6 Renovation Decisions You May Regret When You're Older

A modern kitchen sink setup with a double bowl and a view out of a window featuring cabinetry and kitchen appliances — Credit:
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Renovating your home is the perfect opportunity to customize your space so it feels both beautiful and personal—but it should also support you for years to come. Design choices that prioritize style alone can overlook how your needs may change over time, especially regarding safety, comfort, and ease of movement.

If you're planning a renovation, consider these expert insights first. We asked interior designers Tamara Hubinsky, founder of Tamara Hubinsky Interiors, and Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, to share the renovation decisions they caution against, from slippery flooring to poorly placed lighting. These common missteps can affect how well your home functions over time—and how comfortably you can live in it.

Tamara Hubinsky, interior designer and founder of Tamara Hubinsky Interiors
Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Accessibility

Renovating your home is a significant investment in both time and money. Prioritizing aesthetics over long-term accessibility is a choice that designers say often leads to regret. Features like open shelving or the elimination of upper cabinetry may look beautiful, but they can prove impractical in daily life due to limited storage space.

"I recommend focusing on 'invisible functionality'—wider doorways, curbless showers, layered lighting, and integrated storage that minimizes reaching or bending," Kelly says. "Lever-style hardware, durable non-slip flooring, and thoughtful task lighting all support longevity without compromising design."

Choosing a Deep Soaking Tub Over a Walk-In Shower

Modern bathroom with a freestanding tub marble floors and walls large window and countertop vase with flowers — Vostok / Getty Images

The bathroom is one of the most important areas to prioritize when thinking about aging. "I would strongly advise against eliminating a dedicated shower in favor of a tub-only bathroom," Kelly says. "Instead, prioritize a well-designed walk-in shower with a bench and handheld fixture—it’s a timeless, functional solution that supports both comfort and independence over time."

Thoughtful details can elevate both style and usability. Curbless showers with linear drains offer a spa-like feel while improving accessibility, and drawer-based kitchen storage combines elegance with ease of use, Kelly explains.

"With a shower as part of the renovation plan, we can usually design a generous shower space in the same footprint as a bathtub, providing opportunities for spa-like details that are also functional as we age," Hubinsky adds. Features such as a built-in bench, storage niches at varying heights, multiple shower outlets—including a handheld option—grab bars, layered lighting, and a no-threshold entry all enhance both comfort and accessibility over time.

Designing With Tight Clearances

Tight clearance spaces may seem like a minor inconvenience during a renovation, but they can become both frustrating and unsafe over time. Narrow hallways, doorways, and kitchen work zones need adequate space to prevent people from bumping into one another as they move through the home.

This design choice can also limit the ability to create an open-concept living and dining area—an important feature for staying connected as you age. "Having some elements of open plan living facilitates our interaction with others," Hubinsky says.

Incorporating Excessive Level Changes

A modern living room with a centered television mounted on a stone wall surrounded by sofas and a view of greenery outside — BongkarnThanyakij / Getty Images

Sunken living rooms and raised platforms require extra level changes—often in the form of stairs—to access them, Kelly says. While these features can add visual interest, they become less practical over time. Common areas like living and dining rooms should remain easy to reach, so you can comfortably gather with friends and family as you age.

Skipping Ambient Lighting and Strategically Placed Outlets

As we age, vision often weakens, making proper lighting more important than ever. Well-planned lighting helps prevent trips and falls, and makes everyday tasks like reading easier, Kelly says. "A reliance on floor lamps without well-placed electrical outlets adds one more trip and fall hazard," she adds.

Make sure each room has ample outlets, including floor outlets for easier access. This often-overlooked detail can have a lasting impact on both safety and function. When working with a designer, plan for plenty of outlets throughout the space, so future furniture layout changes will not limit your lighting options.

Polished, Large-Scale Stone Flooring

Tiled floor near an open front door with sunlight reflecting on the tiles and a few leaves scattered inside — Steve Cicero / Getty Images

Polished natural stone floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can quickly become a slip hazard, Kelly says. These surfaces become especially slick in areas prone to moisture or condensation, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

While stone flooring offers timeless appeal, consider using it more selectively to reduce the risk of slips now and in the future. Incorporating it as an accent, rather than installing full slabs throughout a space, can strike a thoughtful balance between style and safety. When working with a designer or stone flooring supplier, be sure to ask specific questions about slip resistance and finish options to ensure a safer result.