Find a showroom
At Opera Beds, we believe that accessibility and style should go hand in hand. Gone are the days when functional design meant sacrificing aesthetics. Today, creating a beautiful, accessible home is not only possible but essential for fostering comfort, independence, and well-being.
Recently, Annabella, one of our Opera Bed partners shared her expertise on this very topic in Grand Designs Magazine. Her insights into inclusive design have sparked a conversation about how thoughtful interior design can transform living spaces into stylish, functional havens. You can read her full commentary here.
Annabella’s key message? Accessibility doesn’t have to mean compromising on style. As she put it, “People want their space to feel like home, not a hospital room.”
Blending Style with Functionality
When it comes to accessible design, the goal is to create spaces that support mobility and independence while maintaining a cohesive, stylish aesthetic. Annabella highlights several design elements that achieve this balance:
1. Height-adjustable furniture: Versatile pieces that adapt to individual needs without standing out as purely functional.
2. Step-free transitions and open-plan layouts: These not only improve accessibility but also create a sense of flow and spaciousness.
3. Smart storage solutions: Keeping clutter at bay while enhancing the overall design.
4. Wetrooms: A sleek, modern alternative to traditional bathrooms that are both practical and luxurious.
5. Lighting: Well-placed, layered lighting improves visibility and safety while adding warmth and ambience to a room.
One of the most important aspects of accessible design is adaptability. As Annabella notes, “There will always be things that crop up that you didn’t account for, such as changing wheelchair sizes or care needs, so remaining adaptable is really important.” This is where thoughtful design truly shines, ensuring that homes can evolve with their occupants’ needs.
Speaking from Experience
Annabella’s expertise in accessible design isn’t just professional – it’s deeply personal. As a carer for her husband, Danny, who lives with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), she understands first-hand the challenges of creating a home that is both functional and welcoming. Her experience has shaped her approach to design, emphasising the importance of spaces that support independence and dignity without sacrificing style.
“My husband has Motor Neurone Disease, he is in a wheelchair and requires a lot of equipment around the house. I have adapted our home hugely, and am a great ambassador for making accessible interior design fun!"
This lived experience is what makes Annabella’s insights so valuable. She knows that accessible design isn’t just about meeting physical needs – it’s about creating an environment where individuals and their families can thrive.
The Opera Beds Difference
At Opera Beds, we understand that your home should reflect your personality and style, not just your practical needs. That’s why our range of profiling care beds are designed to suit any home, blending seamlessly with your interior décor.
With sleek designs, premium finishes, and a variety of customisation options, they look as good as they feel. Whether you’re furnishing a modern apartment or a traditional family home, our beds enhance the aesthetic of your space while providing the functionality you need.
Annabella’s advice on double doors to maximise space and turning circles is particularly relevant when considering bedroom layouts. Our profiling beds are designed with accessibility in mind, offering easy-to-use controls, adjustable heights, and spacious under-bed clearance. Yet, they remain elegant and unobtrusive, ensuring your bedroom feels like a sanctuary, not a clinical space.
Why Style Matters
Accessible interior design isn’t just about practicality; it’s about creating a space where you feel truly at home. As Annabella says, “By keeping homes looking beautiful, as well as practical, people can feel a great sense of comfort while not feeling their space is a constant reminder of their needs.”
This philosophy is central to our approach at Opera Beds. We believe that everyone deserves a home that is both functional and beautiful, and our profiling beds are a testament to that belief.
Final Thoughts
Accessible design is no longer a niche concept – it’s a necessity for creating inclusive, future-proof homes. By combining style with functionality, we can create spaces that are not only practical but also uplifting and inspiring.
If you’re looking to transform your home into a stylish, accessible haven, we're here to help. Contact our team today to start your Opera journey.
For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out Annabella’s feature in Grand Designs Magazine here.
