Emily Henderson’s Senior Living Makeover: A Stylish Transformation for Fran Ferguson

A bright and welcoming bedroom with a large open window beside the bed, showcasing a comfortable and inviting senior living space.

If you’re a fan of interior design or have ever been captivated by shows on HGTV, you’re likely familiar with the incredibly talented Emily Henderson. Beyond her exceptional design skills, Emily is known for her humor and down-to-earth personality. We’re thrilled to share this month’s exclusive Makeover Tour, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a recent project where Emily transformed a room for Fran Ferguson, a resident at a Sunrise Senior Living center. This project is a testament to thoughtful design and the positive impact it can have on senior living spaces.

Continue reading to discover how Emily addressed the unique challenges of this room, including her valuable tips for creating a stylish and functional living space tailored for seniors. You’ll find inspiring ideas and practical advice for enhancing the comfort and aesthetics of senior living environments.

Fran Ferguson, a senior resident, leans against a window adorned with elegant white curtains in her newly designed, teal-painted room, exuding joy and contentment.

The Visionaries Behind the Transformation

Design Expert: Emily Henderson

Resident: Fran Ferguson

About Emily Henderson: A Design Star’s Journey

Emily Henderson, celebrated as the HGTV Design Star winner and host of “Secrets From A Stylist,” is an accomplished interior designer, stylist, and influential blogger. Her journey began in rural Oregon, leading her to New York City where she gained experience in various roles, including working for Jonathan Adler, before establishing herself as a successful photo stylist. Emily currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and their two feline companions.

For the past several years, Sunrise Senior Living has partnered with Emily Henderson to provide insightful tips and guidance on designing comfortable and engaging spaces for seniors. This collaboration reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors through thoughtful design principles. In a previous contest, Sunrise offered one lucky resident a complete suite redesign by Emily Henderson, creating a personalized and uplifting living environment.

A beautifully lit senior living space, emphasizing natural light and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents.

A cozy corner in a senior living residence, showcasing comfortable seating and thoughtful design elements that promote relaxation and well-being.

Meet Fran Ferguson: The Tech-Savvy Resident

Fran Ferguson, the deserving winner of the “Suite Style Contest,” is an 81-year-old technology enthusiast and self-proclaimed “Apple addict.” She serves as a valuable resource for fellow residents at Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, assisting them with email and online research. Despite being wheelchair-bound due to scoliosis, Fran remains active and engaged in the community. She was particularly delighted to have a dedicated space designed for her to create her signature “Franmade” greeting cards, which she lovingly shares with friends and family.

Fran was deeply impressed by Emily Henderson’s ability to incorporate memorabilia from her travels around the world with her late husband, a fighter pilot and U.S. Air Force General, creating a space filled with cherished memories.

Project Overview: Transforming a Senior Living Space

Location: Sunrise Senior Living, Washington D.C.

Objective: Makeover of Fran Ferguson’s living space.

Budget: $3000

A well-organized and inviting living space in a senior residence, featuring comfortable furnishings and personal touches that create a sense of home.

Inspiration and Vision Behind the Makeover

Can you share some insights into the inspiration behind this makeover?

“Fran was the primary inspiration for the entire project. She possesses remarkable taste, a keen sense of style, and a collection of beautiful Scandinavian mid-century pieces. Her appreciation for modern minimalism dates back to the 1950s, yet she also embraces color. My goal was to create a colorful and elegant space that reflected Fran’s unique style and personality, while also ensuring functionality and accessibility.”

A senior living room interior with bookshelves and a white table near a green window, designed to promote a sense of calm and well-being.

The Design Process: Evolution and Must-Haves

Did you have a clear vision from the start, or did the design evolve? What were some essential elements for this space?

“Our top priority was to ensure that Fran’s personality and taste were reflected in the design. This meant incorporating as many of her existing pieces as possible. Fran enjoys crafting and needed ample storage for her extensive collection of art supplies, so providing sufficient storage was crucial. Furthermore, considering Fran’s use of a wheelchair and her preference for a clean and minimal aesthetic, we aimed to maintain an open and accessible layout, which ultimately enhanced the space’s overall brightness and spaciousness.”

A group of individuals collaborating in a senior living room, surrounded by books and design materials, fostering a sense of community and creativity.

Two women reviewing design plans on a laptop, discussing paint color options and collaborating on the senior living makeover project.

Design Inspiration: Blending Styles

What were your primary sources of design inspiration?

“Fran had a solid understanding of her desired style and color preferences. Given the prominence of mid-century pieces in her collection, I drew inspiration from mid-century design while incorporating contemporary accents to create a fresh and updated look. This blend of classic and modern elements resulted in a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic.”

A bedside table in a senior living room with a lamp, providing a soft and comforting ambiance, contributing to a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Overcoming Challenges: Storage Solutions

Were there any setbacks or unexpected design dilemmas? How did you resolve them?

“The most significant challenge was incorporating the necessary storage without overwhelming the space. Fran possessed a wealth of art supplies and cherished family keepsakes. Recognizing the importance of these sentimental items, we sought to display some on the previously bare walls and stow others away in new storage pieces. This balanced approach allowed us to create a functional and visually appealing space that honored Fran’s personal belongings.”

Subtle and stylish design elements in a senior living home, creating an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally supportive.

The Big Reveal: Fran’s Reaction

How did Fran respond to the completed makeover?

“I couldn’t have asked for a more gracious, grateful, and genuinely sweet client than Fran. I truly admire her and aspire to have her as my own grandmother. Her excitement and complimentary nature made the project an absolute joy. Working with her was a delightful experience due to her sweet, funny, and outgoing personality.”

Senior citizens smiling, showcasing the joy and contentment that thoughtful design can bring to their living spaces.

Fran’s Favorite Aspects: Color and Boldness

What aspects of the makeover excited Fran the most? What surprised her?

“She absolutely adored the color palette and was thrilled that I embraced boldness. She specifically requested that particular hue and was ecstatic to reside in a space that reflected her vibrant personality.”

An eggshell blue living room in a senior residence, featuring comfortable chairs and a desk, designed to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

A Favorite Feature: Brightness and Comfort

What is your favorite new feature of this space?

“I particularly appreciate the space’s newfound brightness, airiness, and inviting ambiance. The addition of color, combined with white furniture and a more open layout, has transformed the space into a far more comfortable and enjoyable environment.”

Tufted chairs under bright windows in a senior living room, providing a comfortable and stylish seating area for residents to relax and socialize.

Tips for Senior Living Design

Can you provide tips for creating a comfortable, safe, and stylish living space for seniors?

“My primary tip is to listen attentively to your client. Older individuals possess a wealth of life experience and have witnessed trends come and go. They have a clear understanding of their preferences. Draw inspiration from their cherished possessions and favorite colors. To ensure safety, consider their mobility needs. In Fran’s case, this meant maintaining an open layout that allowed her to maneuver her wheelchair with ease.”

A young woman conversing with an elderly woman in a wheelchair, highlighting the importance of personalized care and attention in senior living environments.

Advice for Room Makeovers: Space Considerations

What advice would you offer to others embarking on their own room makeovers? What key considerations should they keep in mind?

“Remember to consider the possibilities and limitations of your space. Fran’s residence benefited from ample natural light, which I capitalized on by creating a bright and plant-filled environment. However, the space lacked sufficient room for a sofa or loveseat, so I opted for charming club chairs instead. When planning your layout, design for the space you have, not the space you desire. Designing a small space based on a design intended for a larger space will likely lead to disappointment.”

A bedside table with a plant and a lamp next to a bed, creating a soothing and comfortable environment for senior residents.

Emily’s Upcoming Projects: Exciting Endeavors

What exciting projects are on the horizon for you?

“I’m currently enthusiastic about Fig House, a large event space I’m designing in Los Angeles. I’m overseeing the design of everything from the dining hall to an outdoor patio featuring a hand-painted mural. Additionally, I’m collaborating with Joy Cho of Oh Joy! to design her new office, which promises to be as adorable as Joy herself. Though, perhaps that’s impossible!”

A woman standing in a well-organized office, surrounded by electronics, binders, and photos, showcasing a productive and inspiring workspace.

Thank you, Emily!

For more decorating tips, design inspiration, and stunning room makeovers, be sure to visit Emily’s blog.