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How to Make a One-Bedroom Senior Apartment Stylish

A senior couple hang a picture.

Moving into a one-bedroom apartment in a senior living community is a big change in life, one that can open doors to new opportunities. That’s because downsizing and decluttering your living space can give you the freedom to enjoy the retirement lifestyle you want. And you don’t have to sacrifice style for the sake of functionality. At Atlantic Shores, you’ll discover that a well-designed apartment with a comfortable layout and beautiful finishes can feel more open and spacious than you’d expect.

This is your chance to design a living space that fits you perfectly and feels like home. Here, we share some tips to help you showcase your personality and unique style through décor:

1. Use art as inspiration

Choose a defining element that sets the tone for your apartment décor. It could be an oversized piece of wall art that provides a focal point and ties together other elements in the room. A large painting or textured wall hanging can make a space feel larger and provide inspiration for your color scheme.

2. Select furniture that fits the space

Choose furniture that’s proportionally appropriate for the space, and choose streamlined pieces of furniture instead of bulky ones. Take measurements of the furniture you plan to bring so you know exactly where they’ll fit, and mark up a floor plan of the room showing where each furniture item should go. Our Design Center at Atlantic Shores can help you compare different floor plans and layouts that match your style.

3. Maximize storage space

Hidden storage solutions can help create the illusion that you don’t have a lot of stuff by keeping it out of sight. Look for ottomans, end tables, and coffee tables with built-in storage compartments; reduce clutter in the bedroom with closet organizing systems for your clothes, shoes, and linens. Every apartment at Atlantic Shores comes with a storage unit at no additional charge — the perfect place for storing luggage, golf clubs, bicycles, seasonal/holiday décor, and more.

4. Set the mood with lighting

The right lighting can open up smaller spaces and add warmth to a room. Brighten up a one-bedroom apartment with layered lighting from lamps, pendant lighting and natural lighting. Add style and ambience with string lights and wall sconces.

5. Go vertical

Maximize your space by using the height of a room for practical purposes and visual appeal. For example, wall-mounted shelving and tall bookcases can free up floor space and maximize storage. Check out the open concept floor plans at Atlantic Shores with high ceilings, big windows, and balconies with scenic views.

6. Add a touch of green

Fresh flowers and houseplants add a burst of color and greenery that can lighten up a room. Taking care of plants can be a refreshing activity that helps you feel more connected to nature. And if you don’t have a green thumb, artificial flowers are a great option for adding more color to your apartment home.

7. Spruce up your patio/balcony area

If you have a patio or balcony, you’ll enjoy it even more when you customize the space for your needs. Create a relaxing space with a comfortable lounge chair and an end table with a built-in ice reservoir for beverages. Add planters filled with flowers for a pop of color, or get creative with a mini herb garden so you’ll never run out of fresh garnishes for cocktails.

7. Lean into the amenities

Downsizing to a smaller space is easier when you have convenient access to a host of amenities right outside your door. You can part ways with bulky items like exercise equipment, crafting tables, and toolboxes when you have everything you need right on campus — a fitness center, woodworking shop, arts and crafts studio, and more. At Atlantic Shores, we also offer comfortable guest suites for visitors, so you can focus on spending quality time with loved ones, without worrying about hosting guests in your apartment.

Explore Atlantic Shores

Your one-bedroom apartment is a gateway into an expansive lifestyle at Atlantic Shores, a retirement community in Virginia Beach on a 100+-acre campus. Discover the vibrant lifestyle waiting for you at Atlantic Shores when you choose from an array of independent living one-bedroom floor plans, including The Roanoke and The Thames.  Schedule a personal visit to meet with one of our senior living experts and see everything we have to offer at Atlantic Shores.