HOME! The moment we hear this four-letter word, it gives us calmness. Our home is our comfort space to relax, socialize, and welcome our guests. It also makes the impression of your choice in terms of architecture. That is why we want our home to be beautiful and appealing. And in the current scenario, universal housing is trending because it complements everyone, our future, as well as the future generations to come.  

A lot of people visit our home from very different age groups, be it, infants or old age people. As we welcome everyone of different sizes, our housing needs keep changing. Considering family members from different age groups, it is necessary to design a home that reflects on the dynamics of universal design. It is a safer space for the individuals who pay a visit to us. The exact universal design only takes place when we completely understand how people facing disabilities can comfortably live in that environment. And, of course, a universal design home is absolutely different from our traditional homes.  

You might be feeling too overwhelmed with all this information. And also a bit confused about how to create a universal design home along with a 2D floor colored plan with furniture. Please do not panic. We have chalked out some really trendy universal design ideas. Let us get started.  

Trendy Universal Design Ideas 
Let's understand various trendy universal design ideas. 

Focus on the Kitchen 

Storing the equipment like pans, pots, etc., in the cabinets could make it difficult to reach them. So, it is important to store them in a place where they can be easily accessed.  

Raised Main Cabinets 

With the help of taller toe-kicks, it becomes quite easy to access the cabinet without bending much. In addition to this, setting the toe-kicks helps have sufficient space for the wheelchair footrest. Having the appropriate height gives the flexibility to manage the other appliances like microwaves, dishwashers, etc.  

Drawers of the Kitchen  

Let us accept that we all hate to dig for stuff in the drawers. So, get your hand on pull-out cabinets or slide-down drawers. It reduces the difficulty of reaching the stuff kept in drawers.  

Pull-out Work Surface 

Pull-out work surface is especially for wheelchair users, who can easily access the space. You can create a sitting area with knee space for their comfort. Choose the cabinetry that has pull-out cutting boards. In addition to this, opt for the kitchen design that has various countertop heights catering to different needs.  

Bathroom Basics 

Many universal home designs draw their focus on bathroom layout as well.  

Comfort Height Toilet-Seats 

The height of the toilet seat should be from 16 to 17 inches. The reason is it is comfortable for everyone. Be it transferring someone from a wheelchair to the seat or just getting up. Along with this, opt for wall-hung toilets; they help keep the surface clean.  

Trench Drains 

Having the trench drains reduces the hassle of threshold shower moving into the drain. Along with this, they can easily be installed and require just a one-direction slope. It also helps in evacuating more water as compared to standard round drain, thereby solving the issue of standing water.  

Things to Keep in Mind While Creating Universal Designs 
Let's understand which things we should keep in mind for making universal designs.

Appliances 

It is important to place the regular use appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, etc., in places that can be easily reached.  

Flooring 

Using the same flooring with no transitions and thresholds helps in the smooth transition for anyone. And people with weak eyesight can easily walk on the floor.  

Lighting 

It is indeed a great idea to opt for motion-sensitive lighting when we think about lighting. However, you can place this motion sensor light at the entry and the washroom.  

Bedroom 

Placing the individual reading lamps is a great idea. You can even mount them on the wall for the required light.  

Include Smart Home Technology 

Technology is evolving at a fast pace. Incorporate smart technology to create a hassle-free home.  

Bathroom Fixtures 

Please ensure to keep all the bathroom fixtures in an easily accessible mode wherein it becomes quite easy to access.  

How to Make a Floor Plan?  

Let us understand how to make a floor plan at ease.  

Select Your Area 

It is important to know the type of floor plan you plan to create if you are creating a plan for each building when thinking of the entire building.  

Focus on the Dimensions 

When creating a floor plan for the house, it is very important to take measurements of the space.  

Include all Features 

Create a colored floor plan with furniture. This way, you will easily be able to allocate space for every piece of furniture, be it a couch or table.  

Decide the Direction of the Window 

It is quite necessary to let the natural light seem into your space. So, it is important to make sufficient space for the window as well. It will surely change the entire look of your space if you choose the correct color balance and the appropriate direction of the window accordingly.  

Include the Elevation 

However, reaching the elevation phase is the next step in the floor plan; the floor plan goes along with elevation. The floor plan allocates a bird’s eye view; an elevation takes us inside the room, thereby giving us a clear perspective of where we can place the appliances and other materials.  

Conclusion 

There you go! Now you have to understand how to create a universal design for your home. And we are well aware of the fact ample people visit our houses. So, they should feel comfortable in our houses. Also, we are sure this guide to creating the universal design might have been of great help to you. So, next time you plan to renovate your home, please do not forget to consider this guide.  

If you feel it might be quite overwhelming for you, you can connect with a floor plan service provider who can help you with amazing universal design ideas and help you with 2D floor plan services for the kitchen. There are reliable companies that provide such services and care for your requirements and get the desired home created for you. Till then, you can plan to decide on the color themes and furniture you wish to include in your newly renovated home.