How fresh paint and good aesthetics improve mental health in aged care and retirement living

A fresh coat of paint and good aesthetics can make a place feel like it cares. Maintaining vibrant, updated interiors and exteriors is especially important in aged care and retirement living settings, where it can significantly impact mental health and wellbeing.

At Dukes, we’ve been transforming spaces in Sydney since 1958, with extensive experience in the aged care and retirement living sector. We take pride in enhancing these environments to promote comfort, dignity and a positive atmosphere.

As we age, activity levels decrease, so it’s no surprise that those living in retirement and aged care settings typically spend a significant amount of time indoors. This makes their living environment central to daily life and experience.

Well-maintained interiors show care, safety and respect. They enhance dignity and comfort. Fresh paint can reset the emotional tone of a space and foster pride and a sense of belonging. It often sparks positive conversation and connection among residents.

Dull, outdated or deteriorating environments can negatively affect mood and outlook. Spaces that feel neglected may contribute to feelings of isolation, especially for residents who are already feeling vulnerable or disconnected. Poor aesthetics can also reduce motivation and engagement.

Colour is a big talking point in retirement living, and at Dukes, we always consider colour psychology on these projects. Certain colours and tones can impact mood, orientation and emotional wellbeing. Soft greens and blues work well in common areas to evoke calmness and reduce anxiety, while earthy tones make spaces feel inviting and homely.

In memory support areas, contrast is essential for safety and accessibility. High-contrast colours help residents distinguish important features like doors, handrails and signage. Clear visual cues improve navigation, reduce confusion and enhance independence.

We avoid all-white walls because they can feel sterile and impersonal. Effective colour strategies find a balance of warmth, clarity and emotional comfort to promote familiarity, safety and a sense of connection.

The commercial painting industry is always evolving, and we have seen notable shifts in aged care and retirement living projects. There’s a growing preference for biophilic colour palettes, using nature-inspired tones like soft greens, greys and warm neutrals to reduce stress and create a more grounded, calming atmosphere.

Many facilities are incorporating colour zoning to define spaces and enhance wayfinding, using distinct tones in dining areas, lounges and corridors to support resident orientation. Creating a sense of familiarity and routine is particularly beneficial for residents with memory impairment. It also improves safety and accessibility by making key areas like entrances, exits and communal spaces more visually prominent.

Awareness of the importance of indoor air quality is growing in aged care and retirement living settings, where residents are more likely to have respiratory sensitivities or other health conditions. Low-VOC and non-toxic paints release fewer harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of irritation, allergies and respiratory issues. These paints also meet health and environmental standards, dry faster and produce less odour during application, making the experience more comfortable for residents and staff.

Progressive retirement living facilities are more frequently involving their residents in the colour selection process, even if just through small gestures like offering choices for communal areas or personalising private rooms. After all, those who spend most of their time within the walls are the best judges of what works best in such settings.

Engaging them in this process also promotes a sense of ownership, pride and emotional connection to their surroundings, which is so important during the golden years. Residents need to feel welcomed and that their space is personal, not clinical.
Feedback from residents can offer valuable insights that help facilities make informed aesthetic choices, and create spaces they and their peers will appreciate for years to come.

At Dukes, we specialise in commercial painting and remedial building repair for aged care facilities and retirement living communities. Our approach is always one of respect and consideration, with client wellbeing as our first priority.

We know that a fresh coat of paint and well-chosen aesthetics can make a world of difference for the mental health of seniors in these settings. It’s important that residents feel care and consideration have gone into creating a welcoming place for them to enjoy.

If you’re considering a commercial painting or remedial building repair project in retirement living and aged care, education, strata, commercial property or government and heritage, the team at Dukes will ensure it’s executed to precision for a high-quality and durable finish.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements.