking to age in place will only continue to rise. With a bit of planning, though, you can find a house design that lets you live freely well into your golden years. You can even design for multigenerational living.

 

What is aging in place?

Aging in place involves staying in your home as you grow older. Rather than downsizing or relocating, it involves keeping the same roots you planted earlier in life. 

The idea is to feel independent and at ease, and honor a life well-lived. Aging in place is also a celebration of your shared history with friends, family, and neighbors—and a way to embrace your sense of community. 

This, perhaps, is what makes aging in place so compelling. According to a 2021 AARP survey, three-quarters of U.S. adults over age 50 would like to stay in their current homes or communities for as long as possible. But to age in place, 34% of these respondents accept that they may need to make certain accommodations. In other words, they realize they may have to modify bathrooms or install ramps for accessibility. 

Others, meanwhile, prefer to integrate aging-in-place design practices from the beginning.

 

The modern aging-in-place house for any age

Take a moment to think about your forever home. The best aging-in-place houses are meant to guide you through the different stages of life, from building a career or raising a family through retirement. 

They aren’t just a place to move when you reach a certain age. Instead, the modern aging-in-place house grows with you.

Yet only 10% of homes are currently “aging ready,” according to a 2020 report. So as you invest in your home—in your future—please know that it’s never too early to think about the nuances of aging in place. 

Take, for example, a couple in their 40s who recently moved into a new construction home. They added no-step doorways and extra-wide hallways into the design—not because they needed these features right away, but because they wanted their home to evolve with them.

 

The most desirable home design for aging in place

The best home design for aging in place anticipates your needs without being too obvious. It integrates aging-in-place features, including those that promote security and accessibility, without putting them front and center. 

Here’s what that might look like:   

• Single-level living

No stairs? No problem. A one-story design with level entrances keeps things simple and lowers the stress of shifting mobility.

• Open layouts

Wide, open floorplans are easier for people of all ages to navigate. They also make gatherings with friends and family accessible, from neighborhood parties to intimate dinners.

• Lever-style door handles

Handles with levers are easier to grip; they also add a sleek, modern touch to every door. 

• Slip-resistant flooring

The right wood or tile flooring can prevent slips without looking clinical. Options like textured finishes offer safety and aesthetic appeal for everyone, no matter how old you are. 

• Accessible windows 

While planning to age in place, including windows in every room can create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Those with easy-to-open mechanisms help to bring in the fresh air.

A true aging-in-place house makes aesthetics a top priority. For instance, instead of adding a wide hallway for the sake of accommodating wheelchairs and walkers down the road, focus on creating a gallery space. Plan for easy navigation, but don’t forget about elegant design features like clean lines that help show off your favorite art pieces.

 

How to design for aging in place

Designing a home for aging in place means thinking about your needs now and considering what features you might want in the future. To achieve this, try to evaluate what you can do to make your house your forever home. 

Consider these design strategies for aging in place:

• Prioritize functionality

Focus on purposeful living spaces and avoid unnecessary obstacles like stairs or raised thresholds.

• Plan for accessibility

Include wider doorways and easy-to-reach storage. These additions are subtle now, and they’ll be invaluable later.

• Invest in durability

Choose finishes that can withstand years of frequent use, like scratch-resistant countertops and fade-proof paint. 

Don’t forget to incorporate flexibility into your decision-making too. For example, a guest bedroom on the main floor could later serve as a primary bedroom if your mobility needs change.

 

Design ideas for multigenerational living

If your family is growing in more ways than one—whether you’re welcoming aging parents, adult children, or extended relatives—you’ll need to design a home that works for everyone. 

Consider these ideas:

• Adaptable spaces

Think about spaces that can evolve with your family’s needs. A guest suite with a private bathroom can accommodate aging parents, while a finished basement or a separate accessory dwelling unit (ADU) gives adult children a sense of independence. These spaces offer privacy without feeling disconnected.

• A place to call your own

While shared spaces bring everyone together, private nooks where you can unwind are just as important. A comfortable second living room, quiet reading area, or soundproofed bedroom can offer some much-needed peace when life with a big family feels a little too full.

• Outdoor living areas

Indoor-outdoor living can bring the whole family together, with shady spots for grandparents and designated play areas for the kids. Think patios, decks, or a garden where everyone can enjoy the fresh air.

The secret with multigenerational living is to make sure everyone feels connected while still having their own space. Features like multiple entrances or separate wings keep things harmonious too.

 

What are the best colors for aging in place?

There’s no one right answer when choosing a color scheme for aging in place. The right color palette is whatever you believe makes your home more comfortable and inviting. 

Factor in these tips as you plan to age in place:

• Embrace calming tones

Muted shades like soft blues, greens, and grays promote relaxation and reduce visual strain.

• Lean into contrast

Contrasting colors can help differentiate spaces like steps, door frames, or countertops. For example, pairing a deep navy backsplash with crisp white cabinets creates a stunning yet practical look—and you’ll feel well-oriented in the space even if your vision changes.

• Maximize natural light

Light, reflective colors bring in light from the sun and brighten your space; they can also improve seniors’ overall health. Neutral walls paired with warm accents will make your home feel lovely and timeless.

These color selections will keep your home both accessible and visually appealing. 

 

Practical and stylish bathrooms for aging in place

You don’t have to compromise style for safety in your aging-in-place bathroom design.

Simply prioritize the following:

• Roll-in showers

Say goodbye to high thresholds and wave hello to curbless, zero-entry showers. Roll-in shower options are also available, depending on the plan. Add a minimalist, adjustable handheld showerhead for extra functionality.

• Grab bars with flair

Contemporary grab bars come in stunning finishes like brushed nickel or matte black. In this way, they double as design accents and proven safety measures. 

• Accessible space

Bathrooms designed for aging in place incorporate wider doorways and hallways, plus maneuvering space for wheelchairs and walkers. Low thresholds and ADA-compliant toilets elevate both comfort and usability.

For even more luxury, consider built-in shower seating. These kinds of upgrades carry the bathroom from merely functional to genuinely spa-like.

 

Beautiful yet functional kitchens for aging in place

Your kitchen should inspire creativity over the course of many decades. Aging-in-place kitchens fuse thoughtful details with stunning design.

They include elements such as:

• Pull-out shelves and drawers

Avoid deep cabinets and instead choose drawers that bring items to you. They make storing and retrieving items much easier.

• Countertop height variety 

Include counters at different heights to accommodate seated workspaces.

• Smart appliances 

Modern appliances with voice-activated controls or easy-to-read touchscreens can simplify daily tasks.

High-end cabinetry, bold backsplashes, and pendant lighting can also bring lasting beauty to a space designed for every stage of life.

 

Stylish and secure: discover your aging-in-place home

Aging in place offers the chance to stay connected to the people and places you love. It also gives you an opportunity to live in a home that grows with you. With thoughtful planning, your house can be a sanctuary and a place of safety and comfort as you age in place.