20 Designer-Approved Tips For Creating An Accessible Home That’s Stylish And Functional
An accessible home shouldn’t sacrifice beauty for practicality. Thoughtful design can make every room easier to navigate and enjoy while adding style and comfort that everyone appreciates.
Designers know it’s the small changes – wider doorways, smart lighting, slip-resistant surfaces – that create spaces welcoming to all ages and abilities.
These expert tips will help you craft a home that’s both functional and beautifully livable, proving accessibility and great design can go hand in hand.
1. Lever Door Handles For Effortless Entry
Days when accessibility meant institutional-looking hardware are long gone! Modern lever handles come in sleek designs that complement any décor style from farmhouse to ultra-modern.
Unlike traditional doorknobs that require a firm grip and twisting motion, levers can be operated with a simple push using an elbow, closed fist, or even a hip when your hands are full. This small upgrade makes a world of difference for those with arthritis, limited hand strength, or anyone juggling groceries!
2. Zero-Threshold Showers That Eliminate Barriers
Imagine gliding seamlessly from bathroom floor to shower without navigating any ledge or step. That’s the beauty of zero-threshold designs!
Today’s curbless showers feature subtle floor slopes for drainage while eliminating trip hazards. Pair with luxurious large-format tiles or a continuous concrete finish for a spa-like atmosphere. Add a frameless glass enclosure and sleek linear drain to complete the high-end look while keeping mobility in mind.
3. Wider Doorways For Smooth Movement
Who wouldn’t love more breathing room when moving through their home? Standard 28-30 inch doorways can feel restrictive even for able-bodied folks. Expanding doorways to 36 inches creates an airier feel throughout while accommodating wheelchairs and walkers with ease.
For existing homes, consider pocket doors or offset hinges that add precious inches without major reconstruction. The visual bonus? Wider openings create better sight lines and a more spacious feel throughout your home.
4. Slip-Resistant Flooring That Looks Luxurious
Safety doesn’t have to scream “institutional” anymore! Forget those ugly rubber mats of yesteryear.
Today’s textured porcelain tiles mimic gorgeous natural stone while providing excellent grip even when wet. Luxury vinyl planks offer wood-look warmth with superior slip resistance. For ultimate comfort, consider cork flooring – it’s naturally slip-resistant, sound-absorbing, and feels wonderful underfoot. The key is choosing materials with texture that provides traction without catching on mobility devices.
5. Stylish Grab Bars That Double As Design Elements
Forget clinical-looking hospital bars! Today’s grab bars masquerade as towel racks, shower shelves, and even decorative elements in sophisticated finishes like matte black, champagne bronze, or brushed nickel.
Strategic placement near toilets, showers, and steps provides security without screaming “accessibility.” Some innovative designs incorporate LED lighting for nighttime visibility or blend seamlessly into tile work.
6. Smart Home Technology For Effortless Control
At the touch of a button or simple voice command, your entire home environment transforms to meet your needs. That’s the magic of today’s smart home systems!
Voice-activated assistants can control lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment systems without requiring physical movement. Motion-sensor lighting eliminates fumbling for switches in the dark. Automated blinds adjust throughout the day with programmable settings.
7. Rocker Light Switches For One-Touch Illumination
Flick, flick, flick! Remember struggling with tiny toggle switches while balancing groceries or when your hands are stiff from arthritis?
Rocker-style switches require just a gentle push rather than precise finger dexterity. For ultimate convenience, consider switches with illuminated plates for nighttime visibility or motion-sensing models that eliminate the need to touch them at all.
8. Multi-Height Countertops For Everyone’s Comfort
Cookie-cutter kitchens with uniform counter heights ignore the reality that households contain people of different heights and abilities. Creating work surfaces at various levels accommodates seated users, children, tall adults, and everyone in between.
A lowered section (30-32 inches) works perfectly for seated cooking or baking tasks. Standard height (36 inches) serves most standing adults comfortably. Include a higher bar (42 inches) for tall family members or casual dining. The varied heights create visual interest while serving practical purposes!
9. Pull-Out Shelves That Bring Contents To You
Say goodbye to awkward reaching, bending, or struggling to see what’s lurking in the back of cabinets! Pull-out shelving revolutionizes kitchen and bathroom storage. Full-extension drawer glides bring every item into view and within easy reach.
Consider retrofitting existing cabinets with pull-out systems or incorporating them into your next remodel. The best part? These practical additions look completely integrated with your cabinetry while making everyday tasks significantly easier for everyone, regardless of mobility challenges.
10. Contrasting Colors For Enhanced Visibility
Ever fumbled around trying to find the edge of a counter in a monochromatic kitchen? Contrasting colors aren’t just a design statement—they’re a practical necessity for many people.
Using distinct color differences between floors and walls helps define spaces. Contrasting cabinet colors against countertops makes edges more visible. The beauty is that these practical considerations align perfectly with current design trends favoring bold color blocking and mixed materials.
11. Lowered Peepholes And Doorbells For Universal Access
Front doors often overlook the needs of shorter individuals, children, and wheelchair users. A simple solution makes a world of difference!
Installing dual-height peepholes ensures everyone can see visitors before opening the door. Smart doorbells with cameras eliminate the need for peepholes entirely while adding security benefits. Position intercoms and keypads at accessible heights (typically 36-48 inches from the floor).
12. Layered Lighting For Safety And Ambiance
Harsh overhead lighting creates glare and shadows that can hide trip hazards. The solution? Think in layers! Combine ambient ceiling fixtures, task lighting at workstations, and accent lighting along pathways for both safety and style.
Under-cabinet lighting illuminates kitchen work surfaces while creating a warm glow. Motion-activated night lights in hallways and bathrooms prevent falls without disrupting sleep. The result is a home that’s both safer and more visually appealing.
13. Flush Thresholds For Seamless Transitions
Those little bumps between rooms or at exterior doors might seem minor, but they’re major obstacles for wheelchairs, walkers, and even people carrying heavy items. Modern threshold solutions create smooth transitions while still maintaining proper weatherproofing at exterior doors.
Inside, continuous flooring without transition strips creates a cleaner look while eliminating trip hazards. For existing homes, tapered threshold ramps in hardwood or metal can be both functional and attractive.
14. Easy-Slide Drawers With Full Extension
Wrestling with sticky drawers is frustrating for anyone, but particularly challenging for those with limited strength or dexterity. High-quality drawer slides transform the experience, allowing cabinets to open with just a gentle touch.
Look for soft-close mechanisms that prevent slamming and full-extension capabilities that reveal every inch of storage space. Handle-free designs with push-to-open technology offer the cleanest aesthetic while maximizing accessibility.
15. Furniture With Open Space Underneath
Bulky furniture with closed bases creates obstacles for wheelchair users and cleaning robots alike. The solution is as stylish as it is practical! Choose pieces with open bases or raised on legs to allow wheelchairs to pull up close to tables and desks.
Wall-mounted floating vanities in bathrooms create knee clearance while looking ultra-modern. Console-style desks replace bulky executive models in home offices. These choices create an airier, more contemporary feel throughout your home.
16. Touch Or Sensor Faucets For Effortless Use
Struggling with twisting faucet handles becomes a thing of the past with today’s innovative fixtures! Touch-activated models respond to a light tap anywhere on the spout or handle.
Hands-free sensor faucets eliminate touching altogether—perfect for both accessibility and hygiene. These technologies now come in gorgeous designs from sleek modern to traditional farmhouse styles. Beyond accessibility, they’re practical for everyone—especially when hands are messy from cooking or gardening.
17. Adjustable Showerheads For Customized Bathing
Fixed showerheads at standard heights ignore the reality that people come in different sizes and may need to shower while seated.
Hand-held showerheads on sliding bars accommodate users of any height, seated or standing. Thermostatic valves maintain consistent water temperature, preventing scalding. For luxury plus accessibility, consider multiple spray heads at different heights.
18. Elegant Ramps Integrated Into Architecture
Forget utilitarian metal ramps tacked onto entrances as afterthoughts! Today’s architectural approaches seamlessly incorporate gentle slopes into overall design.
Gradually sloped walkways with integrated planters, terraced approaches, and split-level entries can all eliminate steps while enhancing curb appeal. Inside, subtle floor transitions replace abrupt level changes.
19. Open Floor Plans For Easy Navigation
Cramped, compartmentalized layouts with narrow hallways create challenges for everyone, especially those using mobility devices. Open concept designs eliminate unnecessary walls, creating generous pathways between functional areas.
This approach improves sight lines, enhances natural light, and makes spaces feel larger. Strategic furniture placement defines zones without physical barriers. The result is both more accessible and more aligned with contemporary design preferences for connected, flowing spaces.
20. Voice-Activated Assistants For Hands-Free Control
Reaching switches and controls can be challenging for many people. Enter the age of speaking your desires into existence! Voice-controlled systems manage everything from lighting and temperature to entertainment and security.
Small speakers blend discreetly into décor or hide within existing fixtures. Beyond accessibility benefits, these systems add convenience for everyone—imagine adjusting the thermostat without leaving your cozy spot on the sofa or turning off lights when your arms are full.
