A focus on product design is part of Stiltz Homelifts' DNA. We are not strangers to innovation and emerging trends – in fact, we have created a whole new category. Did you know that before Stiltz there was no such thing as a homelift? Domestic lifts and through-floor lifts certainly, but not homelifts. Here we share with you some of our thoughts and those of professionals which have caught our beady 'form and function' eye.

As the baby boomer generation moves into the 3rd age, their inherent sense of design and style borne out of the rock 'n' roll era and post-war consumerism remains undiluted. However, determined today's elders are though, ill health and mobility issues often necessitate intervention within the home to make surroundings safer. Any alterations designed to help with accessibility however, are often scrutinised for suitability; expectations are that design remains as important a functionality.

Jackie Cleveland, creator of Podplan, the on-line resource that helps decision making for adult children of older parents, explains, “If health is already a problem, then function is paramount but the don't just chose the first available product. Do consider the overall design appeal of what you are chosing. An unattractive or poorly-designed product quickly impacts negatively on the user; they feel their home is not their own any longer and filled with institutional-style aids. This is even more noticeable in the case of users who are future-proofing and where a health need hasn't yet arisen. If the design doesn't 'meet the brief' it simply won't be accepted”. 

Without a doubt the big takeaway for future access trends is to create a calm sense of harmony balanced with practicality; continuing to embracing style alongside smart use of technology.

Moving on up

How we transition through the overall space in our homes and specifically between rooms is currently a big trend. As a manufacturer and installer of homelifts, Stiltz are naturally at the forefront of this development We take that notion of simplicity and make it possible through floors. Our homelifts provide a contemporary solution to getting up and down the stairs and because we understand our customers don't want to compromise their interior décor; Stiltz Homelifts are beautifully-styled.

Gilly Craft, founder of Koubou Interior Design, is a firm believer that good looking homelifts are the future norm as she adds, “It is a well-known fact that there will be challenges going forward in our homes due to the fact that we are living longer, and adaptations should be considered well before accessibility concerns becomes an issue. There are many products on the market now that take this 'future proofing' into consideration. Downsizing to a bungalow was the prescribed solution only a few years ago, but with the lack of existing stock availability and very few new bungalows being built, it's important to look carefully at other means of staying in our own homes for longer, if not forever.”

“A Stiltz Homelift means single-storey living doesn't need to be the only option as we age. Compact, elegantly-designed; they are easy to use and easy to fit in almost any home.

Relax and re-charge

As we emerge from a couple of difficult years the idea of rest, calm and relaxation is high on consumers' lists of priorities. The bathroom is just such a space and trends in products and design are reflective of the desire for wellness and ease. Flooring which enables safe, easy transition into a bath or shower is a major trend that translates well into designing for mobility needs. Smooth, non-slip surfaces offer a safe yet chic environment for bathing. And while wet rooms are still popular, bathing in back in style.

One such company looking to make a statement in assisted bathing is Access; a UK company embracing both style and technology, carving out something of a revolution in walk-in baths. Sleek lines teamed with curves come as standard on all sizes and the walk-in facility is cleverly integrated into the bath. 

Picking up on toilet design trends are also key to easier living as Gilly says, “In the bathroom, washlet toilets which combine the toilet with a bidet are a very good idea. Toto invented this toilet/bidet in the 1980's and are considered the best, but other sanitary ware companies are also now provide this tye of hybrid product .”

Future Forward

In the same way that electric cars are rapidly taking up the baton from the internal combustion engine, the inside of the home is becoming more of a level playing field for mobility.

In addition to physical aids that help with – for instance - using the stairs or bathing; home automation technology is really making a difference to those who are less mobile. Smart speakers, for example, are for so much more than music. The number of household appliances using these for voice control is steadily increasing. Cleaning your floor, turning on the TV and drawing the curtains are just a few remotely-enabled activities. With voice command assistance set to become standard across millions of homes in the coming years, the future is looking exciting.

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Stiltz Limited
Award-winning multi-national Stiltz is a specialist manufacturer of pioneering through-floor homelifts. Its life-enhancing 2-person Duo Homelift and 3-person, wheelchair-accessible Trio Homelift, deliver a superior alternative to stair lifts with world-class design that adds value. Stiltz recognises its duty of care to individuals living with restricted mobility through client-centric assessment – 100% focused on positive outcomes for all. Solutions that synergise adaptability, performance and safety, all with contemporary and compelling styling, provide the answer to enhanced well-being and inclusion in the home.
 

For further information please contact:                                             
Jon Nock                                                                                                   
Director                                                                                                     
iDIS Creative Marketing Limited                                                      
6B (First Floor), The Courtyard                                                                
Meadow Bank, Bourne End                                                                     
Bucks. SL8 5AU. UK                                                                                
Mob: +44(0)7786 245896                                                                        
Email: jon@idiscreativemarketing.co.uk                                                 
www.idiscreativemarketing.co.uk

Issued on behalf of:
Yola Mealing
Head of Marketing
Stiltz Ltd 
St. Paul's Clockhouse 
Reading Road
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG41 1RL
Tel: 0330 222 0334
Email: info@stiltz.co.uk 
www.stiltz.co.uk