Reference by, http://www.builddirect.com/blog/interior-design-style-and-accessibility/
Stylish Bathrooms with non - slip surfaces
In no other room is anti-slip flooring so important. Textured surfaces such as tiling and vinyl are probably the safest options. Of these tiling offers the greatest range of colors and sizes making it easier to provide a safe non slip surface. Unfortunately you may also need to install grab bars so that if someone does slip, then they can break their fall and make it easier for wheel chair users to move around the bathroom.
While the white plastic option can give you an unfortunate clinical look, you can also get more stylish steel and chrome options. Or, natural stone or creamy, textured porcelain tile are also options.
Kitchens for accessible living
The main issue with kitchens is height. For smaller people or wheelchair users the standard height of work surfaces is dangerously high, putting hot objects such as kettles, pots and pans at head height or above the user means there is a much higher risk of spills. This means that low work surfaces with space for a chair to fit underneath are a huge help. Most standard surfaces can be lowered to make them more accessible, though it can involve a lot of work.
Similarly drawers and cabinets should come with pull out options to allow users to simply pull them out and reach down, rather than needing to lean over to get more access. Fortunately these changes can be made to most standard kitchens, meaning that there is no need to sacrifice style for accessibility.
Accessible Hallway
Hallways need to be well lit and wide (ideally 48" or more, but 36" is a workable) to allow room for walkers and wheelchairs to turn around. They should also be free of loose rugs and any other tripping hazards. Laminate wood flooring can create a stylish and bright surface but would need an anti-slip coating.
Stylish Bathrooms with non - slip surfaces
In no other room is anti-slip flooring so important. Textured surfaces such as tiling and vinyl are probably the safest options. Of these tiling offers the greatest range of colors and sizes making it easier to provide a safe non slip surface. Unfortunately you may also need to install grab bars so that if someone does slip, then they can break their fall and make it easier for wheel chair users to move around the bathroom.
While the white plastic option can give you an unfortunate clinical look, you can also get more stylish steel and chrome options. Or, natural stone or creamy, textured porcelain tile are also options.
Kitchens for accessible living
The main issue with kitchens is height. For smaller people or wheelchair users the standard height of work surfaces is dangerously high, putting hot objects such as kettles, pots and pans at head height or above the user means there is a much higher risk of spills. This means that low work surfaces with space for a chair to fit underneath are a huge help. Most standard surfaces can be lowered to make them more accessible, though it can involve a lot of work.
Similarly drawers and cabinets should come with pull out options to allow users to simply pull them out and reach down, rather than needing to lean over to get more access. Fortunately these changes can be made to most standard kitchens, meaning that there is no need to sacrifice style for accessibility.
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