Interior design


Creating a home: why thoughtful design matters


Joanne Jeyes of Joanne Jeyes Interiors discusses how and why she considers design to be paramount to a care home’s success, and how thoughtful design can enhance comfort, dignity, and wellbeing


Care homes are more than just buildings – they are homes for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. The way these spaces are designed has a profound impact on the wellbeing, comfort, and independence of residents. As an interior designer, I am tuned in


to how design impacts everyday life – for everyone. In public spaces and shared spaces such as care homes, this is even more the case. I am passionate about sharing my insights and proving that thoughtful interior design can transform a care home from a clinical environment into a warm, inviting space that promotes dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. It will also help a home stand out as being a space that truly understands the needs of its residents. As the demand for care home spaces


grows, so too does the need for environments that cater to a diverse range of needs, including those living with dementia or mobility impairments. By understanding the principles of accessible and dementia- friendly design, care providers can create spaces that not only meet regulations but also enhance the quality of life for residents, support staff efficiency, and provide peace of mind for families.


The science of care home design: why it matters


Research consistently shows that design impacts mood, cognition, and physical health. For example, the Alzheimer’s Society highlights that carefully chosen colour palettes can reduce agitation and confusion in people with dementia. While colour plays its part in affecting mood – for example: soft,


May 2025 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


warm tones can provide a sense of calm and help residents feel safer and more nurtured in their space – it also has a very practical role to play. Using contrasting colours – to help residents distinguish between furniture, walls, and flooring, for example – can reduce the risk of falls and confusion. When colour is used well, residents should be able to way find so much better. They are less confused about what rooms may be used for, they are able to use light switches and door handles with ease, and they find something as seemingly straightforward as sitting so much easier. Similarly, lighting plays a critical role


in resident safety and comfort. Poor lighting can exacerbate visual impairments, leading to trips and falls, while overly harsh lighting can create discomfort, particularly for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Natural light and well-placed artificial lighting help regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep patterns and overall wellbeing. Anyone that has cared for someone living with dementia will know about (or at least, have witnessed, if not understood) ‘sundowning’ – that period late afternoon/ early evening when the person becomes agitated and upset. While it is not linked to the sun setting, it is understood that one of the causes may be a lack of exposure


to sunlight during the day, as well as disturbance to the person’s body clock. Ways to combat this include better natural light throughout the day and reducing uneven lighting and reflective surfaces. Having blinds or curtains that can be


drawn to introduce the idea that evening is here is a good practical example. Setting on timers could carers time and make the transition easier for residents. Thoughtful material choices also enhance the care environment. This can be as obvious as non-slip flooring and durable yet homely furniture. But remember – there is more to it than buying a bulk load of comfortable, traditional wing back armchairs. The choice of material must also be considered – nothing too busy and with contrasting colour to enable users to see the chair seat and sit down easily. Then there are other factors that


may have a big impact, such as acoustic considerations. Is the social space constantly noisy? Could there be ways to dull this noise? Fabrics and specialist wall treatments can go a long way to making a room feel more comfortable acoustically. All of these design elements contribute to safety, comfort, and ease of maintenance – saving care providers time and money in the long run.


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