5 min readRemember when turning 40 was associated with being “over the hill”? Thankfully, that antiquated way of thinking is long gone, especially when many of us in our 40s still look as if we’re in our 20s and 30s (thanks, LED masks and peptide everything!). Still, entering a new decade is a time of transition, one when our tastes, needs, and responsibilities are changing, and we’re finding more stability.
“People over 40 tend to stay in a home for longer than someone younger, so the items you bring into your home at this point in your life can have some level of permanence, and thus, impact on your daily life,” says Elizabeth Valkovics, founding principal of Batten Court Design. She adds that objects in our homes need to carry more meaning and purpose, communicating the stories we’ve collected throughout our lives. Ergonomics and safety can also start to become top of mind, meaning aging-in-place features become more prevalent, especially if you plan to spend several decades in your home.
“This is also the time when we might be in the so-called ‘sandwich generation,’ right in the middle of raising children and taking care of aging parents,” says Robyn Thomas, founder of Robyn Studios Architecture & Interiors. “By our 40s, we have lived most of the years when we will feel our strongest and most able to make key changes that enhance how we live. This is the time to reward ourselves with intentional, high-satisfaction choices for our homes while also preparing for what lies ahead.”
In other words? The idea of “quality over quantity” should rule our homes. Below, explore the curated features and items that should be included in any over-40 home.
Thoughtful Lighting
“Designing a room with flattering, layered lighting becomes more important as we age,” says Jennifer Jones, principal designer of Niche Interiors. “Adjustable, warm ambient light on dimmers lets you set the mood while staying easy on the eyes. Mix in shaded floor and table lamps at eye level, and steer clear of overhead lighting.”
Jones says that task lighting is also a non-negotiable. “Armchairs and reading nooks should always have their own task light, whether a floor lamp or wall sconce, so you're never straining your eyes to see the page,” she says.
Grab Bars
It’s easy to associate grab bars in showers and tubs with being much older, but they’re smart bathroom add-ons if you’re over 40. “Often thought of as an unnecessary eyesore, features like these make a huge difference as we age or possibly suffer a health setback,” Thomas says. “Aging in place is a reality that's best to plan for way before making a change is necessary,” and this is particularly essential to keep in mind if you’re in your “forever home.”
Also, remember that we’re in that “sandwich generation.” That might mean that a loved one who needs care moves in. “We may unexpectedly have to move in senior or disabled relatives,” Thomas says. “There are many stylish options out there that don't pull the design into looking like a hospital setting.”
A Quality Sofa
Valkovics says that if you’re over 40, you should consider purchasing a “quality, high-end sofa that is not too low profile and not too soft.” Thomas says that this sofa can include what she calls “premium relaxation features.”
“By our 40s, we are in the thick of it, juggling all the demands of taking care of ourselves and loved ones and earning as much as we can before retirement or an unexpected health challenge reduces our earning ability,” she says. “Our sofas need to support the full lives we lead. For the best experience, think key features like firmer cushions with a solid support system underneath, comfortable armrests, motorized or manual leg rests, and higher backs for head and neck support.”
A Colorful Palette
While neutrals tend to prevail in homes (we’re looking at you, millennial gray), Thomas argues that color is especially important for the over-40 set. “We may be leaning toward neutrals with future resale in mind,” she says. “But it's time to think now or never. You have worked too hard to be bland with the choices that will make the most impact in how your spaces feel. Do the royal blue cabinets. Wallpaper the ceiling. Go with the cherry red trim and wainscotting.”
A Library-Worthy Bookcase
If you’re over 40 and love to read, you’ve probably amassed a lot of favorite books over the years. That’s why it’s a good idea to implement a “library-worthy bookcase” in your home, as Thomas calls it.
“Studies show that taking a break from screens helps restore our ability to focus and deepen the restorative rest we need to recover from daily demands of this high-powered phase of life,” Thomas says. “Having a beautifully arranged personal library can be just the thing you need to build screen-free time into your routine.”
Lumbar Pillows
“Another must-have for comfortable lounging is lumbar pillows—low, wide pillows that are designed to support your lower back,” Jones says. “These are especially useful for deeper sofas or reading armchairs.”
Original Artwork
“Nothing signals a refined adult home like original artwork,” Jones says. “Generic, mass-produced pieces should stay behind in your 20s and 30s, making way for collected art that speaks to your individual taste. This could range from buying a piece from a gallery or from an emerging local artist or snagging a vintage painting at a flea market.”
Pull-Out Shelves
Thomas says that pull-out shelves or drawers for base cabinets can be a wise choice. “By this time, we are good and grown and done with bending down and reaching into the back of cabinets. If you’re planning a bath or kitchen renovation, why not have your installer price and include these options from the beginning? Even your existing shelves can be switched out with sliding ones.”
Materials That Last
If you want to live in your home for an extended period of time, it makes sense to go with materials that are in it for the long haul. Valkovic says that these can include solid timber, stone, and metal statement pieces “rather than cheaply-made particleboard or MDF pieces.”
An Ergonomic Desk Chair
Jones says, “In your 40s, an ergonomic desk chair becomes a necessity, not a luxury. The more adjustable, the better. Seat and armrest height, tilt, and lumbar support all matter.”
