Interior design
Pushing the boundaries of dementia design
Kerry Southern-Reason, CEO of The Care Home Interiors Group, explains how continuing to push the boundaries of dementia design has enhanced the experience of people living with dementia – most recently at Barley Manor Porthaven’s latest care home
In the fast-moving world of interior design, where trends come and go, designing for dementia care demands a different approach – one rooted in longevity, familiarity, and function over fashion. For individuals living with dementia, a home should feel recognisable, reassuring, and consistent, not dictated by the latest colour of the year or fleeting design fads. Unlike mainstream interior design, where change is often embraced, consistency is key in dementia-friendly environments. Familiarity helps maintain independence, reduces anxiety, and supports recognition. When people with dementia experience shifts in their cognitive abilities, they increasingly rely on their surroundings to help them make sense of the world. Disruptive changes in décor, layout, or colour schemes can cause distress and confusion, making it harder for individuals to navigate their space and feel at ease.
At Care Home Interiors, we deliberately
steer away from passing trends. Instead, we focus on creating timeless, familiar environments that are reassuring for those living with dementia. We believe that design should never feel overwhelming or disorienting – it should foster a sense of stability, comfort, and security. That is why we use heritage colour palettes, classic wallpaper designs, and recognisable furnishings that create spaces where individuals feel safe and at home. But while we prioritise stability and
May 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Some firms chase the latest trends, but we take a different approach
familiarity, that does not mean dementia design should stand still. Instead, we push boundaries by exploring what truly enhances the experience of those living with dementia and their families – from 3D artwork that encourages interaction, aids recognition and familiarity, to versatile cube seating that allows families the flexibility of positioning seating in a more natural, relaxed social setting where they feel comfortable when interacting with loved ones.
The thought process is that good dementia design is about creating homes, not institutions; prioritising what works – not what is fashionable – and focusing on stability, comfort, and the needs of those living with dementia.
A consistent approach Key to making care home interiors feel comfortable and familiar is a consistent design approach. A key example is the dining experience. In many modern
domestic homes, separate dining rooms are rarely featured, but for older generations, open plan living was not such a familiar part of daily life. Recognising lived experiences and designing and dressing dining spaces to reflect these are key aspects to creating a cosy and familiar environment. Using tablecloths, traditional crockery, and homely touches, aids in presenting familiarity – promoting social connection over meals.
Heritage-inspired colours and patterns
play a key role in reminiscence therapy, which helps individuals recall personal memories and past experiences. Classic wallpaper designs, such as Sanderson’s William Morris patterns, evoke a sense of nostalgia, providing a connection to the past. Many residents may have grown up in homes featuring similar designs, making these elements instinctively recognisable and reassuring.
Some firms chase the latest trends, but
we take a different approach. We will never use ‘Colour of the Year’ because it is likely to date quickly and, more importantly, is often not appropriate for dementia-friendly environments. Instead, we prioritise colours and tones that promote comfort, recognition, and familiarity – those that feel
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