Revive and Re-Energize: How to Refresh Your Senior Living Community with New Furniture

1. Assess and Plan ​

Start by evaluating your current furniture. Identify pieces that need replacing or refreshing, and consider how each piece fits within the overall design of the community. Make a list of what you need and prioritize based on importance and impact.

• The Skye Armchair is lightweight and crafted from highly weather-resistant N-Dura™ resin wicker for a classic and durable outdoor style. The chair’s wrought aluminum frame ensures stability and long-lasting beauty. This stackable armchair beautifully accessorizes a variety of wicker patio furniture sets.

3. Rethink Common Area Layouts to Create Conversational Areas

Rearrange furniture to create functional conversation zones whether by adding new furniture or repurposing existing ones. A simple shift can transform a room’s atmosphere. Take inspiration from the model created at Foulk Living as you consider new additions to your furniture:

• At Foulk Living in Wilmington, DE updated furniture designs, and a bistro helped rethink Senior Living with a focus on conversation and community gathering. “The residents love how bright the renovations make the community look. It’s much more homelike,” says Leslie Johnson, Executive Director, Foulk Living. “They love the colorful fun theme they went with. It matches our community’s vibe: ‘Foulk Living is Fun Living.’ The community is much more comfortable and elegant. Intimate conversation nooks created by small groupings of chairs and small tables helped create the sense of connection for residents and their families to gather.”
• Instead of adding single benches in corridors, consider two accent chairs and small table arrangement for impromptu and neighborly conversations. The Maxwell Thomas Edmonton Occasional Chair is a perfect scale and design to encourage those interactions. It’s modern styling and faux-wood metal frame offer superior durability.
• Decorative accent pieces also add a fresh look to an existing furniture grouping like The Maxwell Thomas® Bacolod Four Door Credenza. A credenza like this can be a true statement piece, designed to capture the eye and elevate any room. Offering both closed storage and ample surface for accessorizing, it’s placement can seamlessly unify a room.
• Transform your place with Savvy Spaces, our newest Common Area program that allows you to customize your favorite collections with a budget-friendly selection of fabrics and finishes, all in a simple 3-step process.

4. Paint a New Picture: Bring Your Common Area to Life With Photos and Artwork, Wall Colors and Refurbished Furnishings

Revitalize your Senior Living community with artwork and accessories to create a more vibrant and engaging environment. Consider these ideas:

• Upcycling is such a smart and eco-friendly approach! It’s incredible how a few updates can breathe new life into old pieces. Reupholstering dining chairs or sofas with fresh fabrics, or even just swapping out throw pillows, can dramatically change the look of your Senior Living community to reflect current design trends.
• Add locally inspired artwork and accessories to common areas. Thoughtfully chosen pieces, like framed photography of regional landmarks, not only elevate the design by adding texture and color, but also spark conversation, evoke memories, and offer a sense of connection, making the space more engaging and inviting for residents.

 5. Create Retreats Inside Resident Rooms

If your residents spend a lot of time in their rooms, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re as relaxing as possible. Whether that’s adding photos of family members or an extra-comfortable occasional chair, there are always ways to elevate the resident room.

If you’re in need of new case goods and the budget is tight, consider a collection that features cost-conscious thermolaminate, like the Maxwell Thomas® Williamsburg Collection. This collection features durable thermolaminate case goods that will stand up to the daily wear and tear in your community. Plus, this collection comes in a variety of finishes so you can create the look you want at the price point you need.

By focusing on thoughtful design, you can create a refreshed and functional environment that promotes comfort,  engagement and a sense of well-being for residents in your Senior Living community.