Trend Report: Universal Design
Making homes comfortable for all — regardless of age or ability
A slogan to live by. “Universal design is design for all, no matter your ability or age,” says Dolores Davis of CG&S Design-Build in Austin, Texas. “It’s about smart programming, about impacting the house the second you walk in.”
Keywords to build by. “Comfortable, safe, flexible, providing dignity to those who live there, independence,” says Genie Nowicki of Harrell Remodeling in Palo Alto, California. Davis adds her own top words: “intuitive, easy, neat, different and beautiful.”
Keywords to build by. “Comfortable, safe, flexible, providing dignity to those who live there, independence,” says Genie Nowicki of Harrell Remodeling in Palo Alto, California. Davis adds her own top words: “intuitive, easy, neat, different and beautiful.”
Photo by Paul Finkel
Best practices. Certain areas are especially ripe for universal design: “improved lighting, especially with LEDs, as well as access to the outdoors or a garden, and flooring that has some tooth to it to prevent falls,” Nowicki says. “It’s about making it more comfortable for everybody, like differing height countertops where kids can help bake but that are just as easy for a grandmother who wants to peel potatoes for dinner.”
Davis’ Product Picks: SomerTile Vistorian Hex Mosaic Tiles, American Standard Spectra Hand Shower, EAGO Modern Ceramic Wall Mounted Toilet
Best practices. Certain areas are especially ripe for universal design: “improved lighting, especially with LEDs, as well as access to the outdoors or a garden, and flooring that has some tooth to it to prevent falls,” Nowicki says. “It’s about making it more comfortable for everybody, like differing height countertops where kids can help bake but that are just as easy for a grandmother who wants to peel potatoes for dinner.”
Davis’ Product Picks: SomerTile Vistorian Hex Mosaic Tiles, American Standard Spectra Hand Shower, EAGO Modern Ceramic Wall Mounted Toilet
Practical and pleasing products. Olivia Kern Meadows, of The Cleary Co. in Columbus, Ohio, recommends “accessible storage, low- to no-maintenance materials — such as quartz and luxury vinyl — grab bars that are aesthetically similar to towel bars, cabinet pulls, appliance lifts and zero-threshold showers.” Kitchens and baths tend to get particular attention in universal design.
Better for business. “Universal design is an opportunity to educate homeowners about something that could be really important and valuable to them,” Davis says. “I think a smart builder would promote that as a way to set themselves apart.”
Meadow’s Product Picks: Delta Essa Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, Base Cabinet Organizer With 3 Utensil Bins, Cosmas Flat Black Cabinet Pull
Meadow’s Product Picks: Delta Essa Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, Base Cabinet Organizer With 3 Utensil Bins, Cosmas Flat Black Cabinet Pull
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This story is from our Trade Program Trend Report email series.
Curbless showers. Pull-down shelving. Nonslip flooring. All of these are options now commonly found in upscale homes. They’re also elements of universal design. Whether it’s for baby boomers aging in place, families with young children or those living with illness or disabilities, universal design is increasingly known as good design for everyone — and homes are being tailored to take advantage of it.