Accessible Home Renovation & Interior Design Ideas

Principle 1: Equitable Use

Equitable use requires a design to be useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Principle 2: Flexibility in Use

Flexibility in use allows residents with a wide range of individual preferences and abilities to utilize the space. For example, a space that could be a bedroom in a pinch, but is usually used as a home office.

Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use

This principle requires that the use of the design is easily understood regardless of cognitive, motor, or language skills. A space should be easy to use and look and function in an uncomplicated way.

Principle 4: Perceptible Information

This principle requires that the design transmits necessary information to the residents, regardless of sensory limitations. This pillar is about setting out a design with visual or textural clues to allow people with sensory issues to better understand how to interact with the space.

For example, using remote control/digital access to open doors both literally and figuratively.

Principle 5: Tolerance for Error

Tolerance for error minimizes hazards in the case of accidents or falls. This is the provision of a space with a minimum of risks to the user. This can mean not having transitions between different flooring types, and protecting against falls and drops.

Principle 6: Low Physical Effort

This principle allows for the space to be used without fatigue or repetitive actions — designing a space that requires as little motion as possible to accomplish the majority of tasks in that particular space.

Principle 7: Size & Space for Approach & Use

This design principle allows users of all body size, weight, and posture to maneuver around a space freely and fluidly — the basis for accessibility. The design ensures that the space for the use of wheelchairs, for example, is reachable and comfortable to all people and gives a clear line of sight to the most important things in the area.