Create a beautiful, accessible home design for everyone to enjoy.

As home design evolves, so does the understanding that accessibility doesn’t have to sacrifice style. Whether you’re planning for aging in place, accommodating a loved one with mobility needs, or simply future-proofing your home, today’s accessibility upgrades are more beautiful, functional, and seamless than ever.

Let’s explore the top accessible home design features that combine practicality with modern elegance—so your home stays safe, comfortable, and stylish for years to come.

1. Barrier-Free Showers with Designer Finishes

Gone are the days of clinical-looking roll-in showers. Today’s curbless showers are a favorite in both accessible and luxury design.

Key Features:

Level entry (no lip or step) for easy wheelchair or walker access
Slip-resistant tile flooring in natural stone or textured porcelain
Linear drains for a sleek, minimalist finish
Stylish grab bars that double as towel racks or shelves

Bonus: Frameless glass doors add a modern spa-like feel while keeping the space open and airy.

2. Wider Doorways & Smooth Transitions

To create a truly accessible home, clear passageways are essential—but they don’t have to feel industrial.

Design-forward options include:

Pocket doors or barn-style sliding doors
Decorative lever handles (easier than knobs)
Flush thresholds between rooms with continuous flooring
ADA-compliant door widths (minimum 32 inches)

Choose engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring for durability, warmth, and a smooth surface underfoot or under wheels.

3. Open-Concept Layouts That Work for Everyone

Open layouts are both on-trend and accessibility-friendly. They allow for easy navigation, especially for mobility devices or caregivers.

Design Tips:

Ensure a 5-foot turning radius in kitchens and bathrooms
Place furniture with clear pathways in mind
Use under-cabinet lighting and smart controls for added safety and convenience

4. Comfort-Height Fixtures That Look Custom

Functionality meets elegance with properly selected fixtures:

Comfort-height toilets (17–19 inches) with sleek, elongated bowls
Wall-mounted vanities for knee clearance and a floating, modern look
Touchless faucets in matte black or brushed gold
Pull-down or side-mounted showerheads for easier reach

Look for fixtures labeled “ADA-compliant” that still match your overall design aesthetic.

5. Lighting, Contrast & Smart Tech

Well-lit spaces reduce trip hazards and improve usability for everyone.

Accessibility-forward upgrades include:

Motion-sensor or voice-activated lights
Backlit mirrors for better visibility
Contrasting colors between walls, floors, and counters for visual clarity
Smart home hubs to control lights, thermostats, and locks without needing to physically reach switches

6. Stylish Grab Bars & Support Rails

Today’s grab bars come in a range of finishes, from polished chrome to aged brass, and can blend seamlessly with towel bars, soap shelves, and other décor.

Where to install:

In the shower and next to tubs
Beside toilets
Along stairways or hallways

Choose grab bars that complement your fixture finish so they feel intentional, not institutional.

7. Kitchens Designed for Everyone

Kitchens are high-traffic, high-function spaces that benefit greatly from universal design.

Consider:

Pull-out shelves and drawers instead of deep base cabinets
Side-opening wall ovens or drawer microwaves
Lowered counters or split-level islands
Touch-open cabinet systems and soft-close drawers

You don’t have to compromise on luxury—many of these features are included in high-end kitchens today because they’re easier and more ergonomic for all users.

Accessibility That Elevates Every Home

Modern accessibility is about more than compliance—it’s about comfort, safety, and inclusive beauty. By blending thoughtful function with curated finishes, you can create a home that’s welcoming, future-ready, and stylish at every turn.

Ready to design a more accessible, elegant space?

Accessibility Upgrades That Blend Style and Function