As an interior designer or a DIY home designing enthusiast, you must be passionate about creating beautiful spaces. But true beauty goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about crafting environments that are functional, comfortable, and welcoming to everyone. This is where the power of accessible design comes in. As an interior designer myself, I happen to be in a unique position to create spaces that embody comfort and independence for everyone, and if you are eager to be inclusive, you can join me! Accessible design is a movement that aims to create a world that is more thoughtful and caring rather than a world where passing trends matter primarily.
The art of designing environments that are suitable for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or mobility, is categorized as accessible design, sometimes referred to as universal or inclusive design. As an interior designer, I believe our craft goes far beyond creating beautiful spaces. It’s about crafting environments that are functional, comfortable, and welcoming to everyone. This is where the concept of inclusive design, often referred to as accessible or universal design, comes into play. Inclusive design isn’t about following a passing design trend; it’s a thoughtful approach that ensures everyone, regardless of ability, can fully experience a space. It’s about moving beyond aesthetics to create environments that prioritize independence, dignity, and comfort for all.
Why is it important for us to consider Inclusive Designing?
Here’s why I believe inclusive design should be the core principle for every designer:
Empowering Our Clients: Imagine the joy of a client who can easily access their dream kitchen or navigate their bathroom with confidence. Inclusive features like grab bars and lower shelves make a real difference, fostering a sense of empowerment and independence in our clients.
Designing for Universality: We all have different needs, and that’s what makes design so exciting! Inclusive design isn’t just about ramps and wheelchairs. It’s about wider doorways for easy movement, thoughtful lighting for better visibility, and slip-resistant floors for added safety. These features benefit everyone, young and old, creating a space that truly works for all.
Future-Proofing Your Designs: Life can be unpredictable, and our needs can change. By incorporating inclusive features from the start, you’re not just creating a beautiful space today; you’re creating a space that can adapt to the future. Consider lever handles instead of knobs, or adjustable-height countertops for long-term functionality.
Broadened Appeal: Thinking of selling your design project someday? Inclusive design is a smart investment. Wider doorways, ramps, and user-friendly features make your space more appealing to a wider range of potential buyers or renters.
To create an accessible and safe space, adopt the following suggestions:
Entries and Exits: The entryways of a house should be hospitable to all. Include features that facilitate wheelchair users and those with mobility disabilities in your home, such as well-lit paths and gently sloping ramps.
Large corridors and entrances: Make sure that corridors and entrances are sufficiently spacious to easily fit wheelchairs and other assistive technology. It is advised to have a minimum width of 36 inches to provide sufficient area for movement.
Multi-Height Countertops: To accommodate people who could be sitting or need varying reach levels, build countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms at different heights.
Slip-Resistant Flooring: Choose flooring materials that provide friction to avoid falls and slips. This will help all users, but especially the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Sensory Considerations: Lighting and acoustics are important to consider since well-designed lighting and sound control can have a big impact on those who are blind or visually impaired.
Style of Lever Handles: Lever-style handles are easier for anyone with limited hand strength or dexterity to operate than standard door knobs and faucets.
Non-Intrusive Storage: Use accessible storage solutions, including shelves and pull-out drawers, to make sure that objects can be retrieved without requiring a lot of bending or stretching.
As an interior designer, we have the incredible power to influence the world in which we live and the lives of countless others for the better. Adopting accessible design is not just about following the law; it’s also about creating environments that honor each person’s intrinsic value and dignity. One carefully planned location at a time, let’s work together to promote this revolutionary cause and make the world a more accepting, understanding, and caring place.