It’s not just interior design; it’s about making homes or any other spaces work for everyone using them. And when we say everyone, we mean everyone: those of us who might have a few extra challenges getting around or dealing with everyday tasks. Be it the differently-abled or the aged, in short, the endeavour of accessible interior design must result in spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, safe, and inclusive.
You see, as we develop our residential, office, or public areas, it is rather tempting to concentrate on the aesthetics: the perfect color scheme, the still-trending piece of furniture, or the well-furnished kitchen. But what about the real people who use these spaces? Maybe the older parent who has difficulty with stairs, or the child on the spectrum who is over-sensitive to some kinds of lighting? That’s where inclusive interior design comes in: It goes far beyond just ticking boxes and actually takes into account any kind of person, regardless of age or ability.
Here’s the thing: accessible design for interiors need not compromise on style. In fact, you can make your spaces fully functional and fabulous with the right strategy. Be it designing a home with an ageing relative in mind, modifying a home for somebody with a chronic illness, or making your space more user-friendly to allow for maximum functionality, this blog will help you through the practical application of universal design principles for interiors that assure people of all ages and ability can thrive.
First off, let’s be talking about universal design. It may sound very futuristic, like something from a science fiction novel, but the concept itself is quite elementary. Universal design is actually about making spaces usable by everybody, no matter what age, ability, or even mobility. The basic concept is to create an environment that is not only quality but also livable to all.
Universal design ensures that a space is designed in a way that will allow modifications to meet many needs. When a person gets to live in a well-thought-out environment that enables them to move freely, comfortably, and safely, it is truly a gracious universal design of a space.
Consider expandability and contractability of your space. For example, adjustable countertops can make the kitchen area accessible to a person using a wheelchair. Use lever handles for door handles to ease access for those with little hand strength.
Although the kitchen is usually considered the heart of a home, it can become a challenging space for people with disabilities or for those living with age-related conditions. That is why the design of a wheelchair-accessible kitchen is one important part of inclusive interior design.
Benefits and Uses of an Accessible Kitchen An accessible kitchen makes meal preparation attainable for everyone, and it eliminates family time constraints, regardless of the person’s ability. Accomplishing this can be as easy as installing lower counters, pull-out shelves, or appliances situated at a more reachable level.
Lower the countertops and sinks so that someone in a wheelchair can use them. Use pull-out shelving and drawers that help to make those storage solutions more accessible. Consider side-opening ovens and wall-mounted, front-controlled dishwashers at reachable heights.
Bathrooms are hazardous for any elderly or otherwise less mobile person. Slips and falls are some of what happens, meaning interior design solutions for age-friendliness in this space are very important.
Much of the design incorporated in the bathroom should be based on safety and accessibility for the aging individual. To this regard, designs having such features as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and walk-in showers are important in making sure that seniors can go on with their lives independently.
Place grab bars at the side of the toilet and also inside shower to give support. Have non-slip flooring to ensure no falls happen. Instead of a traditional shower, a walk-in shower with a bench seat for added safety and comfort.
Designing a place for people with autism spectrum disorder require that the sensory inputs—lighting, sound, and texture, among others—be integrated into the design of the space. An effectively and intentionally designed environment should have the capacity to calm and carry out its functions, thereby significantly enhancing the quality of life for the autistic.
Smart thermostats and energy-saving lights aren’t the only tools to cut energy use at home. Motorized window coverings also help control energy consumption. These gadgets let you keep an eye on and manage your energy use whether you’re out and about or at home creating an environment-friendly house.
Diminish glare by having soft, diffused lighting. Use soothing colors, such as blues and greens. Quiet spaces should be available for an individual to retreat to when one is feeling overwhelmed.
Dementia is a condition where millions of people are suffering globally. Designing dementia-friendly spaces comes under the category of interior designing for specific needs. These spaces should be easy for navigation and should give a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Designing for dementia reduces disorientation, which causes anxiety in all individuals with dementia. Simple features such as good signage, colour, and memory can help a lot.
Make adequate contrasts between objects and between floors and walls. Avoid cluttering the room. Make good use of lighting. Use photos and objects that the senior is familiar with to enhance comfort and security.
Careful interior design can make up for the deficiency in vision, which lets the visually impaired navigate their best and be more competent in their space. It is all about being able to create places that are safe, in which it’s easy to move around in and reach all parts.
It enables accessible design in the conditions of visual impairment through tactile surfaces, contrasting colors, and smart technology for a safer and smarter living space, thereby empowering the people it serves. These features help people remain independent and confident in their own rooms.
Include raised edges along staircases and edges as movement guides. Install smart home technologies, such as voice-operated systems, to simplify daily activities. Good illumination and use of contrasts to delineate different plains.
We at Bonito Designs believe that everyone deserves a home that suffices for his or her needs, regardless of age or ability. Therefore, it is our mission to make spaces not just beautiful but also working and accessible for everyone. It is recognized that interior design for specific needs requires a thoughtful, tailored approach, and we are here to help you on the journey.
At Bonito Designs, you will get an interior design solution which is sure to meet your needs, be it a home modification considering a disabled loved one or a space to make your life easier as age catches up. Our expert designers work with you to make a home that is congenial and rich in appeal. We understand that you are unique and therefore we have a plan in place, providing an accessible, comfortable, and inclusive space.
It is our goal to achieve good design with the best materials; every product is tested against criteria for safety, durability, and sustainability. Every little detail has been carefully considered, from nonslip floors to easy-grip handles, to make sure the space is beautiful, safe, and accessible.
We understand that making a home accessible is of prime importance to you, hence we ensure timely delivery of all our projects. The process is well-coordinated, and the workforce efficient to ensure that your home is completed in a timely way.
With more than 300 skilled professional designers and craftsmen actively involved in making places that enhance quality of life, they bring years of expertise and knowledge to every project to make sure your home is designed to the highest standards of functionality and style.
Manufacturing in-house means all our products are made right under our purview, allowing full control over the quality and customization of each and every element inside your home. This allows us to draw solutions meant for nothing but your exact needs, and getting each item put together with the highest level of accuracy and caring.
Bonito Designs is an ISO-certified brand and adheres to quality and service standards in all segments. To speak about safety, functionality, and beauty to all our customers have always been accredited in our certification.
We really believe that accessible design should be not too far from anybody’s reach, so we provide easy and easy EMI options. Now, transforming your home into a place as per your needs has never been this easy or more affordable.
Bonito Designs comes up with complete interior designing services, either at the consultation level or final installation. Be it a renovation of the existing space or designing a new home, we have solutions from start to finish, which assure you a seamless, hassle-free experience. Whether it’s guidance at some step or the need to ensure everything in your house is just the same as you want it, the team is there to back you up.
Fulfil your dream of making a beautiful, complete, and user-friendly home with Bonito Designs. We aid in designing considerations that enhance your lifestyle in specifications that meet your needs.