If you’re getting older and planning to age in place for the foreseeable future, then you should think about making a few home upgrades. From nonslip flooring to grab bars, these modifications will improve your safety, convenience, and comfort. However, they’re not always the prettiest, and you might be keen on preserving your home’s interior design. Here, we reveal how to modify your home for safety without sacrificing style.
1. Choose Stylish Nonslip Flooring
Slippery floors are one of the most common causes of accidents at home. Seniors may lay out dozens of nonslip rubber mats throughout their space to prevent falls, but these mats are dull and corporate in appearance.
Instead, consider textured porcelain tiles or matte-finish hardwood to enhance the aesthetic (and grip) of your space. For added elegance, pair these floorings with bold area rugs that also come with a nonslip backing.
2. Integrate Smart Lighting
Lighting sets the mood in your home and helps you get around safely. Smart lighting is a great solution for seniors because it is naturally aesthetic and turns on with movement—no switch required. Plus, you can integrate it seamlessly into various parts of the home, such as recessed lighting under cabinets and stair treads.
3. Install Attractive Handrails
Handrails prevent you from falling on staircases, raised decks, ramps, and more. They’re important safety features, but they’re also eyesores. Fortunately, you can make them look nice no matter the material you choose for the installation. For example, modern steel handrail designs look as nice as rustic real-wood styles. You might also consider glass-paneled designs for the lowest visual footprint possible.
4. Add Stylish Grab Bars and Handles
For the places in your home where you need grip but can’t fit an entire handrail, grab bars and handles are essential. But again, these fixtures are often unsightly unless you seek out stylish alternatives. You might be interested in brass-finished bars, matte black handles, and brushed nickel finishes, for example. These additions add character to your space while offering practicality.
5. Get Multifunctional Furniture
Invest in furniture that does double duty. For instance, choose ottomans with hidden storage to keep clutter—a huge tripping hazard—at bay. Furniture that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing helps you blend safety and style in your interior design.
Ultimately, safety doesn’t have to burden your home design. With these tips, you can modify your home for safety without sacrificing style and age with peace of mind in a beautiful space.
