While some of us isolate, others are hunkering down with aging family members, keeping them safe. Coupled with the aging population, accessible design is having a moment. As the nuclear family becomes extended, our favorite design trends are ripe for the stay-at-home policy. Below are 7 tips, ranging from major renovation moves to simple furniture arrangements, to keep the family together, while alone.
1. Let it Breathe: We led a home renovation for a septuagenarian couple, keeping the house uncluttered. We made sure the elements had room to breathe so the couple could easily walk around the furniture.
2. Dual-Purpose Space: With many of us working from home, create spaces that can serve as comfortable desk areas. Coffee tables and nightstands are also a good substitute!
3. Declutter: If you have a hard time parting with stuff, add more storage to aid in decluttering. Kitchen island cabinets are the perfect place for all kinds of cherished and practical items.
4. Sliding Doors: Much easier to enter and exit a bathroom with sliding doors! For this bath, an attractive barn door easily opens and shuts.
5. Overhead Lights: Install overhead lights for improved nighttime visibility. They can be stylishly incorporated with skylights, which flood the space with natural light during the day.
6. Walk-in Showers: Easy in. Easy out. Make large enough to accommodate a seat.
7. Raise the Floor: The intent of a recent project for a multigenerational household was to establish a space that would accommodate the needs of the grandparents whose mobility is limited, while affording the family of four, to live an active lifestyle. That meant deconstructing the galley kitchen to a more appropriate scale and raising the sunken living room to meet the kitchen floor for ease-of-use.