Top-notch San Francisco Bay Area interior designers

The number of interior designers available in the market is overwhelming, although this is nothing more than a response to the growing demand of users for living in unique spaces. However, choosing which are the best Bay Area interior designers could result in an even harder task than remodeling itself if we are not aware of their experience.

Knowing everyone is impossible. However, each one specializes in a different category of art, so it is common for us to find a variety of designs in San Francisco. It is thanks to this that we can identify the firm that made a project.

But so you do not have to be checking countless home catalogs, today we bring you a convenient list with those San Francisco interior designers that stand out from the rest. Although most limit their work to residences, some that offer full office services are also included.

San Francisco Bay Area interior designers and decorators

Briana Nix – Continuing the legacy of the classic

Thanks to the mentoring of the legendary William Lee, interior designer Briana Nix was able to enter the market to continue the legacy of her mentor.

Thanks to what she learned from who was responsible for the decorative movements of the middle of the last century in New York, the young designer managed to develop her style in which she combines the classic with small modern details, updating the functionality of the spaces to the actual times.

The vision of this designer can be seen in different publications in which she has worked, such as Style and Jimmy Choo, NBC, Ralph Lauren Home, and Country Home Magazine.

CecilieStarin Design – Luxurious Residences

CecilieStarin, the founder of the firm, is an interior designer from San Francisco who combines her knowledge in the art to create some of the most luxurious residential projects in the bay area.

Her decorative experience, in arts and fashion, has led her to carry out projects in much of California. She has even participated multiple times in the San Francisco Decorators Showcase, endorsing its quality of services.

Jane Antonacci – Large-scale projects

This Bay Area interior designers firm has specialized in the construction and remodeling of large projects thanks to its constant collaboration with architects and contractors in the region.

The studio also accepts small jobs, bringing out the 20 years of experience they have in the market.

Part of what makes Jane Antonacci Interior Design special is that they make the entire construction process pleasant for customers, helping them decide on the most innovative and useful designs of all.

Joy Street Design – Space and color

Arranging rooms and disorganized areas is one of the main functions of interior designers in San Francisco. Knowing how to take advantage of the entire space of a construction is essential to achieve a pleasant environment.

Kelly Finley, the founder of JSD, has the necessary spatial knowledge to turn any disastrous decoration into a place that can be used and watched with pleasure. She not only manages the size of the rooms with the correct location of the furniture but also understands the psychology of color, efficiently deceiving the vision so that customers feel more freedom of movement.

Kelly’s firm also specializes in providing advice and assistance in real estate renovations. It is also one of the few studios that prefer to remodel kitchens and bathrooms, although they are not limited to these.

Andrea Taylor – Happy places

It doesn’t matter if it’s your dedicated space to work, every environment in which we live must be happy to keep us in a good mood. That’s why Andrea Taylor has been dedicated to the renovation of monotonous rooms and offices since 2011.

She began her career as a hobby, advising family and friends with their decorative projects; now she dedicates herself professionally to interior decoration.

Three Salt Design Co. – Capturing your identity

Through boldly decorated spaces, the masterminds behind Three Salt Design Co. seek to capture the identity of each client in their homes.

Alexandra Cole and Lindsay Strokes are responsible for each project representing the soul of the client. Their style takes into consideration the characteristics of the architecture, creating a homogeneous piece between the structure and its decoration.

Anastasia Faiella – Customizing every aspect

The amount of services offered by these Bay Area interior designers is so wide that we can entrust them with our entire project to get a unique work from floor to ceiling.

The firm offers plans for changes and combinations of textiles and wallpapers, redistribution of furniture, advice on luxurious pieces of art, construction of custom window frames, furniture manufacturing, natural and artificial light projection, among much more.

Faiella Design work can be seen in the Ronald McDonald House located at Stanford University since they were selected for the remodeling.

Braun + Adams – A casual style

A home should have a relaxed style, which allows homeowners to rest comfortably. That’s why Emily Adams and Kristina Braun turned away from the complicated elements of interior design to develop a casual and elegant style.

The firm led by these designers is one of the most respectable in San Francisco due to their work experience. So much so that their projects are not located in one specific site, but can be found in areas with different styles, such as Pacific Heights or Marin.

Form + Field – Without leaving out the environment

Part of what defines a design is its environment. Cultural movements, surrounding buildings, people who walk the streets, nature that refreshes the environment. All of that should be considered for a successful renovation or construction project.

To consider all this, the Form + Field team consists of professionals from multiple disciplines, such as architects, designers, engineers, and merchants.

The head of this group, Christine Lin, ensures that the company’s vision is to help its clients achieve their goals through residential and work spaces that support them to develop freely and naturally.

Lezlie Trujillo – Architect’s Vision

The architects can visualize the spaces both in 2D and in 3D, understanding how each element affects the environment. Lezlie Trujillo uses both perspectives to carry out remodeling projects with high-quality finishes in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and homes in general.

Lezlie not only offers services related to architecture, but also color consulting, custom furniture, and how to make any home look worthy to star in a magazine publication.

Gamble + Design – Brighten your life

Thanks to the broad portfolio of Gamble + Design, we can confirm that we are facing one of the top interior design firms in San Francisco when it comes to soft and pleasant designs.

The team of builders and designers is always ready to bring to life spaces that mix pastel colors, lots of natural lighting, and furniture with soft finishes and no pronounced corners. The combination results in a relaxing room for all its users.

Kelly Scanlon – The importance that each project deserves

In Kelly Scanlon Interior Design, they believe that each project is important, be it the redesign of the decoration of a holiday cabin or the complete remodeling of our home.

The designers of this firm specialize in understanding the wishes of each client, so they do not work with a particular style, but adapt to the individual needs of the users.

Applegate Tran Interiors – Innovating what already exists

Many times, it is only necessary to alter existing designs in the market to create something new. That has been the secret of the success of the duo of Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran.

Their designers’ firm has managed to extend beyond the boundaries of the Bay area, carrying out projects in Panama, France, Vietnam, and Hawaii.

Since they dominate almost all the existing styles between the traditional and the modern, they can project any work that their customers want.

Grant K. Gibson – Colorful Designs

Bringing her knowledge of color to every possible corner is the goal of the Grant K. Gibson firm. She began developing jobs in New York but eventually moved to San Francisco. Since then, they have won a podium in the world of interior design thanks to the colorful way they conceive contemporary and classic styles.

Bayon Design Studio – Passion for minimalism

If you are looking to build a minimalist home from the foundations, then you should call Bayon Design Studio specialists. The firm has experience in construction, so they can be your contractors.

As we mentioned before, the study specializes in minimalist designs with industrial touches thanks to the use of metals, neutral colors, and decorative elements of simple shapes.

However, this design has attracted the attention of many people, so they have become the favorite option in the luxury condominium market.

Loczidesign – An enviable variety

The amount of styles that these Bay Area interior designers have reinvented is overwhelming. They always challenge themselves to innovate and bring something amazing to the world. LOCZIdesignhas been awarded by their customers with the Room of the Year award from California Home & Design and many honorable mentions in magazines.

Among their most popular works are the construction of a boathouse with a bohemian style and the reinvention of Victorian art in interior decoration.

Kirsten Pike – Dreaming Big

The residential designer, Kirsten Pike, follows the philosophy that a home should be an extension of its owner. Thanks to her family’s legacy, Kirsten is not only dedicated to interior remodeling, but also to managing architectural projects.

Although she was born in Denmark, she currently resides and works in the Northern California area. Since then the artist has specialized in the modern and elegant style, but always maintains some traditional elements to respect the classic.

Elena Calabrese – Unexpected Elegance

Elena Calabrese Design & Décor is a firm that offers designs with unexpected finishes and luxury in the best California style. Households adopt a more dynamic environment thanks to the combination of ordered but unforeseen elements.

To highlight the tastes of customers, Elena mixes furniture with marked lines that follow a guideline, with vibrant and comforting textures and colors.

Niche Interiors – Latest technology designs

Thanks to advances in construction, homes today are much friendlier to the environment. However, to maximize this effect, it is necessary to hire a designer who knows how to take advantage of it.

Niche Interiors is an award-winning study for knowing how to use cutting-edge technology so that it remains functional and, at the same time, looks nice.

It is a group of visionaries capable of modernizing any space we want, achieving elegant and modern finishes.

Noz Design – Experts in understanding the context

Not all San Francisco’s best interior designers understand the needs of their clients so quickly. In fact, among the few who can translate ideas without almost effort is the Noz Design firm.

Specialized in modernism, this designer studio works impeccably to understand customer ideas quickly. The concentration in each project is so great that the office is limited only to accept certain commercial and residential orders.

Thanks to the adoption of contemporary styles, Noz Design can create a perfect distribution of furniture, making the most of the room space. The Houzz association has even recognized the work of this team.

Martin Young – Knowledge from the right sources

Working hand in hand with architects, contractors, and furniture manufacturers has given Martin Young the necessary experience to accept projects of all kinds in the world of construction and design.

Additionally, the experience they have gained thanks to their clients has prepared them to project multiple artistic styles, as seen in their portfolio.

Each work is a harmonious combination of the environment with different spatial elements and accessories. These are complemented with the use of unique materials and textures.

Peruri Design Company – A holistic perspective

Using a review process that begins with a basic projection, these Bay Area interior designers can create complex environments.

First, they propose a standard model with some fundamental elements that alter the space and its function. Then they refine the idea until finally they complement it with striking colors and textures.

In this way, the customers can constantly participate in each phase of the design, which guarantees that they acquire a product for their needs.

Susie Novak – The artist’s perspective

Treating each project as if it were a work of art, Susie Novak takes advantage of her previous experience to build environments consistent with the client’s personality.

It uses a dynamic design process in which the design evolves naturally. It also reflects the imperfect and changing human nature using unique curves and accessories.

Julie Rootes – Southern Tradition

Texas culture is reflected in interior designer Julie Rootes, who combines her hometown with the modern elements of California.

This bold mix between the simple and the avant-garde has made her worthy of publications in Rue Magazine, California Home and Design, and Traditional Home. Also, her popularity has spread so much that we can find her works throughout the Bay Area.

Milima Design – A helping hand

Many times, what we need as clients is a person who can guide us. Milima Design experts make sure to treat each person as if they were part of the family, giving them the best decorative advice they can get in the market.

Thanks to the personal approach of the office, they can understand the tastes of each individual, finding the ideal furniture, textures, tapestries, and colors for each case.

TinekeTriggs – Beauty and accessibility

Each home must adapt to its owner. Not all people have the same accessibility needs, and that is why professionals who know how to consider all possibilities are needed.

Tineke’s Artistic Designs for Living is a group of Bay Area interior designers that make accessible designs a visual delight. The firm maintains constant feedback with customers to ensure they are on the right path in terms of style.

Kimberley Harrison Interiors – Family Reunion Spaces

Home is where your loved ones are. Each room must be able to become a meeting room to establish relationships with your family and friends, so they must have a design that does not overwhelm.

Kimberley Harrison’s designer firm specializes in houses for the whole family, creating spaces that are admired by each person equally.

The smart use of colors helps them design spacious but cozy areas that invite users to spend hours in them.

Pauline Soffa Design – More than just a designer

Pauline Soffa’s works are not limited to the decoration of residences. Her office of artists are experts in the creation of costumes, stages for plays, and even dance choreographies.

All this artistic experience has allowed her to understand the spatial needs of people, adapting it to an environmental design philosophy that values ​​comfort and functionality equally.

This SF interior designer is also known for her multiple community and charitable work in the region, as well as for her commitment to maintaining family values ​​in everything she does.

Studio Munroe – A touch of the West Coast

Although she keeps the principles of the Californian style, Emily Munroe has developed her brand thanks to the use of West Coast details. This has allowed her to stand out in both commercial and residential projects.

Regardless of the socioeconomic level where the project is located, these Bay Area interior designers will always finish the projects with luxury details.

World-famous architects and interior designers

Just as the Bay Area has some of the best architects in the country, it also has the most versatile and capable interior designers in the region. The teamwork of both professionals has made San Francisco and the nearby areas become a reference in the world of decoration and art.

This list includes nothing more than some of the best known and most famous offices that you can hire for your projects, but little by little all the studios are learning to interpret the needs of the clients and how they should adapt to the current pace of life. Within a few years, the trend may change drastically again, but experience proclaims each of the aforementioned firms as the aptest to evolve into a new market.

If you enjoyed reading this article about these Bay Area interior designers, you should read these as well:

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• Traditional Interior Design Style And Ideas

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source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/bay-area-interior-designers/

Radiator Heat Common Problems & Simple Fixes

Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Rather than forcing heated air through a system of ducts like a conventional furnace, a radiator uses steam or hot water to warm your home through a series of pipes. Radiators were invented in the mid-1800s and many older homes still have them. Cost-effective and energy-efficient, radiators are starting to make a comeback in some areas. There are even portable electric radiators, such as the Delonghi EW7707CM Safe Heat 1500w ComforTemp portable oil-filled radiator, that use a special diathermic oil to radiate heat into just one room.

Like any heating system, radiators must be regularly maintained, and they can develop problems that range from simple to complex. Here are some general maintenance tips along with common problems and how to fix them.

General maintenance tips for radiator heat

Steam radiators typically require the most maintenance. Once a week, flush the low-water cutoff in the boiler. Once a month, with the system on and hot, check the safety valve to ensure that steam can freely escape (be careful, as the escaping steam will be extremely hot).

During your monthly check, open the valves on both sides of the water level gauge. Turn off the system, let it cool and then add water if the level is low—or invest in an automatic water valve that will slowly add water as needed. Take a frequent peek at the steam gauge; if it falls outside the normal range turn the system off and call a professional immediately.

Hot water radiator heat is not quite as complex to maintain, but it’s important not to forget about it. Other than occasionally lubricating the circulating pump motor with a lightweight oil, the biggest maintenance issue is purging the system (unless your system has an automatic purge). To do this, open the valves until water comes out and then close them again, which lets out any air in the system. Then drain the boiler according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Do this in the fall, shortly before heating season, and periodically throughout the season.

Also, keep an eye on the pressure gauge and let out air as needed, unless your system has an automatic pressure regulating valve. Call a professional if you have any trouble getting the system to maintain the proper pressure.

Once a year, have an HVAC professional check both steam and hot water radiators. Turn the system on once during the heating season if it isn’t in regular use.

Electric oil-filled radiators don’t require regular maintenance. Keep an eye on them, though, as they can develop electrical problems like any other heater, or even spring a leak. Problems with these radiators typically require professional assistance.

Common radiator heat problems

Both steam and electric radiators can develop some relatively common problems, including but not limited to:

• No heat/radiator feels cold to the touch: This is often due to an electrical problem or a clogged pump. Make sure you haven’t blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker and that the thermostat is operating normally. If the electricity is functional, clean the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions and release any excess air that may have gotten trapped inside. You can also flip the diverter valve beside the boiler off and back on. If none of that works, contact an HVAC professional. Replacing the pump generally costs a few hundred dollars depending on your geographic area and the specifics of your system.
• Cold top, warm bottom: If the radiator feels cold at the top but warm at the bottom, it may need to be “bled.” Turn off the pump, put a bucket down to catch water and open the valve with a radiator key. When water starts flowing into the bucket, close the valve.
• Warm top, cold bottom: A radiator that is warm at the top but cold at the bottom can mean lots of things. Try removing the radiator from the wall and flushing it with water. If that doesn’t work, call a professional. It’s hard to predict these repair costs because it depends on what the problem is and how long it takes to diagnose and fix.
• Leaking: A radiator leak can be tricky to DIY when the source isn’t obvious. Unless you’re extremely handy it’s generally best to call a professional. Repair prices vary dramatically based on how long it takes to diagnose and whether the problem part can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Simple radiator heat fixes

For both steam and hot water radiators, there are some basic steps you can take to fix annoying issues and keep them working their best:

Check the slope

Radiators work best when they are set at a slight slope toward the inlet pipe. If you need to create one, add a 1/4-inch wood piece under the vent; it can go a long way toward reducing knocking noises.

Replace blocked vents

Over time, paint and corrosion can block radiator vents, trapping air inside. An easy fix for old radiators that aren’t heating properly is to swap out the vent for a new one. They’re usually attached by a couple of screws and most hardware or big box stores carry new ones. Just make sure you buy the proper size.

Open or close valves

Radiator systems have numerous valves, which sometimes end up in a partially-open/partially-closed position. If you’re hearing odd noises or notice uneven heating, check all the valves. Make sure those that should be open are completely open and those that should be shut are completely closed.

Fix valve leaks

While a radiator leak can be tough to trace and repair, valve leaks are relatively easy. Most of the time, a valve leak is actually coming from the large-cap nuts at the vertical or horizontal connections. Use two big wrenches to tighten these nuts. If necessary, you can also remove the valve head and tighten the gland nut just underneath.

Improve aesthetics

If you have a radiator that works well but is showing its age, consider investing in a radiator heat cover. Heat covers were originally used to moderate the heating output of oversized radiators. Modern thermostats take care of that problem, but heat covers are a great way to give aging radiators a makeover. Choose from simple wooden cabinets, ornate metal patterns or even custom entertainment centers.

Radiators are an older but energy-efficient option for home heating. Like any heater, they require regular maintenance and are prone to occasional issues. But with a little know-how, you can fix many common radiator problems yourself.

 

 

 

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Are platform beds comfortable? Why you should buy one

The furniture market gives us many options to customize our home. With so many alternatives available, it can sometimes be difficult to choose the one that best suits us. The same goes for the beds; these may vary in structure between each other, and may even limit themselves to being a mat. Today we want to answer a recurring question when decorating, are platform beds comfortable?

The most contemporary decorative designs are currently using platform beds for their modern visual appearance. By removing the unnecessary parts of the box spring style frame, we leave the mattress exposed so that it can stand out with the cover we put on it.

Many people do not end up being convinced if these types of beds are comfortable enough to sleep, or if there is any benefit to using this type of frame compared to box springs. These doubts, and more, will be resolved in the following article.

What is a platform bed? – A new millennium trend

Image source: Design Concepts Hawaii

The concept of a platform bed is to maintain a simple and functional design. This is achieved by creating only support for the mattress, which does not cover it on all four sides. Additionally, the mattress is supported by a series of parallel slats instead of a single table, similar to the structure used in building.

Its construction usually includes the headboard and a series of feet that lift the platform from the ground by approximately 12 inches. With this height, when placing the mattress on the support, it will be low enough so that we can sit on it.

When it comes to platform bed vs box spring, the former are simpler in their construction, eliminating the additional supports that hold the mattress firm. The height of the frame is lower than the box spring type, although some designs allow attaching additional box springs to make them taller.

Image source: Chris Pardo Design – Elemental Architecture

Platform bed designs have evolved rapidly due to their popularity among users, so it is normal to find them made of many materials, from wood to metal.

Most have a simple design, focusing solely on the function, but some models have gone out of the standard to bring something innovative and more charismatic. However, the main attraction of these beds is still being able to decorate the mattress to our liking.

Different styles of platform beds

Image source: S2 Architects

Solid platforms or without storage space: Although usually platform beds include legs on which to rest, sometimes these are replaced by slats throughout the frame, creating a solid drawer that does not allow viewing under the mattress.

These types of frames create a very attractive uniform appearance, although they have the negative point that they do not have storage space.

Floating platform or central base: This type of platform uses feet in the center of the bed so that it looks like it is floating. Although they have free space, this is not intended for storage, as it would ruin the aesthetics and the concept of being “floating”.

Image source: Appalachian Joinery

Beds with storage platforms: they are designed very similar to solid platform beds, but in this case, a series of drawers are installed to store our belongings under the mattress.

This is the ideal framework for small rooms where you want to make the most of the available space.

Image source: Sierra Living Concepts

Platforms with headboards and footboards: these are the latest trend in the design of platform beds. They have added the traditional elements of the headboard and footboard, making it look a little more traditional.

The problem with these designs is that they do not have space to attach additional box springs, so we have to conform to the height they have.

Are platform beds comfortable? Getting the best sleep

Image source: yamamar design

The most important thing about a bed is its comfort. There is nothing worse than trying to sleep on a hard mattress or a wobbly platform. However, we do not have to worry about the comfort of platform beds, since they have certain attributes to improve our sleep quality.

The first benefit is its rigidity. The solid frame allows the use of viscoelastic foam mattresses, which are much firmer than traditional models.

Thanks to the support formed by multiple parallel strips, the weight distribution on the mattress is more evenly, which prevents it from deformations. The same applies to the bed frame, since each slat is in charge of supporting a part of the weight, preventing the entire structure from being compromised if any slat is damaged.

Image source: Valdez Architecture – Interiors

The construction of the platform beds is completely flat. All the slats are at the same level so that no bumps form on the mattress that can disturb you at bedtime.

Although they seem fragile, the platforms are hard enough not to move. The mattress is also firmly attached to the platform thanks to the texture of the slats.

Are platform beds comfortable in hot climates? Yes, they are much cooler than other bed designs, since these allow the mattresses to ventilate at the bottom, maintaining the temperature.

Pros and cons of platform beds

They are used to store objects

Image source: SOBLESKI

As we mentioned before, some of the platform bed designs include drawers to store our belongings. This is especially important in small rooms or that follow a minimalist decor.

In general, the storage space they have is so wide that they can have 2 to 3 drawers per side. We can store all kinds of objects and clothing, eliminating the need for additional shelves in the room.

Of course, not all platform beds include these drawers. The most extravagant models choose to dispense with this additional storage in favor of aesthetics.

Flashy design

Image source: Living Stone Design + Build

The bedrooms should be attractive, you should want to be in it for hours, and for this, you have to decorate it. The bed is part of this decoration, so it cannot be ignored.

In the case of platform beds, they have a particular charm by not overloading the environment with a heavy frame. In an era where minimalism is the dominant trend, having simple designs is the best for our home.

The low profile makes it even more elegant and comfortable, saving significant space in the bedroom by slightly reducing its height.

The decoration that applies to these types of beds depends exclusively on us. The covers will play an important role in complementing the design. Remember that the mattress will be uncovered, so you have to cover it very well so that its seams are not visible.

Nor do you need to put a skirt on the bed, as this would ruin the main purpose of achieving a simple design. With this, we save a good amount of time accommodating it.

They are economical

Image source: usona

The construction of such beds is simple. The slats along the frame are enough to support the mattress, which makes it unnecessary to install other systems to keep it firm.

Not including additional springs or supports drastically reduces the cost of manufacturing, so we can buy a cheap and high-quality product.

Additionally, we will not replace the mattress in a long time, since it will not deform, nor will mold grow due to its ventilation.

Greater stability

Image source: Pilaster Designs

As with vehicles, the beds are more stable the closer they are to the ground. This is one of the fundamental premises of platform style.

Not only are they stable, but they are also comfortable to use since even people of short stature can sit in them without problems.

Are platform beds comfortable? The answer

Yes, they are comfortable. Platform beds are quickly becoming the favorite choice of consumers, even over the dominant box spring beds. These are cheaper, require less decoration effort, and are extremely elegant.

Also, the platform offers some customization options, such as being able to choose if we want drawers for storing objects or if we need a taller frame, which is perfect for getting rooms with unique designs.

If you are renovating your room, consider platform beds as a minimalist and modern alternative to have sweet dreams.

If you enjoyed reading this article discussing whether platform beds are comfortable or not, you should read these as well:

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The post Are platform beds comfortable? Why you should buy one appeared first on Impressive Interior Design.

source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/are-platform-beds-comfortable/

Freelancing with a disability: Designing an accessible work from home space

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Disability can happen to anyone at any time. Sometimes people have a chronic medical condition from childhood, or one that comes on in middle- or late-age. Others might have a disability due to an accident or illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. That’s 26% of adults (1 in 4) who have some type of disability, including the following:

• 13.7% with a mobility disability (extreme difficulty walking or climbing stairs)
• 10.8% with a cognition disability (difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions)
• 6.8% with an independent living disability (difficulty running errands by themselves)
• 5.9% with a hearing disability (serious difficulty hearing or deafness)
• 4.6% with a vision disability (low vision or blindness)
• 3.6% with a self-care disability (dressing and/or bathing is difficult)

Of the 155 million employed workers in the U.S., the U.S. Census Bureau reports approximately 9 million have a disability, and 58% of those with a disability work full time, year-round.

For people with a disability who find full-time work for traditional employers to be challenging, however, freelancing and working from home can be a great option to consider.

Why freelancing or consulting is a good option for people with disabilities

According to the 2019 Freelancing in America study by Freelancers Union and Upwork, an estimated 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019 — evidence of its increasing popularity, particularly among younger generations. The study also found 46% of participants agree freelancing provides needed flexibility because they are unable to work for a traditional employer due to personal circumstances — with 43% of that group citing health issues (physical disease, disability, mental health, etc.) as the cause.

More and more Americans are becoming long-term career freelancers. And although many people with disabilities are still able to work traditional jobs successfully, freelancing opens up additional options for some.

For example, freelancing often eliminates a commute, which can benefit those with mobility disabilities. Freelancers also have the freedom to structure their business and workday around any physical or mental needs. For example, they can work during their most productive time. If they require extra rest, they can take time during the day to recoup their energy. It also affords the flexibility to juggle work, family and medical appointments more easily.

Freelancers are also able to enjoy the benefits of working in a space that is comfortable and inspiring, without having to worry about typical office distractions, like noise, unsuitable lighting or uncomfortable office furniture — all of which may be factors affecting some workers with disabilities.

When you’re self-employed, you also have control over accepting or declining any project. Having this kind of control over your time, work and client relationships is not only empowering but also has a positive impact on mental and physical health.

With freelancing booming, there are plenty of job options for people with disabilities to choose from, including:

• audio content transcriber
• customer service representative
• data entry professional
• graphic designer
• social media/digital marketing manager
• translator
• tutor
• virtual assistant
• voiceover talent
• website designer
• writer/blogger

Freelancing isn’t limited to these more traditional titles, either. If someone has skills and/or advanced knowledge of a topic or in almost any niche field, they can market those skills to companies that need their specialized expertise and offer remote work.

How to create the right environment for productivity

One of the great benefits of freelancing is creating and working in a space-optimized for an individual’s needs. If you’re thinking about modifying your home’s work area, the end result should be a stimulating space designed for trouble-free navigation and ultimate comfort.

Here are some tips to help design an accessible workspace to accommodate freelancing with disability:

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Lighting

Lighting doesn’t just make it easier to do work; it also makes a difference in mood. Allowing in as much natural light as possible can lift moods and even ease anxiety. According to a 2019 Future Workplace study, natural light has a significant impact on workplace wellness.

Use blinds or other window coverings, such as sheer curtains, to help control the amount of light coming in. Keep a chair near a window for reading or working in natural light.

Place lamps and other fixtures in appropriate places to ensure brightness where it’s needed most. Add table lamps, floor lamps and clip-on lights to illuminate the area where work will be done. Be sure not to have the light pointed directly into anyone’s eyes.

For those in a wheelchair, lighting can be placed low. However, if someone has limited vision, avoid low-hanging lights that might get in the way.

Halogen bulbs provide maximum lumens, which is a measurement of brightness. Using 60- to 100-watt lighting is usually comfortable, but you may want to try a few lighting options to see which works best for your specific needs. Light options include halogen, fluorescent or incandescent.

Install light switches so they’re easy to reach from the freelancer’s range of motion. You can also use voice-activated or motion-sensor switches for hands-free lighting.

Furniture

Being able to navigate a workspace easily can be the difference between loving or dreading work. Having the right amount of space and the right furniture is paramount.

If you are modifying a space to accommodate a wheelchair, you’ll want a desk at the right height and width so the chair can roll under the desk with no impediments. An adjustable desktop is ideal because it allows the surface to be placed exactly where it’s needed. The desk should have shelves and drawers within easy reach. They can be labeled with bright colors and large letters for those with low vision.

Set up the desk and other furniture pieces in a way that allows a wheelchair to turn around without bumping into anything. Leave at least 32 inches between furniture pieces to ensure a wheelchair can pass. Placing bookshelves and tables along the walls will keep the middle of the room open.

Don’t settle for just any furniture. Select pieces that fit the freelancer’s personal style. Desks made for people with disabilities are available, but if they don’t match the existing décor, or simply look too functional for one’s taste, then check out desks with parts that can be adjusted. National Business Furniture offers a variety of adjustable height furniture selections in different colors and styles.

People with mobility challenges may need to raise furniture to be able to sit comfortably and stand up safely. Raising the height can be done by placing furniture coasters under desk, chair or sofa legs, or by extending the legs with small blocks of wood. To lower furniture, like desks, to make them more accessible for someone in a wheelchair, the legs can be shortened or replaced with shorter pieces.

People with low vision or who are blind should consider eliminating coffee tables, end tables and other low pieces that could be trip hazards. Keep furniture in the same place at all times to avoid accidents.

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Storage

Having an organized work area is essential for sustained productivity and safety. When supplies, files and work tools are within easy reach and are readily identifiable, you can continue working without having to take time to search for an item.

For those with low vision or who are blind, a few tips can save time. For instance, use embossed letter stickers on file folders to designate what they contain. Or, place an embossed letter on a switch plate — “F” for the overhead fan and “L” for the light, for example.

Color coding with bold colors is great for organizing projects by categories. Color code files and file labels, too. You could also write notes in colors and keep colorful markers, pens or stickers on your desk for this purpose. To compensate for low vision, use embossed letter stickers to indicate the colors for each item. Be sure everything is kept in the same place at all times.

To make it easy to access materials, put them in cabinets or storage bins that don’t have doors. If you do use doors, install large handles for easier gripping. Set a rule that any drawer or cabinet door must be closed immediately after use to avoid creating obstacles for those with low vision, and to avoid obstructing the path of a wheelchair.

Also, keep the desk area tidy and safe by using a cord organizer to corral all cables and electrical cords, keeping them off the floor, out of the way and out of sight.

Once the work area has been organized, share the system with family, friends or caregivers. Ask them to be sure everything is in its designated place, including supplies and pieces of furniture.

Technical considerations

In addition to design modifications, there are technical factors to consider as well when designing an accessible workspace. For example, depending on the specific needs of each individual, there are dozens of assistive and adaptive technologies available that help people with disabilities to accomplish specific tasks. Check out this list of tools and tips to get started:

• The number one tool a freelancer needs is a strong and reliable internet connection. Nothing is worse than working on a project that’s due the next morning and the internet goes out, or you’re conducting a video conference and the lack of speed causes the meeting to buffer. Check out internet reviews to choose the best provider.
• Electronics designed for people with low vision include telephones and calculators with large print dials and keypads. Using a large screen with high definition will also help increase visibility. Adding a fully adjustable computer mount allows the screen to be placed at the best height and angle.
• Software can offer further assistance for people with low vision. Apple has a built-in feature on every Mac called VoiceOver that includes verbal descriptions of what’s happening on the screen. It also reads all content aloud and magnifies the screen.
• Microsoft has created tools and features for Windows 10 and Microsoft Office to make computers more accessible for people who have disabilities around vision, hearing, speech, mobility and learning. For example, Microsoft’s Narrator feature reads the text on the computer screen, including calendar events and notifications. Microsoft’s Magnifier tool  allows the entire screen or portions of the screen to be enlarged. Check out Microsoft’s online guide to learn more about all of its accessibility tools and features. Visit the Microsoft accessibility playlist on YouTube for more features and troubleshooting guidance.
• NV Access, founded and managed by two business partners who are blind, provides free software in many languages for people with visual limitations. They believe everyone “deserves the right to freely and easily access a computer.”
• Other companies also offer speech-to-text or voice-to-text apps that assist with “writing” emails, reports, notes, etc. Dragon Home and IBM Speech to Text are a couple of examples.

For additional options and ideas, the University of Arkansas Disability Resource Center has an extensive list of assistive technology to consider, including many free products.

How to pay for modifications

Several opportunities exist to help with funds and people-power for making modifications to an in-home workspace to accommodate a disability. Here are a few resources to research while putting together a comprehensive plan and budget.

Local, city, county & state grants

Rebuilding Together is an organization where neighbors help neighbors to improve the safety and health of their homes. Local affiliates are scattered across the U.S. and are ready to pitch in and assist.

Joni and Friends is a Christian-based organization providing programs for people around the world who have disabilities. The organization has chapters across the U.S. that can assist with local resources. The group also offers the Christian Fund for the Disabled (CFD), a grant for individuals who have adaptive needs not covered by insurance, Social Security or other sources. Application guidelines for a CFD grant can be found here.

Grants for veterans

U.S. military veterans may be eligible for a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) or a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The SAH grant helps service-men or women who have service-connected disabilities build a home or remodel an existing home to suit their needs or pay off unpaid mortgages for homes acquired without a VA grant.

With an SHA grant, the funds could be used to adapt a home owned by the veteran or adapt a home owned by a family member where the veteran will permanently live. The severity of the disability determines which grant an applicant is eligible for.

The American Red Cross assists eligible veterans, as well as active service members, with financing for home modifications for those who experienced a disability while on duty.

Because the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is committed to helping members of the U.S. Army remain independent, they offer financial assistance for needed home modifications for veterans and others.

The Gary Sinise Foundation’s Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program also provides grants for veterans to either modify their current living space or to build a new, specially adapted smart home.

Grants for specific home modifications

Several national and state programs provide financial assistance to help make home modifications more affordable.

The Lion’s Club International is known for assisting people with hearing impairments and visual disabilities. Reach out to a local Lions Club chapter to see what they can do toward assisting with home modifications.

Check with a local American Parkinson Disease Association chapter for any grants they might offer or to learn about any grants they might contribute to in your area.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA) Catalyst Project, which offers helpful resources as well as technical assistance on home modifications, may offer grants in your state. You can also check out the National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources to find local resources and available financial assistance.

Applicable tax deductions

As you work freelance and make needed adaptations to your workspace, keep careful records. Working with any online accounting software can make expense tracking easier and simplifies the process of collecting information needed for income tax preparation.

First, it helps to know exactly what you can and cannot write off as a business expense while using a portion of your home to run a business. For example, you can choose to write off the mileage for driving to and from client meetings, called standard mileage rate, rather than writing off other vehicle expenses, like gas, insurance, tires, oil, parking fees, etc.

The IRS publication 583 states, “To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your field of business, trade or profession. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business, trade or profession.” Necessary expenses include those related to internet connections and phone service.

The IRS has home office deduction information available to provide a clear understanding of allowable tax deductions for freelancers who use a portion of their home for their business. States may also offer tax credits for home modification. Those can be found on each state’s official government website, if applicable.

Design an ideal workspace to thrive as a freelancer

Freelancing can be freeing in many ways, especially for someone with a disability. It allows the convenience of working in a space created to meet specific needs, which can increase productivity, focus and overall well-being.

Many organizations and programs are available to assist you or someone you know with a disability who chooses to work as a freelancer from the comfort of home. Use these resources and get started designing the ideal, accessible home office space — perfect for launching and sustaining a successful freelancer career.

Nicki Escudero is a Phoenix-based freelance writer and journalist with more than 18 years of experience in the publishing industry, writing for global publications and international magazines. A former expat living in Australia, Nicki has a passion for world travel and loves to learn about new cultures.

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