Aging Well: 4 fascinating interior design trends

This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.

When The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, opens in Tysons in 2024, its modern apartment homes — some up to 3,300 square feet — will offer a great canvas for residents to decorate. With expansive views, open floor plans, and elegant fixtures, the homes are a dream for interior designers and those who love to refresh their décor.

Current design trends are fun and expansive, yet practical. Maximalism is bigger than ever, new textiles are a game-changer, retro is popular (again), and we all want a lighter environmental footprint. Here’s an overview of what’s hot in interior design:

1. Maximalism still going strong. While midcentury modern furniture is here to stay for a while, the maximalist trend of opulent, lush décor featuring layers of sumptuous textures has grown in popularity. Instead of clearing out a lot of your older pieces, the new trend seems to be, if it gives you joy, keep it — only make it bright, to bring happiness in!

Those who prefer minimalism can keep their pared-down décor, but have fun incorporating a bit of maximalism with a single grouping of small items on a mantel or side table, or a short wall devoted to an eclectic art collection.

2. High-performance fabrics changed everything. Manufacturers are creating upholstery and other fabrics that look like velvet and linen but can withstand a lot of wear and tear. So you can have a white sofa, for example, without worrying about how it will hold up. The variety is amazing — even faux-distressed fabrics — and you can layer them for that maximalist look. Unlike older manufactured fabric, these are soft and comfortable.

3. The 70s are back! Designers are having fun with 1970s colors and patterns. Current design is using a lot of retro earth tones, especially browns and golds, paired with deep blue, and geometric and basketweave patterns.

4. Reduce, reuse, recycle. A lighter environmental footprint is important to people today, so it’s “in” to use recycled and repurposed furniture. Rather than buying replacement furniture, hold onto pieces that are meaningful to you. You can use them as accents to your new decor. Think beyond painting — you can reupholster chairs or sofas, change out chair or table legs, and update hardware on drawers.

While these trends are fun and offer diverse options, keep in mind you are not obligated to follow any of them. Your home should be a reflection of who you are and what makes you happy.

The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.