An Innovative Sensory Room, Wide Doors and Hallways, and Other Thoughtful Design Moves Make This Canadian Home Work For The Whole Family

An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thought... http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11438965/list?utm_source=Houzz&u...
Universal Design Houzz Tours Kid Spaces
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An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thoughtful design moves
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make this Canadian home work for the whole family
Becki Peckham Follow

Home tour contributor for Houzz, freelance photography and graphic design... More »
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uilding a new home in a kid-friendly neighborhood wasn't the only priority for Julie
Brocklehurst and Andrew Boland. In fact, their entire house had to be custom kid friendly.
With their 8-year-old son, Brennen, in a wheelchair, they needed to design a functional,
comfortable space that would work well for him for years to come.
What are you working on?
Working with Carter Home Designs and an occupational therapist from Janeway Children's
Please help with awkward
Health and Rehabilitation Centre, the couple created a smart open-concept home tailored to the
living room! - We moved into
family, from a playroom basement that is accessible from the outside to wider hallways and our newly renovated 1970's
house...
other amenities.
27 comments
Houzz at a Glance
Complete Kitchen Remodel - A
Who lives here: Julie Brocklehurst, Andrew Boland, son Brennen and greyhound Rumble complete kitchen remodel. We
Location: East End of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada added more storage space,
custom...
Size: main level: 1,400 square feet, lower level: 800 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 28 comments
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Brennen, shown here with his parents, has a diagnosis of spastic tetraparetic cerebral palsy,
among other developmental disorders, and needs assistance in all aspects of his life. "Despite his
many challenges, Brennen is a happy little boy," Brocklehurst says. "He is very active in Easter
Seals programs, swimming, music therapy and therapeutic horseback riding. He has graduated
1 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
kindergarten and is now enjoying grade one!"
by Becki Peckham »
A wheelchair-accesible walk-out basement is Brennen's playroom. Brocklehurst and Boland

picked out a gray laminate floor for this space and paired it with crisp white walls and a cheerful
accent wall (Sunflower Fields, Benjamin Moore). All the doors on this basement level are 36
inches wide.
People found the photos in this ideabook after

searching for:
by Becki Peckham »
fireplace brick · yellow accents
A therapeutic Snoezelen room off the playroom is a multisensory environment designed to

provide both relaxation and stimulation for kids with developmental challenges. It is filled with View over a million photos:
sights, sounds and movement for Brennan to experience. The Hanging Crow's Nest by Joki is a basement ideas · bedroom ideas · dining room ideas ·
entry ideas · family room ideas · garage and shed
great place for him to relax in. ideas · hall ideas · home office ideas · landscape
ideas · laundry room ideas · powder room ideas ·
wine cellar ideas and more.
Bubble tube, fiber-optic lights, projectors: TFH Special Needs Toys
2 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
Brocklehurst stores loose

items and small toys in
clear tubs. Built-in shelves
hold toys and craft
supplies.
by Becki Peckham »
by Becki Peckham »
An open living space was a top priority. "I need to be able to see Brennen at all times, from
wherever I am," Brocklehurst says. "We find this space to be functional and open but still
comfortable."
Vaulted white ceilings and subdued grays create a soothing, neutral backdrop. The couple chose
warm gray flooring throughout the main level to match the stone fireplace.
The two black and white canvas prints flanking the fireplace were taken by local photographer
Greg Locke for an exhibit called PhotoSensitive: Kids Who Can.
Wall paint: Freezing Rain, Sico
3 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
Rumble enjoys a snack on the living room rug.
Cowhide rug: The Rug Room
This green sofa is the

highlight of the living
room, along with
Brocklehurst's DIY art
project above, a collage of
photographs she took of
signs the family has passed
on trips around the
province of Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Sofa: Portico Sofa in Basil,

Sunpan Imports
by Becki Peckham »
Gas fireplace: Manhattan,

Napoleon; stone: Loyalist
Grey, StoneRox
by Becki Peckham »
4 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
by Becki Peckham »
Floor: hard maple in Eclipse, Mercier
by Becki Peckham »
The living room and dining area lead directly into the kitchen; the couple went with a light gray
tile to complement the wood floors. The kitchen features an eat-in bar and granite countertops
paired with black Shaker-style cabinets. The gray tones are repeated through the backsplash.
Stainless steel and stone tile reflect light from the undercabinet lights.
5 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
The patio off the kitchen is used often for barbecues in the summer and gives access to the
backyard. The patio door is 6 feet across to accommodate a 3-foot opening accessible by
wheelchair.
More ideas for designing an accessible kitchen
The dog portrait at the end

of the 4-foot-wide hallway
is a digital print of the
family dog done by
Brocklehurst. Every door is
36 inches wide; a typical
door is 30 inches wide.
See 3 more features that

boost accessibility
by Becki Peckham »
by Becki Peckham »
Brocklehurst and Boland merged style and functionality in Brennen's bathroom. A modern tub
surrounded by custom tilework was raised to accommodate a lift later. The bathroom is
approximately 100 square feet.
Wall paint: Grey Drizzle, Sico
6 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
by Becki Peckham »
The main bedroom is simple, cheerful and soothing.
Wall paint: Hailstorm, Sico
by Becki Peckham »
For the exterior the couple chose colors inspired by the local weather — grays mixed with a
cheerful yellow.
More: Universal Design Strategies for 4 Key Home Areas
Browse more contemporary home design photos »
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7 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
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Boost Accessibility » Planning for Universal Accessible Shower » Fittings With Universal
Design in the Kitchen » Design in Mind »
Comments
Dirt Digger What a beautiful space for such a beautiful family! Brennan's smile says it all!
3 days ago · Like · 12
jabalshams Inspirational. Thank you for this feature. More real world features like this would
be a great addition to Houzz
mizmolly Lovely home and family - very well thought out.

All Things Creative I love the pops of yellow!

Granite Grannies What a beautiful home design story. I love seeing this young couple who
seems to not only deal with their son's needs, but celebrate him by creating a beautiful home
environment that will help all three of them enjoy their life together.
angela auclair photography this was a fabulous read for so many reasons. design that works
for families and individuals that meets needs ( special or otherwise ) is fascinating. thanks for
this. and that family portrait beside the fireplace is just wonderful.
groveraxle What a great demonstration that accessibility doesn't require compromising

functionality or style. A beautiful home for a beautiful family.
Benjamin Stairs are not very handicap accessible. Is there an elevator in the house?
2 days ago · Like
rouxb " the couple created a smart open-concept home tailored to the family, from a
playroom basement that is ACCESSIBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE to wider hallways and other
amenities."
hopbop_08xo Its amazing how this family haven't let their sons handicap stop them build a
beautiful home. They have catered to Brennan's needs flawlessly. The love in this family is
undeniable. Well done =)
Dana Veach What a beautiful home and celebration of family! Brennen is blessed to have
such an environment of obvious love and creativity to grow in.
R Designs, LLC. I would love to know how Julie did the digital print of Rumble. If she would
be will to share or produce.
45 hours ago · Like · 1
moresparkly In AWE of the organizational skills on display in the playroom. The sensory
8 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM
room is phenomonal as well-wow!

Sunny Rosanbalm This is wonderful! I have a non-profit that helps families make their homes
wheelchair accessible, safer and therapy friendly in Middle Tennessee called Tucker's
House. I would love to talk with you! www.tuckershouse.org
Sign Up to comment
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Ideabook published on May 30, 2013.
9 of 9 6/2/2013 12:03 PM

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An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thought... http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11438965/list?utm_source=Houzz&u...

Universal Design Houzz Tours Kid Spaces

"One of the most comprehensive collections of home

Becki Peckham Follow

Comment 14 Bookmark 19 Like 7 Email Embed

Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.

See all Design Dilemmas »

News From Our Partners

How to Build a Pyramid Trellis

Design Your Dream Closet

kindergarten and is now enjoying grade one!"

A wheelchair-accesible walk-out basement is Brennen's playroom. Brocklehurst and Boland

People found the photos in this ideabook after

A therapeutic Snoezelen room off the playroom is a multisensory environment designed to

Brocklehurst stores loose

Wall paint: Freezing Rain, Sico

Rumble enjoys a snack on the living room rug.

Cowhide rug: The Rug Room

This green sofa is the

Sofa: Portico Sofa in Basil,

Gas fireplace: Manhattan,

Floor: hard maple in Eclipse, Mercier

More ideas for designing an accessible kitchen

The dog portrait at the end

See 3 more features that

Wall paint: Grey Drizzle, Sico

The main bedroom is simple, cheerful and soothing.

Wall paint: Hailstorm, Sico

More: Universal Design Strategies for 4 Key Home Areas

Browse more contemporary home design photos »

More in Universal Design »

3 Home Features to Optimal Space How to Design an Kitchen Cabinet

mizmolly Lovely home and family - very well thought out.

All Things Creative I love the pops of yellow!

groveraxle What a great demonstration that accessibility doesn't require compromising

room is phenomonal as well-wow!

More in Universal Design »

Home Elevators: A Universal Bath Design: 9 Outdoor Lighting Houzz Tour:

Ideabook published on May 30, 2013.

You might also like