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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The 7 worst home design trends for anyone over 60 (and what to do instead)
Trendy isn't always timeless when it comes to home decor, especially when your joints disagree. While your younger self might have loved the idea of sleek, handle-free cabinets or a dramatic floating staircase, your knees, hips and peace of mind will all thank you for choosing function over fleeting fashion. 'Many of the most beautiful modern design features aren't built for long-term practicality," says Gemma Hobb, a Calgary-based Sotheby's International Sales Representative. "A home's functionality must evolve with its occupants.' If you're over 60 and planning to stay in your house for the long haul, consider avoiding these 7 home decor trends as part of any renovations. Picture this: you're trying to grab your coffee mug from the upper cabinet, but your arthritis is flaring up. Those handle-free cabinets suddenly become your worst enemy. Push-to-open mechanisms demand precise pressure and dexterity, which is precisely the kind of motion that becomes more difficult with age. Traditional handles and knobs? They're not just reliable workhorses; they provide better leverage and are gentler on aging joints. Deep base cabinets might maximize storage, but they also maximize frustration when you're crawling around on the kitchen floor, searching for the one pot you need. Items disappear into cabinet black holes. Your knees will protest. Smart solution? Pull-out drawers and lazy Susans that bring everything within easy reach. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Admit it — these are stunning. But are they safe? Not even close. Open treads become foot traps, and those barely-there railings offer about as much support as a gentle suggestion. 'Comfort, safety and ease of daily living become top priorities for aging homeowners,' Hobb notes. Your staircase should support you, not be an obstacle course. Smart homes promise convenience, but what happens when the technology outsmarts you? Wifi crashes, apps freeze, and suddenly, you can't turn on a simple light. Touch-activated faucets become maddening when dealing with tremors or reduced dexterity. Sometimes, the most sophisticated solution is the simplest. A regular light switch never needs a software update. High-gloss floors, countertops and cabinet doors gleam like mirrors in design magazines — and they can turn your home into an ice rink. They're slip hazards waiting to happen and also show every fingerprint, water spot and dust particle. Matte finishes aren't just safer; they're significantly more forgiving for daily life. Remember when sunken living rooms — also called conversation pits — were the height of sophistication? Today's version includes random decorative steps scattered throughout open-concept spaces. These unexpected level changes are trip hazards disguised as design elements. Your peripheral vision may not be what it used to be, and these subtle elevation changes can catch off guard. If you're stuck with them, contrasting tape on step edges and excellent lighting are non-negotiable. The minimalist bathroom aesthetic has banished grab bars as 'institutional' and eliminated tubs as 'outdated.' Big mistake. 'A poorly-designed bathroom can quickly become one of the most dangerous rooms in the home,' warns Hobb. 'Fortunately, most issues can be addressed proactively through smart design.' Modern grab bars come in sleek finishes that complement any design scheme. They're safety features, not eyesores. As for tubs, soaking can be therapeutic for aging joints, not to mention some people can't stand for long showers. 'In my experience, simplicity, safety, and low maintenance are what aging buyers value most,' Hobb explains. However, here's the thing: this doesn't mean your home has to look like a medical facility or sacrifice style for function. It's about making wise choices that will serve you beautifully for decades to come. For those ready to take a comprehensive approach to aging-in-place design, consider following a safety checklist for aging-in-place. The Government of Canada Guidelines provide an excellent framework covering everything from exterior lighting and secure railings to proper bathroom safety features and fire safety considerations. It's a room-by-room assessment that can help you identify potential issues before they become problems. Your future self will thank you for thinking ahead. After all, the most enduring design trend of all is one that lets you live comfortably, safely, and independently in your own home for as long as possible. Because the best kind of home design isn't just stylish; it's livable for life.
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Todd J. Stein Heads into Early Voting for June Primary for District Leader, Assembly District 76, Part A
'I've been out every day meeting neighbors, listening, and building new relationships.'— Todd J. Stein, District Leader Candidate NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, June 2, 2025 / / -- Candidate Todd J. Stein, a lifelong resident of Lenox Hill and longtime advocate for aging in place and elder care, is on the ballot for District Leader, Assembly District 76, Part A. As early voting begins on June 14, Stein is calling on his neighbors to make their voices heard. He's sharing his message of 'Flip, Find, and Only Vote Group Stein'. 'I love sharing stories from my childhood growing up in Lenox Hill,' Stein says. 'And, I love hearing the stories of those who now call this neighborhood home, whether they're new families or longtime residents hoping to stay in their apartments as they grow older. That's personal for me. I helped my late father age in place until he passed away in December of 2022 at 92 years old. Today, my mother lives with me in the same building where I was raised.' Stein believes he brings a fresh and responsive approach to the position. 'I'm offering voters a real choice, someone who understands the neighborhood deeply and will be a strong voice for our community. The role of District Leader is a volunteer elected party position within the Democratic Party. District Leaders help select judicial candidates, appoint poll workers, and represent their community within the party's structure. Though unpaid, the position carries influence in shaping the direction of the party and in building grassroots political engagement. Stein has earned early endorsements from several prominent officials, including Mayoral Candidate Scott Stringer and State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who is a Candidate for Manhattan Borough President. 'I've been out every day meeting neighbors, listening, and building new relationships,' said Stein. A recent grassroots fundraiser at his home drew strong support from local residents, friends, and new volunteers. 'It was heartening to see how many people showed up, donated, and signed up to help our campaign.' The event was catered by one of Stein's favorite local spots, Bagelworks on First Avenue. 'They make perfect New York bagels,' he said. 'Randy, the owner, is a warm, welcoming presence and an asset to the neighborhood.' As part of his outreach, Stein is participating in community events across the district. 'I stopped by the First Avenue Street Fair on the Upper East Side yesterday,' he said. 'My mom came with me, she loves the funnel cake. This time, she even ran into Council Member Julie Menin.' Felicia Stein, Todd's 91-year-old mother, has lived in Lenox Hill for over fifty years. As early voting nears, Stein is reminding voters to 'Flip, Find, and Only Vote for Group Stein!' and invites all interested community members to get involved. Colin Harp Team Stein +1 917-842-0625 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
