Universal design has been getting much more attention in recent years, as baby boomers are getting older and multiple generations are living in the same household.

“We’ve been doing things with universal design for 20 to 25 years,” says Mary Jo Peterson, principal of her own design firm, Mary Jo Peterson Inc. “At this year’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando, everyone was talking about it. We’ve come a long way.”

Universal Design involves the design of space and products that will work for most people most of the time with respect to differences in age, size, strength and mobility. The concept of universal design is inspired by the notion that a sense of well-being, vitality and independence is important for individuals of all ages, according to the Kohler Co. Web site.

A Growing Market

German kitchen manufacturer ALNO offers the MyWay line, which features swing-down interior options for easy access, base cabinets that rise up to meet the user or wall units that lower down to load heavy plates and platters, elevated workstations, retractable landings, height-adjustable tables and fully accessible corner storage units.

Peterson references a book by Margaret Wylde, “Right House, Right Place, Right Time,” in which the author reveals that 46% of people 45 or older who responded to a survey said they are likely or very likely to seek universal design features in a home.

 “People age 55 to 64 are more likely to show interest in universal design products than those age 75 and older,” Peterson notes. “The interest shown in universal design is not so much based on need as on awareness that this is a good idea.”

Aging-in-place products are crucial not only to the homeowner, but also to a caregiver or family member who might be a frequent visitor, says Melanie Horn Mallers, Professor of Gerontology at California State University, Long Beach, and a private consultant to families.

“Helping an aging person can be physically demanding, especially if the right equipment is not installed,” she notes.

Bath And Kitchen Design

Enlarge this picture Gerber Plumbing Fixtures’ Avalanche gravity-fed toilet is available in the more accessible “ErgoHeight.”

The bath and kitchen are two key spaces in the home that benefit from universal design.

“Everyone needs to be able to use the bathroom, whether 7 years old or 75, whether 4 feet tall or 6-foot-5 with a bad back,” Peterson says.

Here are some universal design tips from Peterson:

Kitchen
• Install adjustable task lighting in addition to ambient. Consider pendant lighting.

• Reduce the number of wall cabinets to open up the space and allow for more daylight, keeping more storage within easy reach.

• Install countertops at varying heights or install pull-out drawers at different heights.

• Equip storage cabinets with drawers that pull toward the user.

• Pay attention to the heights and accessibility of appliances. Raised dishwashers, split ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers designed with drawers, French-door style refrigerators or any cabinet or appliance with doors that swing 180 degrees provide easier access and require less bending.

• Consider installing more than one refrigerator to have easy access at point-of-use.

• Ensure that flooring is perfectly level and not slippery.

Bathroom

• Pay attention to slip-resistance and install supports within the walls for grab bars.

• Provide space for sitting in front of the vanity.

• Plan storage at point-of-use — some storage can be pocketed into the walls.

• Install lighting for grooming at each side of the mirror, not just above it.

• Invest in a comfort-height toilet that is easier to access from a seated position.

• Design the room with clear floor space to accommodate a mobility aid.

• Provide a deck on the bathtub for the user to sit on when getting in and out.

• Install a seat inside the shower and include a hand-held spray.

• Position tub and shower controls near the entry point.

A Sampling Of Products

Enlarge this picture Lasco Bathware has an ADA-compliant shower enclosure with seat.

Key modifications for aging-in-place households include installing grab bars, raising toilet height, securing rugs, using hands-free faucets, replacing door knobs with levers and lowering cabinet heights, Horn Mallers says.

Fortunately, universal design no longer has to look institutional — it can look positively stylish. JACLO carries decorative luxury grab bars in seven styles and 16 finishes. Also, its grab bars can be outfitted with an adjustable slider to which a handshower can be attached.

Lasco Bathware’s FreedomLine includes a shower with a four-piece pocketed sectional design and proprietary front install system for ease of installation. Its reduced-threshold FreedomLine models feature a designer diamond tile pattern and slip-resistant flooring. Lasco also has a tub-height acrylic shower base with integral seat and left- or right-hand drain option.

On its Web site, Moen notes the increasing popularity of curbless showers, not only because they are wheelchair accessible, but also because they offer less risk of tripping. Moen also points out the ease of using lever handles on faucets and the safety benefits of single-handle faucets, which make it easier to judge the water temperature and avoid burns.

A new product with universal design applications being touted by its inventor is the Foot Flush, a flushing pedal that can be retrofitted to an existing toilet. Inventor Eric Herbst says it was designed for anyone who has a bad back or limited mobility, for children being potty trained or for anyone who is anxious to avoid germs.

Looking Ahead

Part of the appeal of universal design is that it accommodates the changes people will face over a lifetime.

Interest in universal design should continue to rise as the overall population ages. Some estimates indicate that by the year 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older. A number of these people may choose to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. A survey by the National Association of Realtors projects that baby boomers will stay in the workforce longer and be less likely to downsize their home than previous generations. They will be looking for products and room designs that accommodate their changing needs but still reflect their sense of style.

In addition, homes in which multiple generations live together can benefit from universal design.

Mary Jo Peterson