Aging in Place Without the Hospital Look: Smart Design Ideas for Comfortable Living
Remodeling to age in place? Discover practical and beautiful design strategies that improve safety, comfort, and accessibility — without sacrificing style.
Many homeowners in Massachusetts plan to stay in their homes for the long term — even as they age. But traditional “accessible” design often conjures images of hospital bathrooms, metal grab bars, and institutional finishes. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.
Today’s aging-in-place renovations prioritize both function and aesthetics. From barrier-free showers to wider doorways and better lighting, you can create a home that adapts to your needs without sacrificing the charm, warmth, or style you love.
At Artisans Homes & Renovations, we specialize in designing spaces that work for every stage of life. Below, we share the most important design strategies for aging in place — especially suited to the classic homes of Massachusetts.
1. Start with Safe, Seamless Bathroom Design
The bathroom is the most high-risk area for slips and falls — but it can also be one of the most beautiful spaces in your home.
Design features to include:
Curbless (zero-threshold) showers with linear drains
Built-in bench seating inside the shower
Non-slip tile flooring (with matte finish or textured porcelain)
Reinforced walls for future grab bar installation — concealed behind tile
Wall-mounted vanities to allow wheelchair or seated access
Handheld showerheads with slide bars for flexibility
💡 Bonus tip: Install blocking behind drywall even if you don’t need grab bars yet — it allows for future upgrades without demolition.
2. Improve Circulation and Doorway Access
Many older homes in Greater Boston — especially in Somerville, Cambridge, and Brookline — have narrow doorways and tight hallway turns. These features are charming, but they can make mobility difficult over time.
What to consider:
Widen doorways to 36 inches wherever possible
Replace thresholds with flush floor transitions
Remove sharp hallway corners or widen circulation paths
Replace knobs with lever-style door handles (easier to grip)
In some cases, reconfiguring a floor plan — such as relocating a first-floor laundry or bedroom — can make a home fully accessible without adding square footage.
3. Prioritize Lighting and Visibility
Aging eyes need more light — but not harshness. Layered, even lighting helps reduce shadows and improve safety while keeping the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Smart lighting upgrades:
Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens and bathrooms
Motion-activated night lights in hallways and stairwells
Higher CRI LED bulbs for natural color rendering
Contrasting trim and flooring to help define edges visually
💡 Install dimmer switches and motion sensors to give more control, especially in rooms used at night.
4. Make the Kitchen Functional for All Stages of Life
The kitchen is the heart of the home — and with a few thoughtful adjustments, it can remain usable, efficient, and stylish for decades.
Aging-friendly kitchen features:
Drawers instead of base cabinets for easier access
Counter-height islands that double as prep and seated dining areas
Microwave drawers or wall-mounted ovens at reachable heights
Pull-out shelves and lazy Susans in corner cabinets
Induction cooktops that reduce burn risk
💡 Design your kitchen in zones — so you don’t need to walk across the room for prep, cooking, and storage.
5. Plan for One-Level Living (or Prep the Home for It)
A key strategy for aging in place is having all essential rooms — kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, laundry — on one level. If your current layout doesn’t allow for that, now is the time to plan for future conversion.
Possible renovations:
Convert a den or office into a first-floor bedroom
Add a stackable laundry unit to the first floor
Prepare plumbing and framing for a future first-floor bathroom
If your home has stairs and you plan to stay long-term, consider:
Adding stair lifts or elevator shafts (even if just framed in)
Widening stair treads and improving railings
6. Blend Universal Design with New England Character
Massachusetts homes often have distinctive architectural details — wainscoting, built-ins, steep rooflines. A good aging-in-place remodel respects the original style while upgrading function.
How to blend design and accessibility:
Use wood-look porcelain tiles instead of vinyl for style + grip
Choose grab bars in brushed brass or matte black, matching your fixtures
Incorporate recessed storage niches for clutter-free access
Retain millwork and molding, even when widening doors or removing thresholds
At Artisans, we often reuse original materials or replicate historic trim to preserve character while making the home safer and more accessible.
Thinking about making your home safer and more comfortable for the future? Contact Artisans Homes & Renovations to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you design a space that grows with you — without sacrificing style or dignity.
