Designing a trendy, accessible home can be a balancing act. Some millennials, like me, enjoy modern home designs and interior decor. Even when we decide to love the bones of an older home, we tend not to love the idea of leaving our conveniences behind or keeping old building materials which are now known to be harmful. So, we design or renovate our new homes with the latest trends in mind.
That said, in a generation whose parents are getting older and more conscientious of accessibility, we start thinking about the safety and comfort of our loved ones with special needs in our homes. But wait, we’re not willing to just throw interior design out the window. We know we can do all the things: a functional, accessible, trendy, modern home.
A few easy ways to mix accessibility and aesthetics into your interior design choices is to use:
- Colours—Use neutral colours paired with pops of warmth for a contemporary, inviting feel. Incorporate texture through throws, cushions, and rugs while ensuring mobility is not restricted.
- Lighting—You can use mood lighting with motion sensors, smart plugs, and bulbs to light a space without extra effort. Viola, you have visibility and lighting so your loved ones can move around safely without any extra effort. Besides, no one wants bright light when trying to sneak a midnight snack.
- Flooring—Reducing the risk of slips or falls is an easy way to make the kitchen more accessible. Luxury vinyl, matte ceramic tiles, or hardwood floors are available in more styles, colours, and prints than ever. Something is bound to fit the accessibility function and durability with your style.
- Furniture Placement —Between my husband and I, whose Gen X Caribbean moms design their homes packed to the hilt, a home with more space is more than just a balm for nerves. To make spaces more accessible, leave enough clearance between furniture items for smooth movement, especially for wheelchairs or walking aids.
Four Home Spaces to Incorporate Accessibility in Trendy Designs
1. The Kitchen
Often considered the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the crucial spaces where families should optimize accessibility. Safety is key here more than almost anywhere else. Hence, the space requires thoughtful planning to ensure everyone can participate, whether making Sunday breakfast, a cup of tea, or Thanksgiving dinner. There are many ways to make the space inclusive and less accident-prone.
Some Design Ideas for an Accessible Kitchen include:
- Lowered Worktops, Shelves and Cabinets: Installing worktops at varied heights or pull-down cabinets to accommodate wheelchair users or children increases independence, and pull-down shelves and cabinets make overhead storage accessible, which can assist with feeling independent.
- Easy-to-Reach Appliances: Side-opening ovens, French-door refrigerators, and drawer-style dishwashers pair safety and function for an accessible home with style.
2. The Bathroom
Bathrooms are the most frequent area in the home where accidents occur, so they should be a priority for anyone designing an accessible home. With clever design choices, you don’t need to sacrifice a high-end look for the practicality and function you need.
A few key features of a safe, accessible bathroom are:
- Walk-In Showers: Walk-in showers with zero-threshold entry reduce obstruction, especially while wet. I don’t know about you, but watching my kid step on the side of a wet bathtub after a bath, no matter how many times I ask her not to, gives me heart palpitations. A walk-in shower reduces hazards like that one. Additionally, including a hand-held showerhead and fixed options offer more independence to individuals with a limited range of movement. Plus, they look fantastic!
- Grab Bars: Stylish, discreet grab bars add safety without compromising aesthetics. Brass or matte black finishes can complement the rest of your bathroom design to blend in or enhance your space’s statement.
- Stand Aids and Swivel Bath Seats: Stand aids and swivel bath seats are also great for older relatives or anyone with reduced mobility. A swivel bath seat simplifies transfers in and out of the bath, while stand aids provide stability.
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3. The Bedroom
The bedroom should be a haven of comfort for everyone. Whether accommodating a family member with limited mobility or creating a child-friendly design, accessibility and coziness should go hand-in-hand.
Here are some ideas for an accessible bedroom:
- Bed Height: As a born and raised islander, I love a nice high bed. Once I had a kid, though, I gained perspective. Two such perspectives are the possibility of falls and on and off aid once my toddler was mobile. The same goes for elderly and physically disabled family members. Ensure the bed is comfortable for easy access, with space beneath for any assistive devices if required.
- Smart Storage Solutions: Sliding wardrobe doors and pull-out shelves make storage more accessible without taking up extra space.
4. Accessible Landscaping
Remember your outdoor spaces when designing an accessible home. Your yard and garden should be as functional and beautiful as the indoors. With a few adjustments, your yard and garden can be accessible, making it a welcoming spot for family gatherings or quiet relaxation.
To make your yard or garden inclusive, consider:
- Paved Paths: Stick to smooth, wide pathways that are easy to traverse with wheelchairs, pushchairs, or even bare feet. For us in Canada
- Raised Garden Beds: Elevated planters allow everyone to enjoy gardening without bending down.
- Outdoor Lighting: Add sufficient lighting along pathways and around seating areas for safety during evening use.
- Accessible Seating: Invest in sturdy, comfortable seating with armrests to make sitting down or getting up easier.
Conclusion
All in all, accessibility doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With today’s design advancements and clever planning, you can create a trendy and functional home. Whether renovating for a beloved relative, growing a family, or simply planning for the future, designing with accessibility in mind ensures your home is ready for every stage of life. Investing in thoughtful design changes will save you time, money, and stress later.
If you are not a DIY millennial like me, remember you can always consult an experienced interior designer who specializes in accessible homes and can help you achieve the perfect balance between practicality and style for your family’s needs.
What are some things you did while keeping your accessible home trendy? Let me know in the comments.
Xo, Shandean.
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