A Bedroom Designed for Comfort, Style and Accessibility
Accessibility was key to the success of this bedroom design but the final design went way beyond creating an accessible room. Read on to learn how the room was completely transformed into a colourful, coordinated and stylish retreat.
When my client first got in touch through social media, her message was simple: she needed a bedroom that worked for her. Living with arthritis meant that everyday tasks like reaching into wardrobes or moving around furniture had become frustrating and difficult. What started as a purely functional brief — to improve accessibility — quickly evolved into something more.
Step 1; Understanding The Space
During my initial visit in October 2024, I carried out a full survey — measuring, photographing, and, most importantly, talking. My client was wonderfully open about how she used her space and what wasn’t working. She showed me how she currently accessed her wardrobe (which included a pull-down rail) and walked me through her “wish list” for a room that would be easier to navigate and more cohesive in style.
At that stage, her main frustrations centred around storage and accessibility. The décor — a mix of blue paint and a floral feature wall — was something she still loved. But her furniture, a combination of pine pieces and a hospital-style bed, wasn’t meeting her needs. Hanging space was limited, drawers were awkwardly placed, and the overall layout didn’t support her mobility.
Her top priorities were clear:
- Increase the amount of hanging and storage space
- Replace dated pine furniture
- Find a comfortable, easy-to-use dressing table chair
- Introduce lighter colours and natural wood finishes
- Replace the curtains
- Create a bedroom that felt warm, welcoming and — in her words — “a room that hugs me.”
Step 2; Designing With Purpose
Accessibility would remain the foundation of the design — not just for now, but with her future comfort in mind.
To move forward, I proposed a two-stage process:
STAGE ONE
- A follow-up visit to refine how the space would function
- A completed style questionnaire to capture her aesthetic preferences
- A digital mood board and physical sample board with finishes, colours and hardware
STAGE TWO
- Detailed measurements of the room
- A scaled floor plan and 3D visualisation
- Collaboration with a skilled local craftsperson to finalise the design and ensure safe, affordable installation
Step 3; The Design Solution
After several conversations and plenty of research, we arrived at a layout that maximised both beauty and practicality.
The existing wardrobe would be adapted to include a second pull-down rail, effectively doubling the hanging space without compromising accessibility. A trusted tradesperson confirmed the modification was safe and achievable
To complement this, I selected new furniture from a Cornish manufacturer that offered both quality and style. A small five-drawer wardrobe replaced the old chest of drawers, providing additional storage and keeping everyday items within easy reach.
Opposite, a matching dressing table was introduced — topped with a wall-mounted mirror to free up surface space. For seating, we chose an auto-return swivel chair at a comfortable 49.5cm seat height, perfectly suited to her mobility needs.
The overall effect was cohesive, elegant and grounded in practicality — a modern country look with tongue-and-groove details that echoed the existing furniture’s charm.
PROPOSED FLOOR PLAN
AERIAL VIEW
Step 4; Adding Warmth & Character
Although the original brief didn’t include redecoration, it soon became clear that the new furniture deserved a fresh backdrop. My client loves a statement wall, so we introduced a floral watercolour mural — soft, uplifting, and full of personality.
The remaining walls were painted in a gentle peach tone to add warmth and contrast with the white furniture. The old carpet was replaced with something plush and neutral, and the hospital-style bed was swapped for a reclining chair, offering both comfort and independence.
To finish the look, we replaced the curtains with an automated Roman blind, ensuring ease of use at the touch of a button. The result? A room that feels bright, calm and undeniably “her”.
PROPOSED FINISHES
Step 5; The Big Reveal
Installation week was a whirlwind — very much a Changing Rooms moment! While my client sensibly escaped for a few days’ holiday, decorators, carpenters and carpet fitters transformed the space.
- Day 1: Room cleared, wallpaper stripped, and walls prepped.
- Day 2: Fresh paint on walls, ceiling and woodwork.
- Day 3: New carpet fitted.
- Day 4: Wall mural installed.
- Day 5: Wardrobe modifications completed and automated blind commissioned.
Just before her return, I had the pleasure of styling the room with carefully chosen accessories — soft textures, coordinated bedding, and little touches that made it feel like home.
The Result
When my client returned, her reaction said it all:
“I’m very pleased.”
Her new bedroom is everything we set out to achieve — light, bright, accessible and stylish. A space that feels comfortable, coordinated, and uniquely hers.
Could Your Bedroom Benefit from a Redesign?
If this transformation has inspired you, I’d love to help you create a space that works beautifully for your needs — whether that’s improving accessibility, refreshing tired décor, or simply designing a room that feels more you.
👉 You can explore My Services and Prices here.
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(I am not affiliated with the brands mentioned but may receive trade discounts as a professional designer.)