Interior design
Avoiding common pitfalls: saving time and money early on Many care home renovations fall into costly traps – choosing materials that wear quickly, layouts that do not support mobility, or aesthetics that feel too clinical. Without expert guidance, well-intended upgrades can lead to disruptions, increased maintenance costs, or even non-compliance with care home regulations. An experienced designer helps navigate these challenges, ensuring that every aspect of a redesign is functional, regulatory- compliant, and cost-effective. For example, selecting high-quality vinyl flooring with a subtle matte finish prevents glare (which can cause visual confusion for residents with dementia), reduces fall risks, and withstands years of use – ultimately saving thousands on replacements. But good design is about more than just materials. Thoughtful space planning ensures that residents can move freely and safely, while well-placed handrails, intuitive layouts, and wayfinding cues help maintain independence. A designer considers these elements from the start, reducing the need for costly adjustments later.
Creating homely environments: moving beyond the clinical look One of the most common concerns in care home design is avoiding a stark, institutional feel. Residents and their families want care settings that feel warm and familiar, not cold and clinical. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the opposite direction, with many care homes adopting overly luxurious, five-star hotel aesthetics. While this may look impressive, it often fails to serve residents – especially those living with dementia. This may be a controversial opinion, but as someone who has visited a fair few care homes, I stand by it. While high-end finishes, stylish furniture, and statement décor may create a sense of prestige, they can also introduce unnecessary confusion and discomfort for residents who need clarity, familiarity, and ease of navigation. Highly stylised interiors, glossy finishes that cause glare, patterned carpets that create visual distortion, and complex layouts can increase anxiety, contribute to falls, and even make spaces feel less accessible to those with cognitive impairments. Who needs a gin bar when your residents struggle to find their own bedroom? Instead of designing for appearances alone, I strongly feel care homes must strike
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mementos help those living with dementia feel grounded and connected to their past, supporting reminiscence therapy.
Additionally, the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at Stirling University highlights the importance of wayfinding elements, such as: n Clear, easy-to-read signage that avoids unnecessary complexity.
n Distinct colour schemes for different areas to aid navigation.
n Intuitive layouts that reduce the risk of disorientation, helping residents move around independently and safely.
Research shows that design impacts mood, cognition, and physical health
a balance between comfort, functionality, and person-centred care.
The care home of the future Instead of chasing a five-star hotel feel, care homes should focus on thoughtful, evidence-based design that enhances comfort, independence, and quality of life. Because at the end of the day, a resident feeling calm, confident, and at home is worth far more than any designer cocktail bar. Going forward, I believe care home design is becoming much more individual- focused, recognising that residents have diverse needs and should feel a sense of ownership over their space. Achieving this balance involves: n Soft furnishings: Using textured fabrics, warm-toned woods, and layered lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere while maintaining a homely and practical environment.
n Personalised spaces: Encouraging residents to bring familiar items from home, such as photographs, cushions, or favourite furniture pieces, fosters comfort and identity – essential for emotional wellbeing. I appreciate many care homes are already doing this, but we should go a step further and introduce these elements to shared spaces, or even offer to replicate residents’ front door from the home they remember (bear in mind this is unlikely to be the one they left).
n Memory-friendly design: Features like memory walls displaying personal
Ultimately, the best care home environments do not feel like hospitals; nor do they mimic high-end hotels. Instead, they provide practical, supportive, and homely spaces that reflect the needs of the individuals who live there. As design moves towards a more person-centred approach, it is crucial to create environments that truly enhance quality of life – not just for residents, but also for their families and carers.
Futureproofing: designing for an evolving population Futureproofing seems to be the word on everyone’s lips nowadays, but what does it really mean? Well, with an aging population and an increase in complex care needs, care homes must be adaptable. Futureproofing through smart design choices ensures that a care home remains functional and welcoming for years to come. Key considerations include:
n Flexible spaces that can be easily modified as care needs evolve. For example, communal areas that can transition from social spaces to therapy rooms.
n Dementia-friendly layouts that encourage independence, such as looped corridors - avoiding dead-ends that may cause distress. (I live for the day when I no longer come across doors that cannot be opened at the end of corridors that residents wander down).
n Sustainable and durable materials that reduce long-term maintenance costs while maintaining a homely aesthetic.
Planning for the future not only ensures compliance with changing regulations, but also prevents costly renovations down the line.
The cost-saving power of expert design Many care home owners worry about
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2025
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