Tips for Your Universal Design Project

by Kaitlyn | Apr 17, 2020 | Interior Design, Residential Interior Design

If you are planning a universal design project, it’s certainly of importance that you create an ideal layout for your space, as well as select the most efficient products. After all, you will want your design to complement your personal needs as well as preferences.

Are you ready to begin planning your own universal design project? If so, know that now is the best time, as with the pandemic going on, you most likely have a great deal of time on your hands. So, you should certainly utilize it!

We believe that everyone should be knowledgeable when it comes to the projects that they are taking part in! That’s why, here at White Oak Interiors, as Chicago Interior Designers, we have gathered some tips to assist you with completing your own universal design project. If you are all set to discover some great insight, be sure to continue reading:

• What is Universal Design?

  First off, you will want to understand what universal design is before you begin your project. Universal design means that anyone is enabled to use a space, system, or product without modifications. So, everyone can use the space, and the products within it, regardless of their age, size and abilities.

• The Principles of Universal Design

  Did you know that there are seven principles of universal design? It’s true! They are as follows:

  • Equitable Use. This means that the design is useful to all.
  • Flexibility In Use. If you have diverse abilities and preferences, this means that the design can be used by you.
  • Simple & Intuitive Use. Simply put, this means that the design is simple to understand and use.
  • Perceptible Information. If you have sensory abilities, know that you can still communicate with the design effectively.
  • Tolerance for Error. While maintaining safety, this design allows for accidental or unintended actions.
  • Low Physical Effort. This design requires minimum force to operate it.
  • Size & Space for Approach & Use. If you have a generous amount of size and space for approach, know that this design allows for it.

• Selecting Kitchen Faucets

  When choosing a faucet for your kitchen, you will want to consider the following:

  • Easy Use. If you are searching for less physical work when operating your kitchen faucet, consider single lever or touchless options.
  • To clean your sink more easily, know that a pull-out spray attachment would be ideal.
  • Temperature Control. In order to prevent scalding, temperature control devices would work best.

• Selecting Kitchen Cabinets

  Your kitchen cabinets will need to be efficient for your space. Here are some tips to assist you with choosing yours:

  • No Bending. You can reduce the need to bend by presenting higher countertops.
  • Easy Reach. If you lack height, or are in a wheelchair, upper cabinets should be lowered for easy access.
  • Helpful Accessories. By installing storage accessories, such as roll-out trays, swing-out shelves, and spice rack drawers, you can make it easier to grab the items that you need.

• Bathrooms

  Showing or taking a bath doesn’t pose as an easy task for all of us. Here are some ways in which you can create your bathing experience to be pleasant with a universal design:

  • Open Showers. If you are in a wheelchair, or have trouble climbing over bathtub ledges, consider an open shower. This way, you can walk right into your shower to bathe, or even wheel your showering chairs into the space.
  • Lowered Accessories. From showerheads to faucets, you will want to ensure that you can reach yours with ease. By presenting lowered accessories, know that all will be able to use yours without any restrictions.

• Bedrooms

  Everyone needs a bed! However, getting in and out of a bed doesn’t come as an easy task for all. By utilizing a universal design, you can present your bed to used with ease! Beds that are as low to the floor as possible are best, so that you can get in and out with ease. In addition, adjustable beds are ideal, as they can be adjusted in various positions, allowing them to complement your body personally when it comes to getting in and out as well as laying down and sitting up..

• Accessories. Many accessories will fill your home! Here are some ways in which you can present yours with a universal design concept in mind:
  • Window Treatments. You most likely have window treatments in each room throughout your home. Whether they are blinds or curtains, you should be able to utilize them with ease!
    • Motorized Options. Did you know that they make motorized window treatments? It’s true! So, know that you can select options that are controlled with either a remote control or applications on mobile phones and tablets, making it so that you can utilize yours with ease by simply just pressing a button.
    • Easy Reach. Most window treatments are equipped with handles or pull-strings that allow them to open and close with ease. For yours, you will want to ensure that the mechanisms are low and within reach, so that you can open and close yours efficiently. In addition, tiebacks are also a wonderful way to keep your window treatments in place.
  • Light Switches. Being able to turn your lights on and off throughout your home is a must! After all, no one wants to be in the dark. With a universal design, your light switches should be low and easy to reach. In addition, light switches that can be easily pressed are ideal, as they will present no limitations when it comes to being used.
  • Opening & Closing. From cabinets to drawers and even doors, so many elements within your home open and close. For your universal design, consider grab-bars, lever-style door handles, and knobs among cabinets, as they are easy to grasp. This way, you can open and close the elements throughout your home with ease. In addition, know that lower-open shelving works well in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Easy Access. Being able to enter and exit a room with ease is certainly of importance! For example, consider eliminating closet doors to improve your access, and know that doors should be a minimum of 36” wide. In addition, keep in mind that by providing ramps and grab-handles at entryways, you will be presented with easy access into homes.

Everyone deserves to be comfortable in their home. By utilizing a universal design throughout yours, you can ensure that you are!

Are you ready to design your own home with an interior designer in Crystal Lake, Illinois? If so, please get in touch with us here at White Oak Interiors, as we are all set to bring your design vision to life!

Photo Credit: H Photography