In the continuing effort to make the world more accessible for everyone, interior design has become a focus.
Dysfunctional business practices and outdated design techniques mean that many disabled people are unable to access items in public buildings, and domestic spaces are often littered with unattractive features to make them accessible.
Fortunately, this is changing with an emphasis on making public spaces easier for elderly and disabled individuals to reach, understand, and enjoy. These tips will help make your home more accessible as well.
Improve Your Design’s Impact on the Disabled Community
Design shouldn’t just be limited to able-bodied communities, and disabled communities should be able to have a place to live that makes them feel good, too.
Here are a few ways to improve disabled access.
Decide on Your Design Style
You may want to think about the overall look of your house, but if you’re planning on making your home more accessible, you will have to consider how many different settings and spaces you have to work with.
Designing an area that has adequate disabled access in the home that looks good as well as being functional is a great place to start.
Using The Right Furniture
Using furniture that is at a set height for easy wheelchair access and incorporating features on bathroom vanities to make them work for people in wheelchairs are two ways to ensure that the disabled community can use your home.
For instance, using disabled bathroom equipment like raised sinks with lower countertops and putting in a roll-under sink makes it easier for individuals in wheelchairs to bathe.
Think About The Flow Of The House
Doorways should be wide enough so that a wheelchair or walker can pass through. When designing bath spaces, be sure you give thought to the toilet location, shower fixtures, and grab bars.
Putting in a tub that fits the bathroom space can help as well so that it’s not too cramped. Also, lowering cabinets and designing door handles, so they are easier to grip, are good ways to improve the home’s flow.
Accessibility Is All About Balance
There is a delicate balance between making your home accessible and keeping it appealing.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re trying to incorporate more accessible features into your design plan, and you’ll have the best of both worlds.
Take Measurements
The first step is to get the measurements for the space that needs to be made wheelchair accessible.
Be sure to measure all of the different areas of your home as you plan this out. These measurements should be taken with a ruler or measuring tape so that they are accurate.
Getting accurate measurements will ensure a smooth transition when making your home wheelchair accessible.
Use Welcoming Colors
You can let your personality shine through the use of the right colors.
Colors that are warm in temperature, such as those that fall into the red-orange range, will look inviting. Avoid using cool colors like greens and blues because they tend to make a space feel more closed off and impersonal.
When imagining what your home will look like after it is wheelchair accessible, think about ways you can incorporate a warmer color palette to create an atmosphere that is conducive to family life.
