Against Ageism
We have clients in their 80s who are still decorating. Our first reaction is “Why not?” Older clients are entitled to freshen up their homes and transform them into ideal living spaces. While we love the enthusiasm of young clients, expecially those building their first dream houses, we’re always excited to revisit our older clients’ homes. Maybe we decorated for them 30 years ago. Maybe they’ve sold on and are downsizing to a new place. Whatever the circumstances, we find our older clients are mature and know their tastes and preferences. They’re also great communicators when it comes to design loves and hates. They’re usually not tied to current trends, what their friends like, or things they’ve seen on Instagram.
We think that older clients might face difficulty with some designers, however. We see a lot of ageism in design, and it’s by no means just in our industry. It’s everywhere, e.g. at retail, where w’ve often heard clerks raising their voices and speaking slower because they’re assuming that older people can’t hear well or process ideas slower than younger people. Let’s see how ageism creeps into the design industry.
Widespread assumptions about “age-appropriate” aesthetics and functionality can lead designers to pigeonhole clients and limit creative solutions. Many of our older clients are wild about ultra-modern furniture and hate antiques, for instance.
Older adults are often treated as passive recipients rather than active collaborators, resulting in spaces that ignore mobility, sensory changes, or evolving lifestyle needs.
Ageism works at the more youthful end of the scale, too. Younger clients may face stereotyping: their preferences are sometimes dismissed as “flights of fancy” rather than valid expressions of identity.
Here’s why it matters and why IWI has taken a strong stance against ageism.
The 65+ population is growing rapidly and holds substantial wealth and decision-making power.
First-time homeowners deserve to have an enjoyable, smooth design experience with their first home. It’s important for them to be heard, feel comfortable, and learn about wise design choices from their design team. Positive experiences will help them develop relationships with designers that will continue from home to home.
Inclusive design increases longevity and adaptability of spaces, which clients value for resale, maintenance, and everyday usability.
Designing without age assumptions generates more creative, layered interiors that appeal across generations — very desirable in multi-generational homes.
Here are a few observations on how to fight back against ageism in design. If you’re an older or younger client, look for these touchstones of fair treatment.
Evidence-based listening: Design projects should begin with interviews and assessments that focus on abilities, routines, and aspirations — not age labels.
Universal design with style: Good design schemes should integrate accessibility, ergonomics, and sensory considerations into high-design outcomes so spaces are elegant and functional for everyone.
Customization over categorization: Rather than one-size-fits-all “senior” or “junior” solutions, a sensitive design experience should respect aesthetic preferences while addressing real needs.
At Irwin Weiner Interiors, we don’t let age-based assumptions limit our client projects. IWI incorporates age-inclusive practices across the design process, from client intake to final styling. Schedule a consultation with us — no matter what your age.