Universal Design Tips: Trends for the Bathroom
Diane Rosen Interiors believes in equality for all. That’s why we focus on universal design! Check out our list of five universal design tips that will help make your bathroom more accessible to yourself and anyone else who may need it.
Tip #1: Expand the Doorway
A “typical” doorway will span about 30 to 32 inches wide. Unfortunately, those of us who require wheelchairs or other mobility devices may not actually fit through the door! It is easy to see what the problem is here. By expanding your doorway to a minimum of 36 inches, you allow access for people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities.
Tip #2: Empty That Space Under the Sink
We don’t just mean cleaning out all the goop you may have collected, cleaning supplies, and extra q-tips. Opting for table-like sinks with open space underneath or floating vanities grants people in wheelchair a place to put their legs for better access to the sink.
Tip #3: Grab Bars
Installing grab bars is an easy and great way to start converting your home into a space where you can comfortably age-in-place. Bars in the shower or bath and near the toilet will make absolutely sure anyone with limited mobility will have something to hold onto for support and stablization.
Tip #4: Take No Lip, Walk Right In
Walk-in showers don’t only make it a hundred times easier for people with limited mobility to get in and out of the shower space. They’re also a huge trend right now! Replace your shower with one that has no lip on the entrance for ultimate accessiblity.
Tip #5: Double-Check Your Floor Space
All these tips to improve ease-of-use in your bathroom are great, but if you don’t double-check to make sure you have at least 5 feet of open floor space, it may all be for naught. Wide areas are required for those in wheelchairs to make a 180-degree turn, if necessary. It also allows extra room for walkers, crutches, braces, and anything else someone with limited mobility might require.
We hope you’ll take these universal design tips and try to apply them to your every day life. If you aren’t sure what to do with your current space, feel free to download our discovery questionnaire. You can also call us at 314.359.0890, or send us an email and we will reach out to you as soon as possible. Diane Rosen Interiors can manage your whole project or renovation. We also offer design consultations at an hourly rate for those who don’t have an entire project in mind. No matter what your needs are, Diane Rosen looks forward to working with you.
Diane Rosen is a professional interior designer with tenured experience in universal design, aging-in-place, and many other niches of interior design. Let Diane Rosen Interiors refresh your personal space and transform your home into the ultimate place of permanent living.