Design for All

Due to economic concerns, multigenerational family households are far more common today as families are forced to double up their living arrangements.  A record 49 million Americans - or about 16 percent of the total U.S. population - lived in a household with two or more adult generations in 2008, up 2.6 million from 2007.  These statistics reinforce the importance of implementing universal design concepts while creating a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional for a variety of people within different age groups and abilities.

In bathrooms, showers are often more flexible for a larger segment of the population.  A walk-in shower is far more accessible for those who have difficulty with movement. For an elderly person with limited mobility, having a shower bench which facilitates transfer from a walker or wheelchair is far easier than attempting to maneuver in and out of a bathtub. However, these are not the only people who can benefit from this type of arrangement.  An adult who is able to sit while helping a young child shower or even washing the family dog will experience less strain on the back and more flexibility with a hand-held showerhead.  Even those with temporary conditions (i.e. a broken leg) can benefit as well.

Multiple counter heights, ranging from 30” high to 36” high with rounded or beveled corners in both the kitchen and bath are helpful as well.  Although the average adult is most comfortable at a 36” counter height, younger children and older adults will find a 30” countertop with knee space below easier to use.  For those with vision problems, having a contrasting detail will help differentiate the edge of a countertop and help limit accidents.

On cabinetry, using C or D shaped hardware without open ends on cabinets are easier to grip and less likely to catch on clothing. Roll-out shelves and drawers on heavy-duty soft-close glides will allow the user to access the contents of a cabinet with little effort while avoiding pinched fingers. 

Fixtures should have lever handles if possible, installed at the side versus the rear which are comfortable to hold and have easy spray-change options.  Pull-out faucets are preferred to maximize ease of use and reach for a variety of users. Motion or touch faucets should be a consideration as well.

Cooking appliances should be chosen for their safety and convenience options. Locking features, controls that are easy to read and understand, and that are mounted close to the front are excellent choices.  Hot-surface indicator lights are an additional safety feature. Microwaves that are mounted in a lower position allows for a larger range of users while eliminating the danger of spilling while
transferring hot foods.  Side hinged oven doors are more comfortable and easier to access also.

If one of the primary cooks uses a mobility chair, it may make sense to have a cooktop and/or sink on a lift so that they can access it easily, and it can be adjusted according to the user.  A range can be difficult, if not impossible, to access otherwise.

It is important to consider all of the users in a household when designing a kitchen or bath.  There may have to be trade-offs due to size and budget limitations, but a certified kitchen or bath designer can help navigate the process and come up with a plan that suits everyone’s needs.