Give your home the tools to grow alongside you with these design tips.

For most, buying a house is a serious long-term investment. Unless your goal is to flip your new abode, chances are the it will be your home base for years to come.

If that means growing old in the same place you once raised children or enjoyed your forties and fifties, you're going to have to change a few things to make the space work for you. Your freestanding soaker tub likely looks beautiful now, but it may not be the most practical place to bath in the future. Your original hardwood floor is probably a cater-made heritage moment, yet might have some undesirably uneven boards.

To ensure your home ages as gracefully as you—the owner who cares for it—here are a few simple swaps to make that will benefit you for years to come.

1. Walk-in shower

Photos by Alex Lukey

First of all, there’s nothing wrong with a bathtub! Tubs are relaxing, multipurpose, and are often crafted with beautiful designs. When it comes to aging, the concern is if you only have a bathtub. 

Stepping up over the ledge can be difficult on sore joints and increase the risk of falls. Consider modifying your tub to include a small door, or swap it out for a stylish walk-in shower. Include a bench in your design for an easy rest point. 

2. Grab bars

Photo by Kelly Pease

Similarly, grab bars in your shower, by the toilet, or even along hallways help you stand up more seamlessly. Install these handy bars anywhere that could be prone to slips and falls, particularly around tiled floors.

3. Increase lighting 

Photo by Alex Lukey

We love cozy mood lighting, but it’s important to give yourself the option of more lights. As we age, our eyes take longer to adjust to different levels of brightness and typically need more light to see objects up close. Installing more overhead lighting—as well as trendy lamps and chandeliers—will ensure that you’re able to appreciate the home you’ve worked so hard on.

4. Think about stairs

Photo by Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock

Unless you live in a bungalow, your daily-use rooms are likely on all levels of the house. While a tucked-away laundry room might seem like a good idea at one point, it can become a hassle to trek from the upper level all the way to the basement every time you do a load. 

If you’re planning a bigger reno, consider keeping your essentials on one floor. If you can't make the move, it’s important to get creative about how you can use the stairs to your advantage as you age. A chair lift or elevator are good options.

5. Open-floor plan

Photo by Drew Hadley (left)/Virginia MacDonald (right)

Finally, a clear path is your best friend. Wider doorways, more space to navigate around furniture, and less clutter will make it easier to get around. Whether you’re using a walker, wheelchair, or simply need more room, an open-floor plan is a simple way to keep you safe. 
 

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