Op-Ed: Yes bathrooms can be both beautiful and accessible
Kerry Williams shares her tips on how to create bathrooms that are functional, accessible, and beautiful, all at the same time
Thankfully, gone are the days when accessible accommodation has to look clinical, like a hospital. People with disabilities visit hospitals more than the average person, so they want to feel like a guest when they stay at your accommodation, not a patient!
In my consulting work with tourism accommodation providers, the very first priority is the bathroom. In a practical sense, it’s the most important feature (after step-free access).
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Accessibility can be seamless, beautiful, and inviting for guests with or without a disability, to maximise room occupancy
So how can you make a bathroom functionally accessible and beautiful all at the same time?
Here are my simple tips:
Tiles
Tiles can add drama, texture, and warmth. Forget standard white tiles and splash out on a little drama. Even if it is one feature wall. This holiday park kitted out their accessible cabin with bold blue feature wall tiles, followed by stylish grab rails.
Grab rails:
A few years ago, the only way we could achieve coordinating grab rails was to powder-coat them. Fortunately, there are suppliers who offer matching grab rails with tapware, towel rails, and shower heads in a range of stylish black, copper, and rose gold finishes.
And they are reasonably priced. By having grab rails matching the overall décor, including the shower seat, your accessible bathroom can look stylish and seamless, giving you the flexibility of having guests without disabilities stay as well.
Toilets
While you are required to include an accessible toilet for new builds, it may not be the case for retrofitting and renovations. This gives you the option to use a standard toilet and to provide a height adjustable over the toilet chair on request.
At under $199, they can be stored when not in use. Conversely, I am working with a supplier of DDA-compliant loos with coordinating backrests for a more stylish finish.
Mirrors
Large mirrors give a sense of space for small bathrooms and are great for reflecting light in dark spaces. As long as they are at waist height (minimum 78cm from the floor), a person with a disability can use them.
Storage
DDA Compliant bathroom sinks have come a long way from the standard sterile look. Consider beautiful, rounded shapes for a sense of style.
The downside is they don’t provide storage under the vanity, as a wheelchair user needs to be able to glide under the vanity.
A simple and preferable solution is a storage trolly on wheels. This gives the guest with a disability the option to move it around as needed. Especially when equipment and sanitary items are needed within reach when showering.
Showers
Speaking of Showers, consider a rain shower with an adjustable shower head attachment, giving a sense of luxury whilst still being practical.
Using extra-long drainage grates also allows you to forgo screens or shower curtains as well. As long as the fall for the water to the drain is good.
I hope these tips inspire you to think accessibility can also be beautiful.
If you do need guidance, our consulting service is available Australia-wide, for single properties to multi-site hotels, motels, caravan and holiday parks, and resorts. HERE
Kerry Williams is an entrepreneur and accessibility advocate, revolutionising how individuals with disabilities enjoy travelling through her Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences websites. Reinforcing her passionate belief that accessible design can be functional and beautiful at the same time, her consultancy assists accommodation providers to maximise occupancy rates. A multi-award winner, she continues to drive innovation for seamless accessible travel.
