When it comes to senior living at Lakeside Gardens, personalizing your space is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a home that reflects your personality, interests, and needs. In today’s vibrant and diverse senior living communities, residents have the opportunity to create living spaces that reflect their unique personalities and preferences. At our retirement home in Nanaimo, we understand the importance of feeling at home in your surroundings. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of interior design tips specifically tailored to our residents, helping them transform their apartments into personalized havens of comfort, style and functionality.
Embrace Your Style
When it comes to interior design, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. One of the joys of living at Lakeside Gardens Seniors Community, is the freedom to express yourself through your living space. We understand that each resident at Lakeside Gardens brings their own sense of style and aesthetic preferences to their living space. Whether you’re drawn to modern minimalism, timeless classic elegance, or cozy rustic accents, embrace your personal style and let it shine through in your decor choices. From furniture and accessories to colours and patterns, infuse your space with elements that resonate with you and make you feel at home.
Furniture Arrangement for Comfort and Functionality
Start by considering the layout of your apartment and how you can arrange furniture to optimize comfort and functionality. Arrange seating areas to facilitate conversation and socializing, and ensure that pathways are clear and easy to navigate, especially for residents with mobility aids. If possible, have friends and family members who are capable of rearranging and moving furniture help you with this.
Colour Psychology: Choosing the Right Palette
Colour psychology teaches us that colour plays a crucial role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a room. Opt for colours that evoke feelings of warmth, tranquility, and happiness. Soft neutrals like beige, taupe, and ivory can create a sense of calm, while pops of colour in accessories or artwork can add visual interest and personality to your space. Patterns are fun and can evoke a sense of nostalgia when used correctly. If you want to learn more about colour theory and how it relates to interior design and human emotion, here’s a great website.
Lighting: Brighten Your Space
Proper lighting is essential for creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in your apartment at Lakeside Gardens. Maximize natural light by keeping window treatments light and airy, and supplement with task lighting and ambient lighting as needed. Consider investing in adjustable lighting fixtures to tailor the brightness to different activities throughout the day.
Storage Solutions: Streamline Your Space
Clutter can detract from the beauty and functionality of your living space. Invest in storage solutions that help you stay organized and keep clutter at bay. From stylish storage ottomans to shelving units to the utilization of a variety of under-bed storage box choices, there are plenty of options to maximize storage without sacrificing style.
Personal Touches: Add Meaningful Décor
Make your apartment feel like home by incorporating meaningful décor and personal touches. Display family photos (maybe even some taken at a recent family reunion!), cherished mementos, and artwork that speaks to your interests and experiences. Consider creating a gallery wall or a display shelf to showcase your favourite pieces.
Create A Personalized Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is an excellent way to infuse your living space with personality and warmth while showcasing your most cherished memories. For seniors at VRS senior communities, creating a personalized gallery wall can be a meaningful and enjoyable project that helps transform their apartment into a true reflection of their life and experiences.
Selecting Photos and Keepsakes
Start by gathering photos, keepsakes, and artwork that hold special meaning to you. This could include family photos spanning generations, vacation snapshots, family reunions, wedding portraits, children’s artwork, diplomas, awards, and mementos from significant milestones in your life. Choose pieces that evoke happy memories and reflect your interests, passions, and values.
Creating a Layout
Before hanging anything on the wall, plan out the layout of your gallery wall to ensure a visually appealing arrangement. Lay out your photos and keepsakes on the floor or a large table, experimenting with different configurations until you find one that feels balanced and cohesive. Consider factors like size, shape, colour, and theme when arranging your items, and leave enough space between each piece for visual breathing room.
Choosing Frames and Display Options
Once you’ve finalized your layout, select frames and display options that complement your photos and keepsakes while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your gallery wall. Choose frames in coordinating colours and styles to create a cohesive look, or mix and match frames for a more eclectic vibe. Consider using shadow boxes, floating shelves, or decorative clips to add depth and visual interest to your display.
Enjoying Your Personalized Space
Once your gallery wall is complete, take a step back and admire your handiwork. Your personalized gallery wall is not just a decorative feature; it’s a testament to your life’s journey, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Take pride in the unique stories and experiences that adorn your walls, and enjoy the sense of comfort and joy they bring to your living space at your Nanaimo retirement home every day.
Looking for inspiration on designing your gallery wall? Here are three great places to start:
Safety First: Designing with Accessibility in Mind
For residents with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs, it’s important to prioritize safety and ease of use in your design choices. Choose furniture with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to prevent accidents, and ensure that rugs are securely anchored to the floor to prevent slips and falls.
Creating Comfortable Seating Areas
Comfort is key when it comes to seating areas in your apartment at Lakeside Gardens Seniors Community. Invest in supportive chairs and sofas with plush cushions and armrests, and consider adding throw pillows and blankets for added coziness and support. Arrange seating to facilitate conversation and socializing, and don’t forget to include a comfortable reading nook for quiet relaxation.
Bathroom Safety and Accessibility
In the bathroom, safety is paramount. Ensure you have grab bars near the toilet and in the shower to provide stability and support, and consider investing in a shower chair or bench for added safety during bathing. Keep pathways clear and ensure that rugs are slip-resistant to prevent falls.
Make Your Space Your Own
With these interior design tips, residents of Lakeside Gardens’ senior living community can create living spaces that are not only beautiful and stylish but also functional, comfortable, and safe. By embracing your personal style and preferences, incorporating meaningful décor, and prioritizing safety and accessibility, you can transform your apartment into a personalized oasis of comfort and tranquillity. Ready to make your space your own? Schedule a tour of our senior living community in Nanaimo and discover the possibilities today.