Interior design
Art, culture, and personalisation Art should be more than just decorative. In care settings, it can stimulate memory, spark conversation, and help with orientation. Commission or source local artwork that resonates with the community – scenes of nearby landmarks, coastal views, or abstract pieces with calming colour palettes.
Generic prints or bland, impersonal
décor should be avoided. Instead, focus on artwork and accessories that feel curated and considered – pieces that reflect the personality of the home and its residents. Cultural and sensory richness is important. Music rooms, libraries, and cinema lounges offer more than entertainment. They offer comfort, familiarity, and a sense of continuity with life outside the care setting. Design spaces that feel personal. Residents should be encouraged to bring furniture or items from home. Bedrooms might feature bespoke headboards, memory boxes, and soft furnishings tailored to individual preferences. These are small gestures, but they go a long way in helping someone feel rooted. Even the layout of a corridor can contribute to culture and personalisation. A gallery wall filled with resident-chosen art, or wayfinding images based on residents’ former professions or interests, can build a sense of connection to one’s identity and past.
Designing for comfort and calm Comfort in care homes is about more than just soft fabrics. It is about regulating sound, managing light, and ensuring every space has a clear purpose. We spend a lot of
wood and stone, incorporating planting and greenery, and ensuring access to outdoor views and gardens. These elements have been shown to reduce stress and improve mood – and they make spaces feel more luxurious and restorative by default. Heating and ventilation are also critical.
Quiet, well-regulated heating systems and good airflow contribute hugely to comfort. Avoid systems that blast hot or cold air, and, where possible, integrate underfloor heating for an even, silent warmth.
Spaces that work for everyone In any care home, the design must support a network of people – not just residents, but also staff and visiting family. That is why we pay so much attention to flow, wayfinding, and intuitive layouts.
Luxury is the freedom to move safely through your own space
time thinking about acoustics – choosing materials that absorb rather than amplify sound, and zoning spaces so that active areas such as cafés or lounges do not spill over into quieter ones.
Lighting is another critical factor. Where possible, maximise natural light with large windows and glazed doors, especially in communal areas. In private rooms, layered lighting—from ambient to task to accent – helps residents feel comfortable and in control. Ensure that lighting levels support those with visual impairments or dementia. We make extensive use of biophilic design principles. That means bringing the outdoors in, using natural materials like
Corridors, for instance, are not just a route from A to B – they are opportunities for interaction, or for rest. Build in seating alcoves with views out to garden areas, and, for residents with dementia, use contrast and cues (like art, colour, or themed wayfinding) to help with orientation. Design for efficiency. Storage should be
integrated, and waste disposal discreet. Staff rest areas are inviting. Because when a care home works well for the people running it, the standard of care only improves. Staff also benefit from environments
that feel considered. Simple things like layout clarity, natural light, access to break spaces, and well-planned staff facilities support retention and wellbeing. Visitors also benefit from clear navigation, inviting lounges, and welcoming reception spaces. They can arrive and settle without confusion or discomfort – making each visit more enjoyable and less stressful.
Refurbishment as a tool for transformation Many of the projects we work on are refurbishments. And while the bones of a building might remain the same, the transformation that takes place can be huge. A good refurbishment does more than
just improve aesthetics. It enhances the way the home works – adding more usable communal spaces, improving lighting and acoustics, updating furniture for better accessibility and safety, and layering in more warmth and character. We have worked on homes where even simple changes – like replacing harsh lighting with softer, warmer schemes or opening up a previously dark hallway to let in natural light – have made a remarkable difference in the way people feel.
September 2025
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