Aging in Place
You may have heard about one of the hottest trends in interior design in the recent years: Aging in place.
Aging in place is basically designing with an eye toward the future. It's bearing in mind the unfortunate fact that we will all be getting older and accidents can happen at any turn. What is the point in designing your forever home or dream kitchen, only to have to abandon it if the unexpected occurs or as you grow older and need more accessibility.
“Shouldn’t your forever home satisfy your needs forever? ”
To prepare for this, an increasing number of designers are designing homes for their clients that will accommodate them as they grow old, reducing the likelihood that people will have to move late in life.
Sure a couple in their forties may not even consider the need for 32 inches of door clearance, smaller thresholds, or sufficient maneuvering space, but your interior designer would be doing you a disservice by not at least suggesting it. Shouldn't your forever home satisfy your needs forever?
Clutter and improperly utilized space can also be a hindrance to accessibility, and most designers who consider Aging in Place also factor in efficient (and safe) use of space. While messy closets and overflowing shelves can be a nuisance and an eyesore to everyone, they can prove especially dangerous to older people or those with a disability.
So when designing your forever home or dream kitchen remodel, ask yourself how you will need to use this space in twenty, thirty, or even forty years.