As an interior designer, Lisa Cini knows how to make a house feel like a home. In her mind, Lisa transforms space into a modern sanctuary for people who plan to age in place. For over 20 years, Lisa’s been designing the interiors of long-term care centers, helping the aging population feel at home in a place that may lack character or warmth.

Her mindset in her latest project was simple: taking it as it goes. Lisa revitalized a condo in her hometown of Columbus OH, transforming an outdated layout into an aging in place dream. She wanted to design the place with her signature L.O.V.E. method- (L- light, O- optimize, V- visual, E- ease).

(The den, before and after)

It’s a simple idea: go through the house and see what works and what doesn’t. By utilizing a universal design for ease of moving through the space, Lisa removed unnecessary blockages to rooms, truly transforming the space with an older person in mind. In regards to the bedroom, Lisa knocked out the wall and put in a sliding door and backlight, making it easier than ever to find the restroom when waking in the night.

(The bedroom, before and after)

When she designs, Lisa’s goal is to create “soul space”. You’ve experienced it before, maybe when you settle into your favorite chair, or walk into a room that makes your entire body ease. When a space soothes your soul, you can be your best you. Designing the living room with “L.O.V.E” was an easy task for Lisa. With tons of natural light, greenery from the plants and earth tones, settling into the space would be easy- whether it’s relaxing on a lazy Sunday, or entertaining guests.

(The living room, before and after)

In all cultures, the kitchen is central to making a house a home. The kitchen is where people congregate by eating and making food, laughing and making memories. Before- the kitchen was sectioned off, leaving less opportunities to entertain while cooking, and creating an extra step to enter and exit the area. By demolishing the wall, Lisa opened up the kitchen to get light from the windows and created more space within. The wider floor plan makes it easier to walk through the kitchen with a walker or other assistive devices.

When we think of all of the technology available, we mostly associate it with a younger crowd, when in reality, this technology makes life much easier for people who might not be as agile as before. Utilizing this technology is essential in making day to day responsibilities easier. The condo is fitted with many assistive technologies, such as a Nest door lock which can work as a camera and intercom, and Google Home personal assistant which can tell the weather and play music at the drop of a hat. Also included in the bathroom is a bidet, which can remove the need for an assistant to help with going to the bathroom and night lights, which can help protect from falls and other accidents.

(The patio, before and after)

Thinking creatively when designing your forever home is essential, especially if you’re planning on spending your later life there. When making decisions, ask yourself- will this benefit me in 5,10,15 years? As Lisa says, when you decrease choices, you increase independence. 

Lisa Cini is an award-winning senior living designer, President / CEO, Mosaic Design Studio and author of The Future is Here: Senior Living Re-imagined, and Hive, which describes her family’s four generations living under the same roof in her own home. Lisa’s web site BestLivingTech.com offers tech products that help seniors embrace aging and live independently.