As more of us begin thinking about ageing in place, the conversation about accessibility is changing. Ageing in place means staying in the homes we love for as long as possible. With this in mind, home adaptations are innovating so that they are less clinical. Modern home adaptations are both functional and beautifully designed. 

At Uplifts, we believe your home should support your lifestyle at every stage without compromising on style. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one, future-proofing your home is one of the smartest investments you can make. 

Why prepare your home for ageing in place?

A November 2024 report by the Older People’s Housing Taskforce emphasises that most older adults want to live in a home and community they know, and often wish they had adapted earlier rather than moved in a rush later. Doing this comfortably and safely means anticipating future mobility and accessibility needs before they become urgent.

Only 12% of homes in England are fully accessible according to a 2025 report by the Centre for Ageing Better, so chances are, most people will need to make some changes if they wish to remain in their home for years to come. Future-proofing your home not only offers peace of mind but can also enhance day to day living. Features like wider doorways, level flooring, and accessible bathrooms make life easier at any age, and can add long-term value to your property. 

When compared to the cost of private care homes, often ranging from £4,000 to £6,000 per month, making thoughtful home adaptations, such as installing an Uplift, can be a far more cost-effective and empowering investment. It allows you to maintain independence and comfort in your own home, without the emotional and financial strain of relocating later in life.

Benefits of early planning 

Making modifications to your home early, before any major health changes, can mean:

• Greater independence and confidence
• Reduced risk of injuries and falls
• More control over design choices and costs 
• Less disruption during retirement years
• Emotional security for families

Key design principles for an age-ready yet stylish home

Creating a home that will meet your accessibility needs as you age doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your own design aesthetic. The best age-friendly interiors follow universal design principles, which means making spaces usable to everyone, regardless of age or ability, whilst still looking modern and elegant. 

Here are some basic principles to think about:

• Ease of movement: You can achieve this by prioritising wide, clutter-free walkways, smooth thresholds, and open plan layouts.
• Lighting: Focus on extra lighting to enhance visibility and safety in key areas such as around stairs, hallways and bathrooms.
• Neutral tones and texture: Keeping the colour and texture pallets simple means accessibility features blend in and remain timeless for years to come. 
• Subtle safety features: Consider recessed handrails, integrated bench seating or ramps that blend in with the floor. 

Smart remodelling ideas  

Small changes can make a difference, and large upgrades can absolutely transform how you live in your space. Here are a few stylish home adaptations that deliver both functionality and chic design.

• Replace stairs with a homelift: Compact, quiet, and design-forward, homelifts are a game-changer for multi-level living. Uplifts’ homelifts are tailored to your space and décor, with safety and aesthetics in perfect balance. Explore how homelifts enhance safety. 
• Upgrade to lever-style door handles: These are easier to use than knobs and come in a variety of finishes like brushed brass or chrome. 
• Upgrade to a walk-in shower: Eliminate any thresholds to create a seamless entry and a spa-like experience. A walk-in shower doesn’t have to look clinical either; you can install chic grab bars and built-in seating, which blends into the design without standing out.
• Slip-resistant flooring: There are many stylish options for this, such as luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which offers the look of wood or stone with better grip, warmth, and durability.

Spotlight – stylish homelifts, by Uplifts. 

At Uplifts, we design homelifts that not only improve accessibility, they become a design feature in your home. Our lifts are:

• Space-efficient: Our homelifts can fit into most homes without compromising existing layouts.
• Quiet and smooth running: Our advanced engineering means our homelifts emit minimal noise and give passengers a smooth ride.
• Customisable: You can integrate your homelift into your existing home aesthetic by choosing between multiple colours and finishes. 

With an Uplifts homelift, the benefits are endless. Our homelifts were even featured in the Ideal Home Show 2025 and praised for combining accessible living with contemporary design. See what made us stand out. 

Want to explore how a homelift from Uplifts could elevate your home interior? Speak to one of our team today. 

Embrace the future with tech-forward integrations 

Advancements in technology are taking home adaptations to another level. Some of the most exciting smart features you could explore as part of making your home more accessible include: 

• Voice activated lights and appliances.
• Automation, such as heating, blinds and security controlled from an app.
• Discreet security features like motion sensing lights or doorbell cameras. 

Ready to age in style? 

Aging in place shouldn’t feel like a compromise. With the right design approach, your home can remain your place of comfort and safety for years to come, whilst still feeling like your home. 

At Uplifts we specialise in helping homeowners future-proof with flair. We can help with installing a homelift and discussing modern home accessibility features that compliment your aesthetic. 

Contact our team today to discover stylish homelift design ideas and to talk to our team about creating an age-proof home that still feels like yours.