Why refresh now? 

1. Family visits & holiday events – First impressions matter. Updated furniture transforms lobbies, dining rooms, and gathering areas into welcoming spaces for visitors.
2. Maximize your 2025 budget – Use remaining funds on high-impact updates before year-end. 
3. Start the new year strong – Quick refreshes create a positive tone for residents and staff heading into 2026. 

Room-by-room inspiration: Holiday-ready spaces

Tips for a holiday-ready lobby 

• Walk through your lobby as a guest would and identify the furniture that looks most worn or outdated and prioritize those updates. 
• Arrange seating into cozy, conversational clusters where families can comfortably connect. 
• Use accent tables or consoles to add both convenience and design interest. 
• Choose finishes and upholstery in warm neutrals or wood tones for a timeless, holiday-ready look. 
• Always balance design with accessibility, ensuring pathways and seating options support residents’ mobility needs. 

Dining spaces: Celebrate in style 

The dining room is the heart of holiday gatherings — and one of the most photographed spaces. A refreshed, inviting dining area creates lasting impressions. 

Quick-Ship solutions 

• Tables that work for every occasion: Round tables create intimacy, while rectangular setups support larger gatherings. Mixing formats allows your staff to flex the space depending on the event. 
• Chairs that combine comfort and durability: Upholstered chairs with easy-to-clean fabrics balance style with practicality, keeping residents and visitors comfortable during long meals. The Direct Supply® Quick-Ship dining program offers both wood and faux-wood metal dining chair frame options, putting the power of choice in your hands. You shouldn’t have to compromise on quality when ordering furniture on a tight timeline. 
• Finishes that fit the season: Warm-toned woods or sleek, neutral laminates provide a timeless backdrop that feels festive without requiring seasonal décor. 

Tips for dining updates

• Identify worn pieces: Start by replacing the furniture that shows the most wear — it will instantly elevate the room’s appearance. 
• Maximize flow: Arrange furniture to allow smooth traffic patterns for staff, residents, and visiting families. 
• Create gathering zones: Designate areas for small family meals and larger community events, using flexible furniture arrangements. 
• Don’t forget accessibility: Choose seating and tables that prioritize resident mobility, ensuring comfort and safety for all. 

Tips for walkway refreshes

• Think safety first: Ensure seating and tables are appropriately sized so they don’t block hallways or interfere with mobility equipment. 
• Add comfort where it counts: Place seating near elevators or at corridor intersections where residents naturally pause. 
• Create visual flow: Choose furniture finishes that coordinate with your lobby and dining areas, tying your design together from entry to elevator. 
• Update high-wear pieces: Replace worn benches or outdated chairs with Quick-Ship solutions that ship in 15–20 business days. 
• Blend style & functionality: Opt for senior-designed furniture that provides sturdy support while enhancing aesthetics. 

Artwork: Add personality and warmth 

Direct Supply offers a variety of Quick-Ship artwork options designed for senior living communities, making it easy to update walls before the holiday season. 

Quick-Ship solutions 

• Framed prints & photography: Timeless imagery in warm tones that complement Quick-Ship furniture finishes. 
• Coordinated collections: Curated sets of artwork to create cohesive design themes across lobbies, dining spaces, and corridors. 
• Durable materials: Senior living–grade framing and finishes designed for long-lasting beauty and easy maintenance. 
• Flexible sizing: Large-scale pieces to make a bold statement in lobbies, or smaller works to enhance walkways and elevator areas. 

Tips for artwork updates 

• Choose warm & inviting tones: Select artwork with rich, warm hues to subtly enhance the holiday atmosphere without feeling overly seasonal. 
• Think scale: In larger areas like lobbies, oversized art can serve as a focal point. In hallways, opt for a series of smaller pieces to guide residents and guests through the space. 
• Complement your furniture: Match artwork tones to Quick-Ship upholstery or finish selections for a polished, cohesive look. 
• Update high-visibility walls: Prioritize walls behind reception desks, in dining rooms, or adjacent to elevators where artwork gets the most views. 
• Keep it timeless: Select art that feels festive now but maintains appeal throughout the year, avoiding designs that feel tied to a single season. 

Your holiday refresh checklist 

• Focus on high-impact spaces – Start with lobbies, dining rooms, and walkways. 
• Replace worn pieces – Prioritize seating and tables most visible to families. 
• Layer in artwork – Add warm, inviting visuals to complete the look. 
• Keep finishes cohesive – Choose coordinating options across spaces. 
• Order early – Quick-Ship products typically ship in 15–20 business days, ensuring updates are in place before the first guest arrives. 

What is experiential design in senior living?

Experiential design in senior living goes beyond aesthetics. It focuses on how a space feels, how it flows and how it supports physical, emotional and cognitive health. It’s a strategic approach that:

• Encourages physical activity and cognitive stimulation
• Supports autonomy, comfort and daily routines
• Uses sensory cues — light, texture, sound and biophilia — to enhance well-being

For baby boomers, who expect more from retirement living, experiential design is a key differentiator.

Wellness design ideas for senior living communities in 2025

Today’s wellness spaces are immersive and multi-functional. They’re designed to engage body, mind and spirit — not just provide services.

Plan for holistic wellness

Use your community’s mission and resident needs to guide amenity choices:

• Independent living: Tai Chi, yoga or Pilates studios
• Memory care: Sensory rooms, art therapy or podiatry clinics
• Across the board: Natural light, air quality and acoustic design for comfort

Offer amenities that support active senior lifestyles

Design multi-use spaces that promote engagement, movement and enrichment:

• Game rooms and music studios
• Garden courtyards and greenhouses
• Tech lounges and libraries
• Meditation or mindfulness spaces

In-room wellness tip: Replace unused desks with personal fitness nooks to encourage daily movement.

Create sensory, interactive senior dining experiences

Dining is a core part of community life. Experiential design can elevate the experience:

• Resident-accessible kitchens allow seniors to participate in meal prep — blending, chopping and baking
• Outdoor dining areas connect residents with nature, improving mood and cognition

These features promote independence, connection and a sense of purpose.

Integrate smart wellness technology in senior living design

Forward-thinking communities are using technology to improve both care and quality of life:

• Connected health monitoring for safety and transparency
• Medication reminders and alerts for better adherence
• Smart lighting and climate controls for comfort and energy efficiency
• Robotics in dining and floor care to boost engagement and streamline operations

At Direct Supply^®, our Innovation & Technology Center is where we test these ideas to help communities stay ahead.

Why experiential design matters for the future of senior living

Done right, experiential design can transform your community’s identity and performance. It helps:

• Increase resident satisfaction and longevity
• Attract new, active older adults
• Differentiate your community in a competitive market

A senior living bistro is your community’s welcome mat

Create a space that works as hard as your team. With one set of equipment, your bistro can start the day as a cozy coffee bar and seamlessly transition into a wine bar or pub by evening. This adaptability maximizes your investment and keeps your community engaged.

Infuse personality with thoughtful design details. Rustic finishes like natural wood and brick add warmth and longevity, while evening themes — from sports décor to speakeasy style — invite gatherings. Use zoning strategies to define café, lounge, and bar areas. Pair flexible furniture with lighting shifts to guide residents and guests intuitively, from morning coffee to evening connections.

Key considerations when planning a senior living bistro in your community

1. Versatile layout and design

Design your bistro to adapt throughout the day. With one set of equipment, the space can transition from a cozy coffee bar in the morning to a wine bar or pub in the evening. This day-to-night flexibility maximizes your investment and increases engagement.

Infuse personality and visual interest with: 

• Pub atmosphere: Local sports décor or speakeasy themes invite evening gatherings. 

• Rustic touches: Natural materials like wood and brick bring warmth and longevity. 

• Consider zoning: Create distinct café, lounge, and bar areas with flexible furniture or lighting shifts. These subtle cues guide residents and guests to intuitively enjoy the space at different times of day — from morning coffee to evening gatherings. 

For inspiration, look to current senior dining trends or local landmarks to create a distinctive and inviting space.

2. Strategic location and accessibility

A bistro’s placement influences its success. Prioritize convenience and visibility to boost use and satisfaction:

• Outdoor connection: Position near patios or courtyards to encourage fresh-air dining and indoor-outdoor flow. 
• Central access: Locate near reception or staff hubs to simplify staffing, support residents with mobility challenges, and streamline service. 
• Community integration: Offer limited public access to nearby offices or medical campuses to generate ancillary revenue and reinforce your community as a neighborhood asset. 

3. Expand dining program flexibility with bistro equipment 

Modern bistro dining boosts your senior living foodservice with compact, efficient tools. Think beyond the kitchen:

• Ventless ovens and soup warmers allow for warm meals without full kitchen installs
• Grab-and-go refrigeration, POS systems, and menu boards improve service speed and convenience
• POS integration: Connect to your main kitchen’s point-of-sale system to offer made-to-order items without duplicating equipment.
• Digital menus: Electronic boards replace handwritten signs for effortless updates—perfect for weekly specials or themed events. 
• Barista-level coffee: Invest in high-quality machines or partner with a recognized brand to elevate the coffee experience and drive beverage revenue.

Balance variety and simplicity. A concise menu of three to five signature sandwiches, two soup options, and rotating pastries keeps costs manageable while satisfying diverse tastes.

4. Strengthen community ties and drive visibility

A bistro is more than a place to eat; it’s a hub for social programming. Encourage your life enrichment team to host: 

• Coffee chats: Themed discussions (current events, travel memories, creative writing) that foster connection. 

• Book clubs: Pair with light refreshments and comfortable seating for a relaxed literary setting. 

• Game nights: Card games, board games, or trivia nights encourage friendly competition and laughter. 

• Craft workshops: Small-group sessions such as cookie decorating, tasting flights, or wine-and-cheese pairings. 

These programs support both social and cognitive engagement, reinforcing resident well-being and enhancing the perceived value of your community. 

Case study: Foulk Living bistro remodel 

Foulk’s dining room before & after renovation

In 2024, Life Care Services partnered with Direct Supply Aptura to remodel the Foulk Living bistro in Wilmington, DE. The goal was to create a vibrant, multi-purpose lounge that aligned with LCS’s hospitality-focused vision. 

Changes made: Bold artwork, lively fabrics, and a modular layout allowed the space to shift from morning coffee shop to evening wine bar. A large bar with a big-screen TV now anchors the area for casual lunches, happy hours, and game nights. 

Results: The redesign of Foulk’s bistro earned a bronze American Society of Interior Design award in the specialty category. Resident satisfaction scores rose by 25 percent, and occupancy neared 100 percent within six months of opening. ³ Families returned more often, and staff reported higher morale thanks to the efficient, welcoming environment. 

Foulk’s bistro after renovation

Budgeting and ROI considerations 

When budgeting your bistro project, include costs for:

• Professional service fees and required permits (architects, engineers, designers)
• Equipment purchases or lease (coffee machines, ovens, display cases)
• Furniture, fixtures, and décor
• Technology (POS system, digital signage)
• Staff training and program development

Estimate a return on investment by projecting beverage and snack sales, catering for events, and potential public-access revenue. Most communities see payback on a modest bistro remodel within a reasonable timeframe, through increased occupancy and ancillary income. 

The bottom line

Bistros offer more than coffee. They create connections, boost resident satisfaction, and elevate your community’s marketability. When designed for adaptability, strategic placement, and efficient operations, they become high-impact spaces that support resident engagement, census growth, and positive brand reputation. 

Ready to transform your community? Contact Direct Supply’s senior living design experts today to plan a bistro that delivers lasting value, enhances daily life, and sets your community apart. 

Why art selection matters in senior living design 

• Enhances Well-Being: Familiar and visually supportive art reduces anxiety and supports mental orientation. 
• Drives Engagement: Resident-created art fosters a sense of pride and connection. 
• Improves Navigation: Wayfinding-friendly art helps residents feel more confident moving through the space. 
• Elevates Aesthetic Appeal: Bold, locally relevant pieces make your environment feel warm and personal. 

Download the eBook for More 

For more trends like this one, download the free ebook. Inside, Direct Supply’s design and construction experts walk through the top trends in Senior Living for 2025, including:

• Destination Living – Turning communities into vibrant retreats with hospitality-inspired design.
• Sustainability & Long-Term Efficiency – Designing for safety, health, and eco-conscious living.
• Authentic Living Spaces – Celebrating individuality, cultural heritage, and natural design elements.
• Wellness-Centric Design – Supporting wholistic health and well-being through thoughtful environments.
• Quiet Luxury – Blending refined aesthetics with versatile functionality.

Our Senior Living Experts

Transform Your Community with Resident-Centered Furniture Solutions

Looking to create spaces that stand out and make a meaningful impact? Download our Senior Living Furniture Guide for tailored insights into furniture designed specifically for senior living environments. Discover room-by-room solutions that not only enhance comfort, safety, and style but also meet the unique needs of your residents and staff.

This guide provides expert recommendations on high-durability, easy-to-clean pieces that bring together functionality and aesthetics. Plus, with options like supportive armrests and mobility-friendly casters, you’ll find choices that promote resident independence and streamline staff workflow. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your spaces and boost community appeal—download the guide today to start planning for a more engaging, efficient environment.

Top Senior Living Furniture in 2024

By The Yard Potting Table

Enhance gardening experiences in Senior Living communities with an innovative, portable, and wheelchair-accessible potting table. Thoughtfully designed for ease and convenience, it features handy holders on the top shelf and hooks along the side, keeping essential tools within easy reach. The large, removable bin for potting soil allows for simple cleaning, while the sliding tray above provides a comfortable space for potting plants. This versatile table also doubles as an entertainment station—just add a second bin for ice, and it becomes a great spot for beverages and salads during community gatherings. 

1. Assess and Plan ​

Start by evaluating your current furniture. Identify pieces that need replacing or refreshing, and consider how each piece fits within the overall design of the community. Make a list of what you need and prioritize based on importance and impact.

• The Skye Armchair is lightweight and crafted from highly weather-resistant N-Dura™ resin wicker for a classic and durable outdoor style. The chair’s wrought aluminum frame ensures stability and long-lasting beauty. This stackable armchair beautifully accessorizes a variety of wicker patio furniture sets.

3. Rethink Common Area Layouts to Create Conversational Areas

Rearrange furniture to create functional conversation zones whether by adding new furniture or repurposing existing ones. A simple shift can transform a room’s atmosphere. Take inspiration from the model created at Foulk Living as you consider new additions to your furniture:

• At Foulk Living in Wilmington, DE updated furniture designs, and a bistro helped rethink Senior Living with a focus on conversation and community gathering. “The residents love how bright the renovations make the community look. It’s much more homelike,” says Leslie Johnson, Executive Director, Foulk Living. “They love the colorful fun theme they went with. It matches our community’s vibe: ‘Foulk Living is Fun Living.’ The community is much more comfortable and elegant. Intimate conversation nooks created by small groupings of chairs and small tables helped create the sense of connection for residents and their families to gather.”
• Instead of adding single benches in corridors, consider two accent chairs and small table arrangement for impromptu and neighborly conversations. The Maxwell Thomas Edmonton Occasional Chair is a perfect scale and design to encourage those interactions. It’s modern styling and faux-wood metal frame offer superior durability.
• Decorative accent pieces also add a fresh look to an existing furniture grouping like The Maxwell Thomas® Bacolod Four Door Credenza. A credenza like this can be a true statement piece, designed to capture the eye and elevate any room. Offering both closed storage and ample surface for accessorizing, it’s placement can seamlessly unify a room.
• Transform your place with Savvy Spaces, our newest Common Area program that allows you to customize your favorite collections with a budget-friendly selection of fabrics and finishes, all in a simple 3-step process.

4. Paint a New Picture: Bring Your Common Area to Life With Photos and Artwork, Wall Colors and Refurbished Furnishings

Revitalize your Senior Living community with artwork and accessories to create a more vibrant and engaging environment. Consider these ideas:

• Upcycling is such a smart and eco-friendly approach! It’s incredible how a few updates can breathe new life into old pieces. Reupholstering dining chairs or sofas with fresh fabrics, or even just swapping out throw pillows, can dramatically change the look of your Senior Living community to reflect current design trends.
• Add locally inspired artwork and accessories to common areas. Thoughtfully chosen pieces, like framed photography of regional landmarks, not only elevate the design by adding texture and color, but also spark conversation, evoke memories, and offer a sense of connection, making the space more engaging and inviting for residents.

 5. Create Retreats Inside Resident Rooms

If your residents spend a lot of time in their rooms, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re as relaxing as possible. Whether that’s adding photos of family members or an extra-comfortable occasional chair, there are always ways to elevate the resident room.

If you’re in need of new case goods and the budget is tight, consider a collection that features cost-conscious thermolaminate, like the Maxwell Thomas® Williamsburg Collection. This collection features durable thermolaminate case goods that will stand up to the daily wear and tear in your community. Plus, this collection comes in a variety of finishes so you can create the look you want at the price point you need.

By focusing on thoughtful design, you can create a refreshed and functional environment that promotes comfort,  engagement and a sense of well-being for residents in your Senior Living community.

Challenge

Crestwood San Jose faced challenges with dated aesthetics, mismatched furniture and general wear-and-tear that affected functionality and ambiance of their space and did not align with the organization’s trauma informed and homelike environments. Crestwood sought to revitalize its space to promote a healing environment and improve quality of care.

Solution

Streamlined Procurement Process

Direct Supply implemented a streamlined procurement process that covered everything from product selection to the final installation touches, including debris removal. The process was designed to ensure that every detail was meticulously managed, aligning with the facility’s needs and budget constraints.

Revitalizing to Follow Trauma Informed Design

Crestwood has been revitalizing their facilities to follow trauma informed design. This involved creating homelike and healing environments. Laura Valdivia (Crestwood, Project Manager), selected Direct Supply as a partner to achieve their vision. Our team was able to help her find the right durable, commercial-grade furniture in soothing hues that would help Crestwood achieve their vision. This partnership resulted in a refreshed space that is conducive to healing and care, leveraging the practices of trauma informed design. 

After

Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades

The upgrade included aesthetic and functional enhancements to various areas within the facility:

• Revitalizing Office Spaces: Reconfigured workstations and selected contemporary FF&E to improve efficiency and aesthetics.
• Crafting a Tranquil Oasis in the Common Area: Introduced soft, plush seating and warm hues to create a comforting and inviting space.
• Enhancing the Training & Conference Room: Designed this space with adaptive furniture and intentional space planning to facilitate both training sessions and client programming.

After

Outcomes

• Enhanced Patient Experience: The renovation efforts led to the creation of a homelike, healing environment that significantly improves the patient experience.
• Improved Staff Efficiency: The reconfiguration of workspaces enabled staff to perform administrative tasks more effectively, allowing them to dedicate more time to patient care.
• Strengthened Partnership: Crestwood’s continued reliance on Direct Supply for their procurement needs underscores the strength of their partnership and the trust in Direct Supply’s ability to deliver.

Overall, the Crestwood team was very happy with the outcome that will benefit their patients for years.

After

Conclusion

Direct Supply’s intentional procurement solutions have significantly elevated the care environment at Crestwood, illustrating the profound impact of thoughtful and comprehensive procurement practices in healthcare settings. The partnership between Crestwood and Direct Supply continues to thrive, bringing hope and healing to the facility’s patients and staff.

Let Direct Supply help you modernize your space and bring hope and healing to your buildings, today!  🌟

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