Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.

Safety and Wellness Home Design

Over the last year and a half home has taken on a whole new meaning. It has also seen a lot of changes and had to make several adjustments especially in the areas of safety and wellness. Your family is always a priority and that includes the home. As many of us continue to stay at home for extended periods of time, there has been a shift to up the safety features throughout the home but especially in the kitchen and bathroom. As you begin to consider a renovation, here are the things you need to know for designing a safe home that will protect your family.

Smart home technology

We live in a very modern world, but smart home technology has taken it to a whole new level. Appliances, lighting, and electronics are just a few things that can now be controlled remotely via an app installed on your phone. Using an internet connection homeowners can turn off a light and control the temperature. There are multiple benefits to utilizing smart home technology.

  • Convenience
  • Safety
  • Peace of mind
  • Savings

If you need to adjust the temperature, it’s as simple as opening the app on your phone or tablet. It is also great for those who want to be efficient because many of the smart technologies can be combined into one app making it easy to maintain and keep track of information and controls. Of course since most of the security systems can be accessed from your phone you can always check to see if everything is okay especially if the kids arrive home before you or if you want to check on your fur babies while at work you can do that too. It adds an extra level of security to your home. Having the ability to monitor your temperature and ensure that everything that needs to be, is turned off helps you save money which is something everyone loves to do. Knowing that you can check in on your home at any time from anywhere allows you to have a peace of mind that is valuable in its own right. Learn a few more of the benefits smart technology can bring to your home by reading this article by Blue Speed AV. Talk to your designer about incorporating smart home technology when designing your new kitchen or bathroom.

Kitchen safety

This is a highly used area by everyone in the home which also means it can be the most accident prone space so it comes as no surprise that safety is on the top of the list for homeowners. When designing your new kitchen keep these things in mind:

  • Outlet placement: water and electricity don’t mix which means it is wise to have outlets installed away from the kitchen sink and other wet areas. This is also important especially when it comes to children, plan to keep them out of reach of younger children.
  • Lighting: a poorly lit area makes it easier to slip when slicing vegetables or trying to prepare meats. Under cabinet lighting and task lighting are good options for adding additional lighting to the kitchen. They help eliminate shadows and make it easier to get things done safely.
  • Custom storage: having a pull-out for your trash can or a roll-out for pots and pans make things easy to reach and lessen the chances of someone tripping or dropping things.
  • Keep things soft: sharp countertop or cabinet edges can lead to a nasty cut or bruise if someone accidently hits it too hard. Round edges are always a great option for safety.
  • Floor plans: the flow of traffic is an important part of designing a safe kitchen. Exit areas should always be kept clear of fire hazards so avoid placing your range near the door.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and should be a safe haven for the family to gather and connect. Good planning means having the perfect area to cook and be with the ones you love.

Bathroom safety

The bathroom is the place we go to get cleaned up and prepare to start the day. It also comes with its own share of hidden dangers so when you are designing it keep these tips in mind:

  • Flooring: this is a critical part of the design. Since there is always excess water either from condensation or little puddles from stepping out of the shower good flooring is important. Choosing one that is slip resistant and waterproof are vital to your bathroom design.
  • Hang on: if you struggle with balance issues it is wise to include a grab bar, something that allows you to reach out and stead yourself as needed.
  • Transitions: a walk-in shower is a great choice but if you worry about stepping over the threshold consider lowering it or even eliminating it. Your designer will have great ideas for this area.
  • Seating: while this may seem like an odd feature to include in a bathroom design, for those who want to age in place, having a place to sit is essential. Adding a seat in the shower or a chair in the master bath will allow you to sit as needed.

Making these safety upgrades will keep you and your family protected. Don’t forget that designing a bathroom with safety doesn’t mean it won’t be beautiful. Safety and style go hand in hand especially when you work with our experienced design team.

Designed for wellness

Safety and wellness work well with each other and are both important for your family. When preparing to renovate any area of the home, think about including these elements of wellness.

  • Create happy spaces
  • Natural light
  • Fitness area
  • Noise control

Our home is where we spend a lot of time so there need to be areas where we can go and relax. Designing little areas surrounded by the things you love is a great addition to your home and can impact your health. Choose happy colors like yellow and calm colors such as blue and green. Include fun artwork and comfy furniture. Let nature have a part in the overall design of your home, neutral color palettes and sunlight can give your mood the boost it needs. Don’t forget to make way for a fitness area even if it is a small space in your bedroom. Having a place to burn off the day’s stress can contribute greatly to your overall health and wellness. If you work from home a lot, it would be a good idea to invest in some noise control features such as solid core doors and sound absorbing panels, both work well for home offices. Talk to your designer about the options available to you to create a place of wellness in the home.

A home that is built for safety and wellness

If you are ready to transform your home into a place of safety and wellness for your family we are here to help. Our goal is to assist you in creating the home that is perfectly suited to your needs and will give you the peace of mind you deserve. With over twenty years of building custom cabinets and more than 1,000 clients served, our team is ready to help you achieve the dream space you need.