Jennifer Sheahan: Home design ideas so you can enjoy the freedom years
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It is arguably the most fabulous stage of life — retirement. The golden years. Freedom, fun, and all the time in the world to enjoy your home however you want to. Let’s dive into the design considerations.
If your home has stairs, steps, or awkward spaces now is the time to invest in adjusting the layout to make it work better for you. You may wish to move your bedroom downstairs and put guest rooms or lesser-used rooms upstairs. Widening doorways and installing ramps can also make it much easier to move around and enjoy all areas of your home.
If you’ve lived life to the full, there’s going to be some wear and tear to contend with. No problem! Bodies age, that’s normal, so our homes need to change with us to support that. All that’s required are some simple adjustments so that we can move around our homes as easily as we always did.
Look at investing in stylish, subtle support rails, especially in slippy areas such as bathrooms, hallways, and stairs. Upgrading to non-slip materials and softer flooring where possible will reduce any worries about getting hurt. Small adjustments, like a walk-in shower with grab bars or a taller toilet seat, can make a big difference in maintaining comfort and independence.
Prioritise comfort, especially in your living room and bedroom. Look for seating that’s both stylish and easy to get in and out of, with supportive cushions and sturdy frames. Recliners, lift chairs, and adjustable beds are all worth considering — no need to waste energy pulling yourself out of chairs that are too low or dragging yourself upright in bed when modern furniture can make it easy.
Modern appliances can be programmed to do menial tasks for you so that you can focus on enjoying your freedom. If you have family or friends who pop around to help you with housework, smart appliances can be extra helpful as they can set up routines that suit their schedule or ensure all appliances are switched off remotely. It may help to install a smart monitoring system so that you can have more independence without someone calling around to check on you too frequently.
Is there something you’ve always wanted but were worried it wasn’t stylish or sophisticated enough? Is there a wild wallpaper you thought would look great in your living room, or some outlandish artwork that you hesitated buying? If for most of your life you have been the type of person to decorate your home according to what others might think, it’s time to break free.
By now you should realise that life is too short to care about what other people think. No more holding back — embrace this time, fill your home with things that make you smile, and let your space be full of your character.
Retirement often brings an empty nest, meaning you may find yourself with extra rooms. You may wish to put that space to work by hosting renters, or to meet new people by letting out rooms on the weekends. With Ireland’s generous tax-free allowance for renting rooms in your home, it’s a great way to bring in some extra cash and liven up your home.
If you enjoy cooking or baking, consider making adjustments to your kitchen that would make it work better for you. This might include an island for additional counter space, a small wall-mounted TV for watching cooking shows, or a comfortable bar stool for sitting while prepping.
Consider investing in easy-to-reach cabinetry, drawers instead of cupboards underneath the countertop, and even lowering the countertop height if that would be more comfortable for you.
Since retirement is about enjoying life with fewer daily hassles, now is the time to upgrade to low-maintenance materials and appliances. Ensure your appliances are positioned at an easy-to-reach height — it may make sense to raise the dishwasher to countertop height.
You may have more time for family and friends, so prepare your home to make it easy to host. Create a guest bedroom with all the essentials. For grandchildren or younger visitors, a few child-friendly touches can make a big difference. Have some toys, games, or a small play area ready. You may wish to free up space when guests aren’t staying, so consider a wall bed or sofa bed for extra sleeping space when needed.
Retirement is a wonderful time to dive into hobbies and interests, so set up your home to support them. Dedicate a room or corner to activities you finally have time to enjoy like painting, reading, gardening, or maybe playing the drums.
- This was the fifth and final instalment of the November series focusing on design considerations for each stage of life. This series looks at where to invest, where to save, and how to make your home work best for each stage of your life. You can find the previous four features in the Home & Gardens section on the Irish Examiner website, focusing on your first rental apartment, designing your starter home, living with a young family, and enjoying middle age.