When it comes to Senior Living design, one question always pops up: Should residents get a say in the renovation of their community? The short answer: yes— but with some thoughtful boundaries to keep the process productive.
Involving residents in design decisions comes with some undeniable perks. They get a sense of ownership in the project, which means less pushback down the road when the paint goes up or the carpet comes out. Residents feel included, valued, and reassured that their voices matter in shaping the look and feel of their own home. Plus, it gives them a chance to meet the design team before the dust (literally) starts flying—turning us from “those people tearing up the Bistro” into friendly faces with a shared goal.
Of course, too much of a good thing can get tricky. When every resident weighs in, suddenly you have 87 different opinions about which shade of blue to pick. Decision-making slows, projects stall, and the design team spends more time creating resident-ready presentations than actually pushing the project forward. Too many voices can turn a renovation into a game of design-by-committee—and we all know how that ends.
At Aneka Interiors, we’re in favor of resident involvement—as long as it’s thoughtfully managed. When guided well, it creates a sense of community pride and excitement about the renovation. Too many choices can be overwhelming, but the right amount? That’s the sweet spot where residents feel valued, and the design team keeps the project on track.
Because at the end of the day, Senior Living design isn’t just about new flooring or fresh paint. It’s about creating spaces that truly feel like home—and who better to weigh in on that than the people who live there?
