Senior living homes
Bathroom Colour Palette for Senior living homes
Choose colour against the surfaces that will stay. Test it on a large sample at the room's brightest and darkest points.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- Collect samples of permanent finishes, upholstery and hardware before picking a paint or laminate.
- Compare
- Assign a background colour, one wayfinding or feature colour, and contrast where people need to distinguish edges.
- Before buying
- Check painted or laminated samples vertically beside the same light source the finished room will use.
Worked example
Imagine a person with reduced contrast perception struggling to distinguish a pale door edge from the surrounding wall in a familiar room.
Test stronger visual contrast at the door edge and key controls using large samples in the room's actual light. Confirm choices with the resident and any occupational or vision specialist involved in care.
How to test it
Compare the samples in daylight and artificial light, and check that handles and door edges remain easy to distinguish.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Keep entry, toilet and shower approach unobstructed; place frequently used items within seated or standing reach.
- Detail
- Choose visually distinct fittings and non-glare lighting; select appropriate support features with a qualified professional.
- Trade-off
- Additional support features can feel institutional if their placement ignores the room’s overall design.
- Review transfers and reach with the resident
- Check slip risks, lighting and water controls
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