There are no barriers to living in this family’s new home

There are no boundaries to style. At least for Interiors Joan and Associates.

The firm decorated the first barrier-free home for the 2007 Street of Dreams in Omaha.

And for the Brian and Kris Morrissey family.

While in a temporary home in California, the Omaha residents read about the home’s construction.

It was built by Curt Hofer, who partnered with Alegent Health, to provide a home suitable for those with special needs.

“Curt Hofer’s daughter has cerebral palsy,” Kris said.

Seven-year-old Will Morrissey also has cerebral palsy.

It was trust in Curt Hofer — and in the designers — that convinced the couple this home at Five Fountain, an NP Dodge subdivision, would fulfill a dream.

“The whole goal is trying to create a home that’s warm and cozy,” said designer Ellen Turnage, Allied Member ASID.

“The floor plan was done. We were able to choose surfaces and modify the home. We wanted a nod to Craftsman-Mission, without being heavy or overwhelming,” Kris said.

The design included some of the strong, angular detail of Arts and Crafts, noted Turnage.

Turnage gently rolled with this prairie plan, dwelling on the softer side of Arts and Crafts.

While in California, the couple trusted Interiors Joan to proceed with the interior design.

“They narrowed the selections for us. They gave us recommendations. They really hit it on the head. There were very few times we didn’t go with their recommendations,” said Kris. “You have to look to realize the adaptations.”

“You would never know there’s someone handicapped (living there),” added Turnage.

Doorways are wider and doors will stay open. Doors have levers rather than knobs.

Some areas have pedestal sinks, where a wheelchair can pull up. Grab bars were installed as needed.

The home features gentle ramping and harder surfaces for floors.

“There are hardwood floors on the main floor and tile in the laundry room and bathroom,” Kris said. “It’s easier to push a wheelchair.”

The carpet in the lower level is wheelchair friendly — textured and low.

The kitchen area includes a strong center island with a painted moss-colored finish, Turnage said.

A unique design brings the function of the island to new heights, with a taller working area and an eating area accessible to a wheelchair.

“There is five feet of clearance around the island,” Kris said.

Naturally, these adaptations and more ensure the home is suited to the family.

“Because they have a very active family with children, it’s tidy and tailored without looking sparse,” Turnage said. “We are proud of our unexpected color palette — robin’s egg blue, naturals and merlot.”

Turnage described the main floor master bedroom as serene. A chocolate color and robin’s egg blue are nested together for soft drama.

Will’s room also has a chocolate flavor.

“Will’s bedroom has red, naturals and Townsend Harbor brown, very fitting for a young boy,” Turnage said.

Two downstairs bedrooms were added to the plan for Jack, 9, and Molly, 5.

In the lower level, metallic accents include wrought iron that imitates twigs.

Window treatments utilize natural-looking fabrics emulating linens and silks.

A powder bath boasts a bolder style, with a rustic style backsplash.

Bold but barely noticeable, the barrier-free design is forward thinking — for an aging population.

The Morrissey’s home has a dual purpose.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

“We did it for Will — and for resale,” Kris said.