If you or a loved one live with a disability, finding accessible home upgrades that match your style can be difficult. After navigating the outside world, which is often not disability inclusive, it can be frustrating to go home and find yourself feeling like your home accessibility upgrades stick out among your personal style. Design and decor are for everyone; your unique tastes never have to be compromised or limited by your abilities. That’s why this post is here to showcase five style savvy home upgrades that are accessible for everyone.
Home Lift
One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to expand home accessibility is a personal lift. Home lifts come in a variety of styles and finishes that can easily fit into your existing design. They are a modern and convenient way to expand a person’s accessibility in a multi-level home without compromising safety or style.
Multi-Level Kitchen Tops
Counters needn’t be limited to one height for all. In fact, a multi-level kitchen can be more visually enticing and accessible. Adding a multi-level kitchen design to your home can make cooking easier for children and adults who use a wheelchair. Those who are shorter than average will also benefit from the adjusted countertops, which will allow them to prep meals without having to strain or stand on a stool. In addition to your new kitchen counters, consider incorporating accessible fixtures as well. A motion sensor sink, and voice activated stove can make meal prep much easier for those with limited mobility. There is no sense in creating incredibly designed living spaces that don’t function for your specific needs.
Turn Grab Bars into Decorative Pieces
Railings and bars are crucial components of an accessible home, and they do not have to stand out from your decor. In fact, with design finesse, you can turn grab bars into luxurious finishes. Consider applying unique coatings that give bars a brassy gleam, or paint them to add a splash of color to any space. There are even companies that specialize in accessible bathroom devices. Invisia optimizes homes for safety and security while adding decorative warmth and personalization into their design.
Install Sleek, Non-slip Floors
Carpet and rugs can add unnecessary complications to someone who uses assisted devices. Floors made from non-slip material can also be more energy efficient and easier to clean. Consider vinyl, bamboo or cork for the perfect blend of accessible and green. You should also avoid cleaners that create glare, which could make navigation harder for those with vision impairments.
Use Smart Lights to Illuminate Pathways
Low sighted people or those who require mobility devices may not be able to access light switches easily. Smart lights can be voice or clap activated and even controlled from a mobile phone. Consider installing warning strips, which offer strong visual cues for low-sighted people navigating in the dark. There should also be lights incorporated along corridors and stairways to prevent slips or falls. In the bathroom, a motion activated toilet seat, bowl light and tap lights on the wall can make it easier for people to use the restroom and navigate the space in low lighting. This is especially important if you have small children or older family members living in the home.
