More than ever, our homes are multi-functional spaces that cater for different lifestyles and stages of life and we look for them to adapt with us as our family changes over the years.
Whether your family includes individuals with neurodiversity, physical disabilities or older relatives with mobility or memory challenges, how you decorate your home can help everyone live as independently as possible now and in the future.
Designing your home for special needs need not be obvious to visitors. By carefully arranging room layouts and selecting the right surfaces, a practical interior that meets the needs of everyone can also be beautiful.
It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and anxiety. Of course, everyone’s needs will be different but creating a space that is soothing and comforting will provide a home where everyone can feel safe. Consider calm neutral colour palettes with natural textures and avoid schemes that over-stimulate.
Opting for a flooring with an enhanced acoustic layer can help reduce noise within the home. Our rigid core designs all have superior acoustic qualities and reduce noise transfer. Ideal for upstairs rooms and to install over existing uneven surfaces.
For those with physical disabilities or mobility challenges, including wheelchair users, a non-slip flooring with a firm hard-wearing surface will help them move around confidently. Installing gentle ramps rather than steps will help them move around a home with different levels.
As our relatives age and live with chronic illness and reduced mobility, many families are meeting this challenge and supporting independence with multi-generational living. When it comes to choosing a floor that suits the needs of those less steady of their feet, it’s worth looking for a floor that has good slip resistance and is warm and comfortable underfoot.
For those living with dementia, a traditional style that is familiar to them and visual differentiation to help them identify which room they are in will help them navigate the home and avoid getting confused. Using a blend of complementary designs or different laying patterns in different rooms can help, while adding borders with design strips will help define the edges of a space.
All our floors are designed to stand up to everything life can throw at it. In addition to authentic natural looks, our floors come with a durable, waterproof surface that is easy to keep hygienically clean and good slip resistance. So you can be confident that a Karndean floor will be with you and your family every step of the way.
