Guest Author: Krystle, FHG Project Consultant

If you’re managing a retirement village, chances are you’re juggling resident needs, facilities upkeep, staffing, compliance, budgets—and somewhere in there, you’re also expected to make furniture and fabric decisions that tick all the right boxes.

Sound familiar?

As a Project Consultant at FHG, I’ve worked with many village managers across Australia who feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing furnishings. The endless samples, colourways, durability concerns, and timelines can quickly turn what should be an exciting part of the project into yet another task on an overloaded to-do list.

That’s where we come in. Our goal is to take the stress out of the furniture selection process—while still giving you confidence that the end result will look great, perform well, and suit your residents.

Here’s how we help manage decision fatigue—plus a peek at one of the most exciting new fabric collections we’ve seen in a while.

1. We Curate, So You Don’t Have To

One of the biggest challenges I hear from retirement village managers is this:
“There are just too many options. I don’t have time to sift through them all.”

And I get it. Walking into a showroom or flipping through fabric books can quickly feel overwhelming—especially when you’ve got other responsibilities pulling your attention. The pressure to get the colours just right, to make sure it doesn’t date too quickly, or to avoid finishes that show every mark… it all adds up.

That’s why we take on the heavy lifting when it comes to curation.

Rather than expecting you to wade through dozens of samples, I work with you to get a clear understanding of:

• Your design goals (Do you want a sense of calm? A pop of personality? Something timeless?)

• Your resident demographic (Is your community more independent living or care-based?)

• Your functional requirements (Do you need waterproof? Flame retardant? High rub count?)

• Your existing palette or finishes (Are we matching timber tones, flooring, or cabinetry?)

Once I have that information, I’ll create a refined shortlist of finishes, fabrics, and furniture options that are aligned with your needs. Often it’s just three to five well-suited combinations—not fifty.

This curated approach helps:

• Eliminate decision fatigue

• Speed up the selection process

• Give you confidence that what you’re choosing is practical and beautiful

• Make it easier to present options to your internal stakeholders or boards for approval

It also means we’re not just guessing. Every recommendation is intentional and backed by experience from real, working aged care and retirement projects we’ve delivered across Australia.

I recently helped a village manager in regional NSW who was redesigning a community lounge. She didn’t want it to feel clinical, but she was nervous about selecting patterned fabrics. I introduced her to the Florence Broadhurst Parkland Collection, focusing on the softer colourways and subtle botanicals. We paired it with warm timbers and textured neutrals, and within minutes she could visualise the full space coming together—with far less stress than she expected.

That’s the beauty of curation: you get the result without the overwhelm.

2. We Guide You with Visuals and Real Projects (So You Don’t Have to Rely on Guesswork)

One of the most common things I hear from village managers is:
“I just can’t picture how it’s all going to come together.”

And that’s completely understandable. When you’re flipping through fabric swatches the size of a coaster and trying to imagine them on a full-size armchair in a light-filled lounge, it’s easy to feel uncertain. That’s why we lean heavily on visual storytelling to support your decisions.

Here’s how we do it:

We Bring Real Samples to Your Site

We know there’s no substitute for touching and seeing materials in person—especially when you’re trying to evaluate tone, texture, and practicality. I’ll bring a curated selection of physical samples (fabrics, polishes, finishes) to your village so you can view them in your space, under your lighting, and alongside existing elements like wall colours or flooring.

We Show You Completed Projects

We have a large portfolio of recent fit-outs we’ve completed across aged care, retirement living and healthcare settings. These aren’t just product brochures—they’re real-world examples of how our fabric and furniture combinations come to life.

You’ll see how other managers have solved similar design challenges, whether it’s:

• Making a dining space feel more homely

• Updating a reception area with long-lasting materials

• Creating calm and comfortable lounges for residents and families to gather

We Create Moodboards and Layout Suggestions

For larger projects, we can develop moodboards or concept presentations that combine fabric choices with furniture styles, colour palettes, and layout ideas. This helps everyone—from internal stakeholders to resident committees—visualise the overall look and feel of the proposed design.

We Talk You Through the ‘Why’

It’s not just about showing you pretty pictures. I’ll explain why a particular fabric works well in a lounge area, or how a certain chair design offers better support for residents. That way, your decisions are grounded in real-world functionality—not just aesthetics.

3. We Recommend Fabrics That Do More Than Look Good

When it comes to choosing fabrics for retirement living, visual appeal is only part of the story. Of course, we all want spaces that feel warm, welcoming and thoughtfully designed—but in environments like yours, fabric also needs to perform.

That’s why we only recommend upholstery fabrics that are built for the demands of communal living. Think: high-traffic areas, frequent cleaning, sun exposure, and the everyday wear and tear that comes with resident life.

Here’s what we prioritise when making recommendations:

Durability

We look for fabrics that are rated for commercial use, meaning they’ve been tested for rub resistance and tensile strength. This ensures your furniture continues to look fresh long after installation—no pilling, fraying, or early replacements.

Cleanability

Spills happen. Whether it’s a cup of tea, a biscuit, or a resident using a mobility aid, your furniture is bound to get a workout. We suggest fabrics with easy-clean finishes or stain-resistant technology, which helps your team maintain hygiene without the hassle.

Compliance

We ensure fabrics meet the relevant fire retardancy and health care standards required in Australian aged care and retirement settings. That way, you’re not just choosing what looks nice—you’re covered from a compliance and safety perspective too.

Tactile Comfort

Equally important is how the fabric feels. We avoid anything scratchy or too stiff—especially in lounges or dining chairs that residents will use for long periods. Soft textures and gentle weaves create a much more homely experience and contribute to resident comfort and dignity.

Spotlight on the Florence Broadhurst Parkland Collection

This is why I’m genuinely excited about the Florence Broadhurst Parkland Collection from Materialised. It’s not just beautiful—it ticks all the boxes above.

• The patterns are inspired by Australian and Japanese botanicals, giving each design a story and a sense of place.

• The colour palette leans into rich, layered hues and calming tones—perfect for creating tranquil community spaces and resident rooms.

• And because Materialised engineered this range specifically for healthcare and aged care environments, you get both design impact and technical performance.

The result? A space that looks incredible and stands up to daily life in your village.

4. We Offer a Structured, Step-by-Step Process

When you’re managing a retirement community, predictability and reliability aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential. You need to know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and who’s accountable at every stage. That’s exactly why our process is built to be clear, collaborative, and stress-free from start to finish.

Here’s how we make that happen:

Step 1: The Initial Consultation – We Listen First

We begin every project by getting to know you — not just your floorplan. Whether you’re upgrading a dining space, refreshing resident lounges, or planning new villas, we take the time to understand your goals, your timelines, and your operational needs.

We’ll chat about:

• Resident demographics and preferences

• Traffic flow and functional requirements

• Existing colour schemes and finishes

• Cleaning and maintenance expectations

• Your budget and approval process

This first conversation gives us the foundation to make meaningful, practical recommendations.

Step 2: Fabric and Finish Recommendations – Curated for Your Needs

This is where the fun begins — but without the overwhelm.

Rather than presenting you with dozens of catalogues, we bring you a carefully curated selection of fabric options, timber stains, and finish samples that are suited to your space, aesthetic, and performance requirements.

For example, if you’re looking for calming, nature-inspired patterns that still feel luxurious and modern, we might introduce something like the new Florence Broadhurst Parkland Collection. These kinds of fabrics offer both emotional warmth and commercial-grade durability.

Step 3: Design Approvals – Visualise With Confidence

Once you’ve had a chance to review the samples, we help you visualise how it all comes together.

We’ll provide:

• Product mockups or photos of similar completed spaces

• Fabric and timber samples in-person, so you can see them in the actual light of your space

• Honest advice if something isn’t quite right

We know you often have to get internal approvals — so we also help you prepare presentations or selection boards if needed.

Step 4: Manufacturing and Installation – On Time, Made in Brisbane

Once the designs are approved, we handle the rest.

Your furniture is custom-made right here in our Brisbane factory, ensuring quality control and quicker turnaround times. We coordinate all manufacturing and installation timelines to suit your operational needs — including working around resident schedules or staged refurbishments.

Our team works closely with your site staff or facility managers to ensure everything runs smoothly during delivery and placement.

Step 5: Aftercare Support – We’re Still Here When the Project Ends

Even after the furniture is installed, our relationship doesn’t end. We check in to make sure everything meets expectations, and we’re always available if you need a product variation down the line — whether it’s an extra chair for a growing dining area or recovering a high-use lounge.

We also offer advice on maintenance, fabric care, and any future updates you might be considering.

The bottom line?

Our structured process means fewer surprises, clearer decisions, and a project that moves forward smoothly—without adding more to your already-full plate.

5. We Know It’s About More Than Just the Furniture

When it comes to retirement living, furniture isn’t just about style—it’s about creating spaces that enhance the wellbeing of your residents. Every piece we select is designed with comfort, accessibility, and community in mind.

Comfort and Functionality

The right furniture supports physical wellbeing. For example, our fabrics, like the Florence Broadhurst Parkland Collection, are durable, easy to maintain, and offer comfort for residents with mobility challenges.

Creating a Sense of Home

Design plays a key role in fostering a sense of belonging. Thoughtful design choices, from calming colours to elegant patterns, make spaces feel warm and inviting, helping residents feel more at home.

Sustainability and Longevity

In retirement living, furniture must stand the test of time. We ensure our selections are built to last and are easy to maintain, making them both a practical and long-term investment.

At FHG, we understand that furniture goes beyond functionality—it shapes the environment that residents call home. We’re here to help you create spaces that are both beautiful and supportive, where residents can truly thrive.

Want Help With Your Next Project?

If you’ve got a refurbishment or new build coming up, I’d love to chat. Whether you want to introduce something fresh like the Florence Broadhurst Parkland Collection, or just need help narrowing down options, we’re here to support you.

Browse past projects for inspiration.

Or feel free to reach out to the FHG team—we’re always happy to help.