How To Implement Universal Bathroom Design

When most people think of remodeling a home, they consider how they want their home to look. By investing in accommodating features and inclusive design, you can have a home that is both attractive and accessible. Incorporating principles of universal design will provide lasting benefits.

 

At its core, universal design is about making a space accessible. Consider the obstacles that your current bathroom might pose for someone in a wheelchair with limited mobility or to someone with failing vision who needs to navigate through your home. Whether you are thinking about the next decades of your life or remodeling a loved one’s bathroom, inclusive design offers solutions to the everyday barriers that can prevent the full use and enjoyment of a home.

 

To implement universal design in a bathroom remodel, consider accessibility. Examine areas where someone with limited mobility might struggle. Eliminating steps, widening doorways to be accommodating for wheelchairs, and lowering light switches and storage are all important. Beyond structural changes, also evaluate appliances and fixtures. For example, replacing a typical high-sided bathtub with a curbless, open shower enclosure outfitted with a bench and adding a detachable shower head will vastly improve access. Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower can also improve accessibility.

 

Once you have identified ways to improve the accessibility of the home, it’s time to turn your attention to safety. Install lights along dark hallways to illuminate the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Choose flooring that is easy for a wheelchair to navigate while still providing a slip-free surface. Good choices include tile with grout and wood and vinyl floors. In each room, focus on changes that improve safety.

 

Most people want to beautify their living space. Fortunately, beauty and accessibility are not mutually exclusive. Applying universal design principles improves the quality of life for homeowners. By focusing on inclusive design in your bathroom remodeling project, you can create a functional, accommodating space.

 

For help creating a beautiful and universal bathroom for either yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to call or click here for a quote.