Kinnarps sets new standard for future residential care facilities

The physical environment plays a critical role in people’s well-being and quality of life, especially in healthcare environments. Research clearly shows that well-designed environments and thoughtful interior design solutions can improve health outcomes, reduce stress, lower anxiety, and foster a dignified and independent life. Despite this, interior design has often been considered too late in the planning of new residential care facilities, and many decisions have been based on norms from the 1980s—far removed from the latest research and insights on individual-centered care and well-being.

However, Kinnarps sees a positive shift as more municipalities now recognize the importance of prioritizing thoughtful interior design solutions early in the planning process. This not only enhances the municipality’s attractiveness as a workplace and place to live, but also strengthens its brand.

A new standard with the individual at the center

Kinnarps’ vision for future healthcare environments is based on a holistic approach, tailoring each space to the specific needs of the organisation. “Through our unique needs analysis, Next Care®, we gather data and insights to ensure that the right decisions are made from the outset. This is about more than just furniture—we create environments that support all aspects of life in a residential care facility, from residents’ well-being and safety to staff’s working conditions and family inclusion,” says Tove Nöjd, Workplace Strategist at Kinnarps.

Future residential care facilities require flexible and sustainable interior design solutions that combine functionality, hygiene, and ergonomics with aesthetics, safety, and dignity. Colours and contrasts help create a safe, inclusive environment where residents can easily navigate and feel engaged. Furniture with natural, tactile materials and soft forms contributes to a homelike, welcoming atmosphere. These solutions not only enable residents to live as independently as possible but also support and relieve staff, enhancing wellbeing, harmony, and job satisfaction.

Sustainability as a guiding principle

For Kinnarps, sustainability means long-term investments that add value over time. “The right interior design solutions not only reduce wear and the need for constant updates, but they also contribute to better health and reduced stress for both residents and staff, which ultimately lowers healthcare costs and reduces sickness absence. Our ambition is to increase awareness of the health-economic benefits and total cost efficiency of these environments, rather than focusing on short-term cost savings,” says Johan Franzén, care segment responsible at Kinnarps.

Real examples

To illustrate the new standard, concrete examples of interior design solutions are featured in Kinnarps’ magazine, Care Solution. During the Elderly Care Days at Stockholmsmässan on October 3-4, Kinnarps and its subsidiary, NC Nordic Care, showcased these unique environments. On November 20-21, Kinnarps will present at Ability Partners’ conference, Future residential care facilities. By collaborating with researchers and interdisciplinary working groups composed of experts from various sectors, Kinnarps has created environments that not only meet the highest standards of functionality and hygiene but also contribute to a more dignified and inclusive life for residents.

The residential care facilities of the future must be more than just places for care—they should be homes where people can live with dignity and independence. Kinnarps is committed to leading this development and ensuring that all individuals have access to environments that support their well-being, even during life’s most sensitive phases.

About Kinnarps

Kinnarps is one of Europe’s leading providers of interior solutions and workplace design for offices, education, and healthcare. Their portfolio includes their own product brands: Kinnarps, Drabert, MartinStoll, Materia, Skandiform, and NC Nordic Care, with extensive in-house production. The offerings also include collaborations with complementary brands. Kinnarps’ interior solutions are characterized by high quality, innovative design, low environmental impact, and long life cycles. The company has been family-owned since its founding in 1942, with production in Sweden and operations in over 40 countries.

For more information
PR Contact
Kristina Hjalmarsson
Phone: +46 515 382 87
Email: kristina.hjalmarsson@kinnarps.se

Workplace Strategist, Healthcare
Tove Nöjd
Phone: +46 515 383 70
Email: tove.nojd@kinnarps.se