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.
1. Handle-free and push-to-open cabinetry
Handle-free cabinets in your home may look sleek, but they can be a pain (literally) if you struggle with mobility. (Photo via Getty Images)
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.
2. Ultra-deep lower cabinets without pull-outs
Hobb recommends pull-out drawers or lazy Susans to keep kitchen essentials in reach. (Photo via Getty Images)
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.
3. Floating staircases with minimal railings
Floating staircases are beautiful. Safe? Not so much. (Photo via Getty Images)
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.
4. Overly complex home automation systems
Smart home systems may promise convenience, but Hobb says there are drawbacks. (Photo via Getty Images)
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.
5. High-gloss flooring and surfaces
High-gloss flooring may look nice, but it can turn your home into a hazard. (Photo via Getty Images)
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.
6. Sunken living rooms and random steps
Sunken living rooms are coming back in a big way for 2025. But for aging homeowners, the hassle outweighs the style. (Photo via Getty Images)
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.
7. Bathrooms without grab bars or tub options
A walk-in shower may look sleek and stylish, but Hobb says a poorly-designed bathroom can cause major issues for aging residents. (Photo via Getty Images)
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.
The bottom line: Plan for your future self
“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.
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