Designing for Accessibility: Creating a home for everyone
As an interior designer, it’s important to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and accessible for everyone. By designing with accessibility in mind, you can create a home that is welcoming and inclusive for all.
Consider Mobility
When designing for accessibility, it’s important to consider mobility. This can include incorporating wide doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers, as well as installing grab bars in bathrooms and showers for added safety.
Prioritise Safety
Safety is an important consideration when designing any home but especially when designing for accessibility. Steps that can be taken to ensure a safe space include ensuring that flooring is slip-resistant, and that electrical outlets and light switches are easily accessible.
Focus on Comfort
Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment is key when designing for accessibility. This can include incorporating comfortable seating, using materials that are easy to clean and maintain, and ensuring that the temperature and lighting are appropriate for the space.
Incorporate Universal Design Principles
Universal design principles are design strategies that create spaces that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities. This can include incorporating lever handles on doors and taps, using colour and contrast to make spaces easier to navigate, and ensuring that furniture is easy to move and arrange.
By incorporating these tips into your design process, you can create a home that is functional, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Designing for accessibility is not only important for those with disabilities but also for families with young children or older adults who may have mobility or other physical limitations. As an interior designer, we have the power to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also inclusive and accessible for all. We understand that it can be difficult to design for accessibility so if you would like some further guidance, book a discovery call to see how we can help.