1. Knobs                                                  1)  Handles / Levers

   For doors, cabinets, cooktops, faucets                             Easier to grip, pull, or push

    

2. Low Seat Heights (12-16”aff)                                2)  Higher Seat Height (17-21”aff)

   For sofas, chairs, toilets                                                      Easier to raise and lower self into

    

3. Soft Flooring                                                             3)  Firmer Flooring

   High pile carpet, area rugs                                                 Dense low pile carpet, wood, tile

                                                                                                   Better footing, less tripping

    

4. Stairs / Steps                                                            4)  Ramps, Elevators, Escalators, Hand Rails

   For Entries, floor level changes, landscapes                  Safer & easier access for all

    

5. Narrow Entries, Doorways, & Halls                     5)  Double door entries,36” doors,48” halls

   Causes problems maneuvering or passing                    Easier access and turning radius    

    

6. High Counters only                                                  6)  Combination of high and low counters

   Limits activities by height level                                       Good for varying heights of people    

                                                                                                 standing or sitting             

    

7. Inadequate Lighting                                                7)  Light all corners of room, use combo of

8. Poor visibility, causes eye strain                                      General / task / & mood lighting, under-

9. Contributes to falls                                                             cabinet lighting, LED energy efficient 

10.                                                                                                bulbs, solatubes, motion & light sensor

11. 
    

12. Fixed deep cabinet shelving                                  8)  Drawers, sliding trays, organizers

13. Difficulty accessing                                                             Easier visibility & access to products

     

14. Dangerous bathrooms                                           9)  Slip-resistant surfaces, higher toilet

    (too many falls in this room)                                            seat height, level flooring transitions,

                                                                                                  decorative integrated grab bars

15. 
    

16.  Lack of surface contrast                                       10) Color contrast to accent a wall, niche,or

     Is bland  & lacks visibility                                                  transition area; Pattern for personality;

                                                                                                   And Texture for tactile senses

               

 1) Many people forget to decorate two rooms, and yet they are the ones that can have the highest impact in design, color, personality, and make a statement of who you are -- the entry and the powder rooms. They set the stage for the rest of the house, so don't ignore them.

 

2) I love to do accent walls of color or design. Find at least one wall that can be a focal point with a splash of bold color, wallpaper, panelling, or an oversized piece of artwork. It will add drama to a room.

 

3) A simple way to freshen accessories and artwork is to take everything down off the walls and tables, buy a few new pieces, then mix up the look by hanging artwork and placing accessories in different rooms or on different walls than where they were before. Always start with the largest pieces first because it is easier to find locations for smaller items.

 

4) Instead of using a comforter on the bed, just use layers of fine sheets and linens. A duvet can also be made out of your favorite sheets. It is a very clean and simple look -- great for summer too.

 

5) If a window shade or something is needed at a window to give privacy or cut off the ugly view, add a decorative film to the window instead. It will transmit the light and add beauty to the area. Window films come in a variety of etched looks from subtle to opaque.