The most thoughtful homes being designed right now have something in common: They work for everyone and not just in terms of their aesthetics.
For that reason—and so many more—accessible designs are becoming increasingly popular, layouts that offer inclusive features, like wider doorways and easy-to-access storage.
Making your home more accessible doesn't necessarily require a full renovation, however, in fact it can be as simple as changing out a few features, like cupboard handles or
But accessible design means different things to different people, so, we asked three experts spanning design, renovation and real estate, to get the full picture, and to reveal the simple ways that you can start making these changes to your own abode.
The design perspective: Accessibility as luxury
Rob Van Varick, owner and chief design officer at Michael Graves Design, wants to reframe the conversation entirely.
“How important is it for your space to feel comfortable, be gracious and help make everyday tasks easier?” he asks. “That's accessibility—and it isn't a niche need.”
It’s for everyone, he says, though sometimes that need is revealed later in life. Aging and disability are things we all have in common, eventually.
His firm is currently creating furniture with functional enhancements in collaboration with Pottery Barn. Think hardware that allows drawers to be opened with a single hand, cushiony seating with specific depth and firmness that makes standing back as uneventful as cozying in, and a dresser with elements that appear totally decorative but actually serve as grab rails. Helpfulness, hiding in the beautiful detail.
"My focus has been making products people love because they make lives easier and better. Today we call that accessibility," Van Varick says. "Done right, that should feel like luxury."
The renovation perspective: Accessibility as independence
Cazimir Rafalik, general manager of Ten Day Kitchen Solutions and owner of Closet Solutions Saratoga, specializes in remodeling high-traffic bathrooms and kitchens. The companies were started by his father, who’s been wheelchair-bound for about five years. So for Rafalik, this work is personal.
To him, accessibility is independence and self-sufficiency.
“You don't have to think, ‘How am I going to get the peanut butter on the top shelf?'" he explains. "It’s being able to say, ‘Yep, I can get it,’ whatever your situation.”
Nobody notices his showroom's main setup is an ADA-compliant kitchen until it's pointed out. That's the goal: design that works seamlessly, for anyone.
The real estate perspective: Accessibility as architecture
Ryan Fitzgerald, a Realtor at Raleigh Realty in North Carolina, sees accessible design show up most consequentially at the point of purchase.
For buyers with aging-in-place on their wish lists, he steers them toward single-level spaces, wide hallways and first-floor primary suites — structural elements that are expensive, though not impossible, to change after the fact.
Wide doorways, walk-in zero-threshold showers and multilevel counters are the architectural features that matter most, and they're worth evaluating before you fall in love with a floor plan. But Fitzgerald is quick to note that a home doesn't need to check every box at purchase — knowing which updates are feasible, and what they cost, is part of making a smart long-term investment.
What are the easiest ways to make your home more accessible?
Clean up clutter.
Falls are a big issue as we age, and Van Varick says that balance (along with contrast and simplicity) is a key focus for his company. Possibly the easiest thing you can do for a more accessible space is keep rooms clear for easy navigation. Skip the throw rug that could become a trip hazard. And pack away electronics cords.
Install a grab bar.
Toilet, tub, flights of stairs. Anywhere you’re getting up from a sitting position or moving from one level to another in your home is a great place to install a grab bar, Rafalik says, whether you need a just-in-case touchpoint or near-total support. If you’re DIYing it, choose one that can hold your weight and anchor it directly into the wall studs.
Bump up lighting.
Low lighting can be soothing on the eyes, but it’s a good idea to make sure you can still clearly see your surroundings. If you have a bathroom full of white tile and aren’t showering with your glasses on, a colorful accent tile, high-definition hardware or even a brighter bulb can help you delineate items and spaces, Van Varick says.
Break up open spaces.
As you decorate or rearrange, think of the natural flow of movement through your home. Strategically placed furniture—like some of the larger pieces in Van Varick’s new collection—can offer sturdy support when placed to break up open expanses of floor.
Talk to an occupational therapist.
For the ADA-compliant kitchen alone, there are drawers for pot and pans, workstation sinks, utensil holders, knife blocks, trash pullouts, faucets and so much more, Rafalik says. It’s super easy to get overwhelmed. For guidance and recommendations, an occupational therapist can come into your home and really assess the accessibility of your space.
Read more at Realtor.com
