The words “dream house” can mean many different things to homeowners depending on what chapter of their lives they are currently living. For example, for some it may mean a built-in pool for the kids or a home bar/man cave for the young bachelor. But smart homeowners also imagine a home they can live in forever – from starting out with a young family, through busy midlife, to the potential spatial and elevation limitations involved with getting older.
Universal design (UD), sometimes also called “lifespan design,” is not a new concept and is essentially the design of products and environments that are usable by most people, regardless of their ability level or any disability. UD brings together the principles of accessible, ergonomic, and green design to create a living space that withstands the tests of time.
This week’s post, Part 1 of a two-part series, includes the first 3 of 7 Tips for Planning your Forever Home. These seven tips can help you to design a fabulous place for all ages and walks of life.
Tip #1. Implement design that’s equally appealing to all users.
Universal design should create spaces that can be used by everyone equally and that are appealing to all the users of that space.
Some examples include:
- At least one three-foot-wide, gently sloping, no-step entryway (without porch steps or tall threshold) to allow someone with a stroller, wheelchair, or walker to easily enter, without screaming “handicap entrance” to those who pull up in front of your home.
- A lever-handled front door (as opposed to a round knob) can be a relief for sore or weak hands or anyone carrying packages, a baby, or a cane.
- Mirrors placed where they can be seen from sitting and standing positions, such as a full-length or tilting mirror.
Tip #2. Be flexible.
Good UD accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities and often allows for a variety of usages, as well. Be flexible when planning out your design to accommodate some of the options below:
- Ideally, there should be least one bedroom and a full bathroom on the main floor, located away from living areas. It can serve as a study, craft room, or playroom early on, and as a bedroom when getting up the stairs becomes difficult for those living in the home. There should also be a main-floor laundry room.
- Paddle handles at the kitchen sink have already become the new standard because everyone finds them easier and more convenient.
- A small rolling cart based in the kitchen offers additional workspace wherever needed to save footsteps.
- Pull-out work boards near the stove, refrigerator, or counters add space to chop vegetables and can be slid back into place after; ideally, there should be boards inset at different heights for users of different heights, or to use when seated or standing.
- Pocket doors wherever possible provide flexibility and privacy, and give a sense of extra space because there’s no door blocking anything.
Tip #3. Keep it simple and intuitive in use.
UD makes things easy to figure out, regardless of cognitive functioning, language, literacy, experience or know-how. Unnecessary complexity is eliminated and everything serves to support the needs of the entire household.
Simple and intuitive design options include:
- D-shaped drawer pulls that are easy to grasp and pull open.
- Smart shower handles that move in one obvious way from hot to cold and don’t require multiple maneuvers to get the water to flow at the desired temperature.
- Adjustable refrigerator shelving is easy to customize, so that you can store the tall milk and ketchup where you prefer.
- Installing “Lazy Susans” can make constructive use of normally wasted corner cupboard space.
By incorporating universal design into the planning of your home, you can help to ensure that your dream home can also be your Forever Home. Be sure to check back in a couple days for Part 2 of our 7 Tips for Planning Your Forever Home.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream home, check out our TruYouDesign™ process or contact us for a fast, free estimate.
*image: Thinkstock