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How to Create a Universal Design Apartment

Universal design is all about creating living spaces that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or ability. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you transform your apartment into a welcoming environment for all.

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3D floor plan of a universal design apartment featuring wide doorways, open circulation spaces, and accessible fixtures. The layout includes a bedroom, living room, kitchen with dining area, and an accessible bathroom. Clear floor areas with turning radii are marked with dashed circles, highlighting wheelchair-friendly movement zones. The design emphasizes ease of access and mobility throughout.
Carolyn White

What is universal design?

Universal Design is a concept centered around creating living spaces that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or disability.

Often referred to as "design for all," this movement emphasizes that homes should be welcoming, enjoyable, and accessible to diverse people.

The guiding principle is simple: Your home’s design and floor plan should accommodate a wide variety of users, making it comfortable for all.

3D rendered interior of a universal design apartment, showcasing an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with warm orange flooring and accessible furniture arrangement.

To implement Universal Design in your apartment, consider several key features that enhance accessibility and usability. Here are some ideas to inspire your design journey:

Lighting

Start with lighting! Bright lights can significantly improve accessibility. Here’s how:

3D rendered view of a cozy seating nook in a universal design apartment. The space includes a patterned armchair and matching loveseat with colorful cushions, a round coffee table, and a floor lamp.

Kitchen Design

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and a universal-design kitchen should be intuitive and accessible for everyone. Here’s what you can do:

3D rendered view of an accessible kitchen and dining area designed for universal use. The space features a round dining table with three chairs, pendant lighting, and a wheelchair positioned at the table. The kitchen has lowered countertops, open shelving, and under-counter access to accommodate wheelchair users.

Accessibility Features

Incorporating accessibility features throughout your apartment is essential. Here are some friendly suggestions:

Flooring

By selecting the right flooring, you can significantly enhance the accessibility and comfort of your apartment, making it a welcoming space for everyone. Here are some essential considerations:

3D rendered view of an accessible bathroom designed for universal use. Features include a wall-mounted sink with clearance underneath for wheelchair access, a wide sliding door for easy entry, and color-contrasted flooring zones for visual guidance and safety. A grab bar and accessible toilet are visible in the background.

Bathroom Design

The bathroom is another critical area for universal design. Here’s how to make it more accessible:

3D rendered view of an accessible walk-in shower designed for universal use. The shower features a fold-down seat, handheld showerhead, and multiple grab bars for safety. A sliding door provides wide, easy access, and the space uses non-slip flooring with a subtle color contrast to support visibility and safe movement.

Bedroom Design

In the bedroom, consider these thoughtful touches:

3D rendered view of a universally designed bedroom with accessibility in mind. The room features a centrally placed bed with clearance on both sides, a low bench at the foot of the bed, and a nightstand within easy reach. Contrasting flooring zones improve navigation, and large windows with blinds provide natural light. Wall-mounted lighting and wide access paths enhance usability and comfort.

Create Universal Design Layouts with RoomSketcher

The floor plans and 3D Photos in this post were created with the RoomSketcher App. To see more images and views, open this complete Project Presentation. From there, you can also try out a 360 View of one of the rooms, and download the RoomSketcher App to edit the project.

With RoomSketcher, every user can access the RoomSketcher App and take snapshots for free, so you can start your accessible apartment planning straight away. Once your layout is ready, upgrade your RoomSketcher subscription for awesome 3D features such as – 3D Photos, 3D Floor Plans, and interactive Live 3D!


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