“I believe some of the best design solutions are the ones people hardly notice.”
We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work.
Article content
As Canada’s population ages, interior designers will play an increasingly important role in meeting the needs of older adults who want to maintain their independence, safety and quality of life by proactively taking steps to future proof their homes and age in place.
Article content
In British Columbia, one in five people are currently over the age of 65, and the Office of the BC Seniors Advocate projects that within the next decade, that figure will rise to one in four.
Article content
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
This statistic is important in light of the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey released in early 2026, that shows more than 80 per cent of Canadians want to remain in their homes in their later years, but only 38 per cent have taken steps to do so.
Article content
Article content
Westcoast Homes
Article content
“Aging-in-place design is less about preparing for decline and more about preserving independence through beautiful, ergonomic environments that can flexibly support people across their stages of life,” says Lori Sutherland Burns, principal at Port Moody-based Studio Ten Interior Design.
Article content
Hannah Cheng, founder and principal interior designer at New Westminster-based CHY Design agrees.
Article content
“What draws me to aging-in-place design is the opportunity to create homes that are not only safe and comfortable, but also beautiful and welcoming. I believe some of the best design solutions are the ones people hardly notice. They quietly remove barriers, make everyday tasks easier and support independence without compromising the feeling of home,” says Cheng, who is certified in adaptive home renovation with an emphasis on aging-in-place design through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Burns says when discussing a custom home or a renovation, adaptable — or aging-in-place — design is always part of the conversation.
Article content
Read More
-
Interior design rules that can — and can’t — be broken
-
How to integrate all five senses at home
-
Advertisement 1
Story continues below
Article content
“We design beautiful homes that just happen to be adaptable,” she says, adding, “everybody deserves to live somewhere that’s super functional and beautiful.”
Article content
That early conversation with clients is exemplified in a recently completed project that included aging-in-place design throughout a home that won several awards in the 2026 Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) Awards for Housing Excellence.
Article content
Article content
“We knew this was going to be their forever home,” says Burns, adding the primary bedroom, en suite and closet are all on the main floor.
Article content
“All the doorways are accessible width so that if they ever needed a walker or a wheelchair, they wouldn’t have to make any modifications,” she says. All the showers are curbless and accessible width and the hallways are wide for the same reason.
Article content
In addition to her role at Studio Ten, Burns is program head for BCIT’s Diploma in Residential Interiors and a faculty member who teaches all levels of the Interior Design Degree program including Inclusive Environments, a design studio that focuses on designing an independent living/assisted living residence for ages 55-plus.
