- Embrace an open floor plan for smooth flow and enhanced natural light in family homes, which is beneficial for baby supervision.
- Prioritize quality lighting in all rooms and consider dimmer switches to adjust ambiance according to preferences.
- Opt for soft, durable flooring like hardwood or carpet for baby activities and ensure easy-to-clean materials.
- Implement accessibility features like grab bars, lever-style handles, childproof locks, and night lights for safety and convenience.
Congratulations on starting a new family! As you prepare for the arrival of your little bundle of joy, creating a comfortable and accessible home becomes a priority. Not only do you want to make your space functional and safe, but you also want to make it aesthetically pleasing. This blog will share tips on how you can achieve this.
Create an Open Floor Plan
An open floor plan helps create a smooth flow from one room to another. This is essential for families with babies and young children who need constant supervision. You want to be able to keep an eye on your kids from the living room while you make dinner in the kitchen.
An open floor plan also enhances the natural light in your home, making it more inviting and comfortable. You can create an open floor plan by taking down walls between rooms, painting the walls a single color to give the illusion that the space is larger, and using furniture like sofas or chairs with thin legs.
Invest in Quality Lighting
Lighting is crucial in creating a comfortable and accessible home. You want to ensure that you have enough light in each room, especially in areas where your family spends a lot of time. Consider adding dimmer switches to your lighting fixtures, as this allows you to adjust the light according to your preferences. Using different types of lighting fixtures like a floor lamp, table lamp, and pendant light can also help create ambiance in your home.
Choose Soft and Durable Floorings
As new parents, you’re going to spend most of your time on the floor with your little one. From tummy time to crawling, you want to make sure your floorings are soft and durable. Hardwood, bamboo, and cork are great options for families who want to create a natural look. However, if you prefer a cozy and plush feel, consider installing carpets or area rugs. Ensure you choose materials like wool or nylon that are easy to clean and durable.
Make Your Home More Accessible
An accessible home not only benefits those with disabilities but also makes life easier for new moms and dads. There are a few simple things you can do to make your home more accessible. Here are four examples:
Install grab bars in bathrooms and stairwells.
Grab bars provide extra support and stability, making it easier to shower or move up and down the stairs. They also provide peace of mind for family members who are elderly or have mobility issues.
Upgrade door handles and hinges.
Replace traditional doorknobs with lever-style handles, as this makes it easier to open and close doors with one hand. You can also add slow-close hinges in the kitchen and bathrooms to prevent slamming doors that may scare your baby or startle your toddler.
Install childproof locks in cabinets and drawers.
This is an important step if you want to keep your little one from accessing dangerous items like cleaning supplies and medicines. You can also use these to store breakable items or fragile decorations that may not be suitable for kids.
Add night lights and expansive mirrors in hallways.
Night lights help illuminate those dark corners at night, while expansive mirrors are great for checking on your sleeping baby’s room from the hallway. They can also make your space look spacious and airy.
With these simple accessibility upgrades, you can create a safe and comfortable home for your family.
Employ the Help of Professionals
When it comes to creating a comfortable and accessible home, it pays to get help from professionals. An experienced general contractor can help you create a custom floor plan that works for your family.
They can also provide advice on materials and help with the installation of fixtures and furniture. They can even suggest design ideas to make your home more stylish and inviting. Choose a contractor who understands your goals and has a proven track record of completing projects on time and within budget.
Creating a comfortable, safe, and accessible home for your new family is an exciting journey. Incorporating an open floor plan, investing in quality lighting, choosing soft and durable floorings, and making your home more accessible can significantly enhance your living space’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Don’t shy away from seeking professional help to ensure that your vision for your dream family home is realized to perfection. Remember, your home is not merely a place to live; it’s a sanctuary for your family, where memories will be made and cherished.
