Bedrooms & Living Spaces
A. All May Enter
Sliding, pocket, and bypass doors save on space and can be easily opened. Wider doorways do not shout “institutional” if done right. They create a sense of spaciousness, allow in light, and make rooms accessible to wheelchair users.
B. Cut the Rug
This FSC maple floor has “rollability” and is finished with non-slip oil for a natural look. Create zero transition points and tripping hazards from room to room: Tape down or recess rugs by installing them right on the plywood subfloor.
C. Light the Way
Leverage lighting to mitigate late-night accidents: Tuck lamps out of the way to prevent tripping. Use pathway lights to lead the way from one room to another; low-level and indirect lighting stops light shining into someone’s eyes.
D. What’s Inside
Closets should be wide, easy to open, and accessible for standing and sitting users with varied-height shelves and rods. Wire shelves and lights help users see the interior. Install switches at an optimal location — not behind the hanging clothes.
E. Don’t Sleep on It
Murphy beds can pull down to the right height for a wheelchair user and are a great way to increase space, but in any bedroom design consider bed placement, possible grab bar installation, and space around the bed for a caregiver.
A. Step It Up
These rug-covered steps, which are movable, hide a platform lift. Rope lights work well for a small area, but there are other solutions for longer stairwells, such as night lights.
B. Oh, Natural
The Centers for Disease Control includes natural light in its
“Basic Principles of Healthy Housing.” Maximizing natural light also offers energy savings. Consider solar tube and skylight options as well as windows.
C. Clean It Up
Front loaders are energy- and water-efficient. Front-mounted controls make them easy to use. Set them at the right height for your client, and remember: new appliances may not fit the same space as older models.
D. Light the Night
Place night lights on stairs instead of using rope lights, or use them along hallways to light the way to the bathroom at night, which is when most falls occur. Consider using single-switch remote controls for pathway lighting.
E. Switching Places
Small hands, arthritic hands, full hands — all will appreciate pressure switches to turn on lamps. Suggesting details like this helps clients identify and anticipate needs and sets you up as the future go-to source.