Universal design influences create an art deco house design that serves diverse resident needs. Universal design emphasizes function and an aesthetic that makes living spaces comfortable and practical across a wide range of users. Curbless showers as well as lever-style door hardware are two common universal design elements for an art deco house.Universal Design House Design
Universal Design House Design
Zero-step entry makes it easy to get into and out of the house as it eliminates bumpy transitions between exterior and interior levels. This also makes it easy to maneuver wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment on art deco house designs. Composite decking, as well as ramps, can serve as zero-step options for homes.Zero-Step House Design
Zero-Step House Design
Age-friendly design promotes age in place, allowing daily life to remain the same despite physical limitations or changes in mobility. This means looking at essentials such as lighting, user-operated technology, comfortable furniture, and common areas in the house. Cozy spaces such as an art deco reading nook or sunroom can make for a perfect retirement spot to relax.Age-Friendly House Design
Age-Friendly House Design
Smart home technology is a top element of modern art deco house designs. Smart lighting, climate control, video doorbells, and voice-operated assistants are all possible through the addition of connected devices. This not only provides convenience, but allows for better security within the home.Smart Home House Design
Smart Home House Design
Particularly suitable for seniors, elder-friendly design focuses on longevity within the environment. Modest-sized living areas with minimal stairs and furniture make it easier to move around the house. Oppositely, it is important to create a space with plenty of natural light to keep up spirits. Cozy furniture such as a drop-in armchair or a window seat can also create a rejuvenating spot.Elder-Friendly Home Design
Elder-Friendly Home Design
Retrofitting the art deco house design for greater accessibility is important to consider. By adding stair lifts, door widening, grab bars, and ramps, access can be improved without incredible cost. Ultimately, this adjustment allows for more fluidity between floor levels and around the house in general.Retrofitting for Accessibility House Design
Retrofitting for Accessibility House Design
The accessibility of the kitchen is imperative for art deco house designs. This entails designing the space with semi-custom cabinets that are the right height, using appliances that enhance usability and efficiency, and providing appropriate circulation. Lowering countertops and sink basins to a comfortable height is also an important factor to consider.Accessible Kitchen House Design
Accessible Kitchen House Design
The accessible bathroom also needs to feature in art deco house designs. For example, showers with large access doors, slip-resistant walls, and comfortable seating can make bathing more convenient. Additionally, items such as walk-in baths, shower recesses, and waterproof wall panels can make bathrooms easier to use.Accessible Bathroom House Design
Accessible Bathroom House Design
An open floor plan brings the indoors and outdoors of an art deco house together. This allows for easier communication and movement from one space to another, and also helps with smaller spaces. Open floor plans can also better accommodate the needs of individuals and families as they can customize their area while still enjoying the efficiency of one large space.Open Floor Plan House Design
Open Floor Plan House Design
The addition of incidental space makes it possible to add more room to an art deco house without taking up too much room or time. This can include a mudroom, pantry, or laundry space. Many of these options can also provide additional storage space. Including incidental space allows art deco house designers to make small tweaks without drastic changes.Incidental Space House Design
Incidental Space House Design
Aging In Place Design House Challenges
The challenges of aging in place house design are numerous and complex. Age-related physical changes in the body require that the home's design not only be thoughtful, functional, and comfortable, but also sensible and safe. Universal Design principles must be applied to every aspect of the home's layout and amenities.
Aging in place design
has two stages: first, design the house for safety; secondly, design the house for comfortable and enjoyable living.
Design for Safety and Comfort
Homeowners must consider the
accessibility needs of aging
for doorways and stairways, for example. Providing level entries with at least 36 inches of unobstructed doorways along with stairs and gates which have bannisters and non-slip surfaces are required. In the bathroom, grab bars and non-permanent raised toilet seats should be installed for better stability. To avoid falls, slip-resistant flooring should be employed in all areas of the home.
Incorporating Aesthetic Considerations
If homeowners want to invest in style-rich, aging in place features, they should consider merging aesthetic considerations with practical safety features. Automated features like cabinet shelves and pull-out drawers can make life easier for seniors. Homeowner should try to create an uncluttered environment that promotes safe maneuverability.
Lighting
Lighting is an essential, yet often overlooked part of aging in place. Most seniors need more illumination than younger people due to vision changes. Homeowners should install lighting fixtures and bulbs that have a combination of brightness and flexibility. Motion-sensor lighting should be employed for middle-of-the-night navigation.
Technology
Voice recognition technology and remote monitoring systems can add an extra layer of security for seniors who are living alone. For example, voice-activated lights, and remotely monitored smoke detectors can notify emergency personnel if an incident has occurred.
All in all, understanding the
challenges of aging in place house design
is an important step towards creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for seniors. With the right design, seniors can enjoy their home for many years to come.
