Best Home Styles for an Aging-in-Place Home Remodel

Is Your Home Right for an Aging-in-Place Home Remodel?

As more retirees are choosing to stay in the homes they love, aging in place has become a top priority in post-retirement planning.

Instead of choosing to move into an assisted living facility or downsizing into an unfamiliar place, many older couples are choosing to update their current homes so they can remain safe, comfortable, and independent for as long as possible. For homeowners entering this stage of life, the goals are clear. They are focusing on improved accessibility, enhanced safety, easier daily routines, and a home that will meet their needs now and into the future.

Some architectural styles naturally lend themselves to aging-in-place modifications, offering smoother transitions and more practical floor plans. Choosing the right home style, or understanding how your current one supports a remodel, can simplify the entire process, ensuring that your home continues to fit your needs.

Let’s explore the home styles best suited for an aging-in-place remodel and why the style of your home matters just as much as the renovations inside.

What Makes a Home Style Aging-Friendly?

When it comes to aging in place, your home’s layout is just as important as the updates you make. Certain architectural features make remodeling easier, more cost-effective, and ultimately more supportive of day-to-day living as your mobility needs change. While every home can be improved, some styles naturally offer the elements retirees depend on most.

One of the biggest advantages of an aging-friendly home is single-level living. Homes with all the major living spaces on one floor (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and laundry) eliminate the need for stairs and the dangers they can pose. Wide open floor plans can also play a key role by offering clear sight lines and plenty of room for mobility aids like a walker or wheelchair. Open layouts reduce tight corners and allow easy navigation throughout the home.

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Homes that already have minimal stairs, or allow simple modifications like ramps or stair lifts, make aging-friendly remodeling more achievable. Large, spacious bathrooms and kitchens are also essential elements as they create the flexibility needed for features like roll-in showers, grab bars, elevated toilets, accessible sinks, countertops, and appliances.

Another important consideration is the home’s potential for future remodeling. Even if certain modifications like a roll-in shower aren’t needed today, an adaptable layout can ensure that the home can evolve over time. Clear traffic patterns, good natural lighting, and open sight lines support safety and comfort, especially for retirees who may experience changes in vision and balance.

The most aging-in-place home styles share some common traits. These include flexibility, simplicity, and structural layouts that make accessibility improvements easier. These features not only support mobility and independence, but they also create a more convenient and enjoyable living environment.

The 5 Best Home Styles for an Aging-in-Place Remodel

Certain home styles naturally lend themselves to an aging-in-place remodel, making them more comfortable, practical, and cost-effective. While almost any home can be remodeled for accessibility, some architectural designs tend to feature mobility-friendly layouts, safer navigation, and simpler modifications. For older homeowners planning a project, understanding which home styles offer advantages can make all the difference in creating a space that supports independence, comfort, and quality of life.

Ranch Style Homes

Ranch homes are one of the most popular choices for aging in place due to their single-level layout, which removes the need to rely on stairs as mobility needs change. Their long open floor plans can make it easier to widen hallways and open living areas to ensure smooth movement throughout the home. Another advantage is how easily ranches can expand. Whether it’s adding a larger primary bathroom, creating a main floor laundry room, or even a suite for a future caregiver, ranch homes naturally support additions without major disruptions.

Craftsman Homes

Craftsman homes offer a practical foundation for aging-friendly remodeling. They feature wide entryways and covered porches, which create comfortable transitions from outside to inside. This is an important feature for older homeowners. Inside, flexible layouts make it easier to update kitchens, bathrooms, and main living areas with a focus on accessibility and mobility. With their warm, timeless aesthetic, Craftsman homes feel cozy and functional. This balance makes them ideal if you want comfort, charm, and long-term practicality under one roof!

Contemporary / Modern Style Homes

These home styles are naturally aging-friendly thanks to their typically open-concept designs. They support easy movement, reduce tripping hazards, and create wide, unobstructed pathways perfect for walkers or wheelchairs. Large windows and bright interiors enhance visibility, which is important for reducing fall risks. Their clean lines and minimalist style make it simple to incorporate universal design elements like zero-entry showers, floating vanities, or strategically placed grab bars. Because modern homes already embrace simplicity and function, remodeling for accessibility often blends seamlessly with the existing design aesthetic.

Bungalows

The bungalow style is another great option for retirees because most have single-story, or near single-level living. Their smaller size and clean layouts make them easy to navigate and adapt for mobility-friendly living. Entrances are often covered and thoughtfully designed to make adding ramps, widening doors, or creating step-free access easier. The style’s smaller footprint makes it manageable and cost-effective for remodeling. With less square footage, homeowners can focus their budget on high-impact improvements that enhance comfort and convenience while keeping maintenance easy.

Split-Level or Multi-Level Homes (with Modifications)

While they’re not aging-friendly in their original form, split-level or multi-level homes can work with the right upgrades. Stair lifts, home elevators, or reconfigured floor plans that create a main-floor primary suite can transform these styles into long-term living spaces. For retirees who have deep sentimental ties to their current home, these modifications offer a way to age in place without giving up the space and the memories. With thoughtful planning, even a multi-level home can provide the comfort, accessibility, and safety needed for aging in place.

Age-Friendly Remodeling Features for Any Home Style

No matter what type of home you live in, the right features can make aging in place safer, easier, and more comfortable. One of the most important upgrades is a zero-entry entrance, whether it’s a step-free doorway or a gently sloped ramp. This improves accessibility and reduces fall risks. Inside the house, widening doorways and hallways ensure smooth movement for wheelchairs and walkers.

Another major advantage for retirees planning to stay in their homes is a first-floor primary suite. Pairing the bedroom with an accessible bathroom with universal design features like grab bars, a roll-in or zero-entry shower, and lever-style faucets, reachable storage, and slip-resistant flooring supports independence and comfort. The same principle applies to the kitchen, where lower cabinets, pull-out shelving, and thoughtfully placed appliances make daily living more manageable.

Safety features like non-slip flooring throughout the home can reduce slips and falls, while enhanced lighting improves visibility in every room. Bright even lighting is especially important in hallways, entryways, stair-adjacent areas, and exterior spaces.

Finally, smart technology offers an added layer of convenience and peace of mind. Automated lighting (indoors and outdoors), video doorbells, smart thermostats, and voice-activated assistants like Alexa or Siri can simplify daily routines, boost safety, and enhance security. These features allow retirees to easily stay in control of their environment, supporting independence into the future.

Aging in place is most successful when the home itself supports comfort, safety, and independence. By choosing a home style and a remodeling strategy that aligns with your long-term needs, retirees can create a home that feels both practical and personal. Whether it’s a ranch, bungalow, craftsman, or modified multi-level home, the right design can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Working with a design-build professional, smart planning, and the right updates can keep homeowners living confidently in the home they love.

Are you planning a remodeling project? Let us help you create a new look and design perfect for aging-in-place! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Are you ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.