INTERIOR DESIGN
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Place the main bedroom suite on the ground floor and make it readily accessible from the home’ s main living areas.
Bedrooms should have sufficient space to move comfortably around the bed and other furniture. Also consider the space that may eventually be needed for nursing or medical equipment.
One of the most highly recommended features for ageing in place is a curbless shower. Eliminating the threshold creates a smooth, barrier-free entrance that improves safety and accessibility.
Even if grab bars are not needed immediately, design and construction professionals recommend adding the necessary backing during a remodel or new build. Modern grab bars are also more stylish than ever.
A shower bench provides a comfortable place to sit if this is needed. Paired with a nearby handheld sprayer, it allows users to shower while seated with greater ease and independence.
Bath lifts are another useful retrofit for individuals who cannot climb safely in or out of the bath. See www. lifta. co. za.
Slip-resistant flooring
Slip-resistant flooring is a smart choice throughout the home, but it’ s especially critical in bathrooms and kitchens, where water exposure is frequent. In bathrooms, designers often recommend mosaic tiles with matte finishes and multiple grout lines to provide improved traction.
When selecting taps, consider grip strength and ease of operation. Lever handles are generally easier to use than taps or cabinet hardware with round knobs. Where the budget allows, touch-free taps provide convenient, hands-free control through a wave of the hand.
Don ' t forget those crucial nobend features
When designing a bathroom or kitchen for ageing in place, professionals try to minimise excessive bending and reaching.
Wall ovens are a popular solution in kitchens, while drawer storage is generally easier to access than conventional shelving. Pulling out a drawer and looking inside from above is less strenuous and makes stored items easier to find.
Upper cabinets can also be fitted with pull-down shelving systems, allowing a person with limited mobility to bring items to a comfortable height without stretching, reaching, or lifting awkwardly.
Adaptable countertop heights
Standard countertop heights may require some people to bend, while simply raising a counter can make it inaccessible to someone seated. Where possible, consider work surfaces at different heights or an adjustable section that can accommodate both standing and seated users.
Finally, lighting aplenty
As we age, our eyesight often diminishes, making well-lit spaces essential for safety. Poor lighting can increase the risk of accidents, so it’ s important to provide ample, purposefully layered lighting throughout the home.
In the kitchen, combine recessed ceiling lights with pendant fixtures and undercabinet lighting to create balanced, versatile illumination.
Low-level LED strips can be installed in the recessed space beneath base cabinets, kitchen islands, or bathroom vanities, commonly known as toekicks. Activated by motion sensors, these lights illuminate pathways and help prevent trips and falls during the night.
They say“ growing old is not for sissies”. However, it can be easier if you plan carefully when you are younger and more agile.
www. tobuild. co. za | spring 2026 41