My cute grandmother and nephew in my living room. She sits in this chair every time she visits because the shallow seat and sturdy arms make it easy to get into and out of.

Often, when my kids stumble upon something scary, they’ll often ask with wide eyes, “Are we going to die?” My husband, ever the realist, replies with a smile, “Well, of course! Everyone does eventually.”

While he’s not wrong, that eventuality seems to be stretching out further and further these days. Thanks to healthier lifestyles and medical advancements, life expectancy in the U.S. has jumped from just 62 years in the 1930s to nearly 80 years today. And with that rise, over 117 million Americans are now over 50, a number expected to soar to 132 million by 2030.

This growing population is increasingly focused on aging in place. We’re seeing it firsthand with many of our clients—whether they’re in their 60s and building their forever homes or younger families thinking ahead to make spaces more accommodating for their aging parents. It’s all about crafting environments that feel just as welcoming in their golden years as they do today.

Here are some insights we’ve gathered over the years on designing homes that gracefully support aging in place:

Aging in Place Tip 1: Skip the Freestanding Tub

While freestanding tubs like the one above are beautiful, they aren't ideal for aging in place.

There’s a reason free-standing tubs have been all the rage for the past five years — they are absolutely beautiful. Stick one in front of a window with a chandelier about it and, hubba hubba, we’re all drooling.

Unfortunately, once you have one, you realize they can be pretty tricky to get into and out of. Since the edge of the tub is so narrow, you’re unable to sit on the lip while getting in and out. Instead you have to be able to lift your leg the 24-27” over the edge. Add water and slippery tile to the mix and this can be a major fall hazard. Especially if your knees or hips aren’t what they used to be.

For client’s hoping to age in place, we’ve been opting for built-in tubs. These are much easer to get in and out of — and can still be beautiful. Here’s a rendering for a bathroom we’re working on right where the client opted for a built-in rather than freestanding tub.

An example of a built-in tub, which is a great choice for a home geared toward aging in place.

Aging in Place Tip 2: Add an Elevator

While adding an elevator to your construction plans may seem like a major budget item (with an all-in cost ranging from $40K to $50K), it’s one of those investments that can completely transform your home—especially when thinking about aging in place. Whether you’re recovering from knee replacement surgery, dealing with a troublesome hip, or welcoming parents who have mobility limitations, having an elevator makes all the difference. In fact, three of our last four new construction projects in Texas have included elevators, which speaks volumes about their growing popularity and practicality.

Residential elevator technology has made tremendous strides over the years. Today’s models are not only reliable and convenient but can also blend seamlessly into your home’s design. We love how these elevators can be tucked discreetly behind a standard interior door, making them feel like a natural extension of your space rather than an obvious "accessibility feature."

But here at Lark Interiors, we’re never ones to miss an opportunity for a design moment! Elevators are a great place to add a touch of personality, and one of our favorite tricks is to wallpaper the elevator car’s interior. It’s an unexpected spot to bring in a bold pattern or soft texture, turning what could be a purely functional space into something that adds a bit of charm and character. We did exactly that in one of our recent projects, where we chose a stunning wallpaper that transformed the elevator into a little jewel box tucked away in the home.

So while it may seem like a big-ticket item upfront, an elevator is more than just a convenience—it's a smart, future-proof investment in the way we live today and for decades to come. Plus, when it's wrapped in a gorgeous design? Total game changer.

Aging in Place Tip 3: Add Grab Bars in Bathrooms

This is the simplest and least expensive change you can make to your home to make it aging-friendly. And grab bars have come a long way. You’re not longer stuck with the stainless steel, makes-it-feel-like-hospital variety. Here are a few we’ve used recently that win for both style and function.

This polished nickel grab bar from Rejuvenation also comes in a pretty antique brass!

A less expensive option, this brass grab bar from Pottery Barn is contract-rated, meaning it will hold up beautifully.

Aging in Place Tip 4: Opt for Narrower Sofas

As the owner of an interior design firm in Texas, I’ve definitely heard the phrase “things are bigger in Texas.” But bigger isn’t always better. While Restoration Hardware has tried to brainwash everyone into thinking that a deeper sofa is “luxe” or better, we find that the opposite is true, especially when it comes to aging in place. Being able to sit with your feet on the floor allows you to be able to get in and out of a sofa easier. As a result, in a home focused on aging in place, we recommend a sofa that is 36” to 38” deep, at the most.

This gray sofa, used by our Texas Interior Design Firm, is 36” d, a perfect choice for a home where aging in place is the goal.

Aging in Place Tip 5: Choose Non-Slip Flooring Surfaces

My mom and I joke that the rule of thumb for getting old is “do not fall!” So as beautiful as that polished marble tile might be that you’re considering for your Texas bathroom floor, it is a terrible product for bathroom flooring. No one wants to take a tumble getting out of the shower.

Many tile manufacturers are including non-slip or extra-grip surfaces in their product lines. These are fantastic for homes where aging in place is the goal (and, frankly, even where it isn’t! I don’t like to fall either!) Here’s a great option from Bedrosians, which has a location in both Dallas and Fort Worth, which has the look of limestone, but is anti-slip rated!

Limestone look-alike tile that is anti-slip rated, a great bathroom floor tile for aging in place.

We could go on and on with other tips (doorways should be 32” w to accomodate a wheelchair, be sure your shower is curbless etc.) But the main point is, we should all be thinking about this a LOT more. As someone who just celebrated her 22 wedding anniversary, I know it’s time for me to start thinking about this in my own home.