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Market Pulse { Readers' opinions on industry-related issues } 10 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | April 2015 F or those who must have acces- sible products for a condition or chronic need, we search out the best solution for their specifc requirements. Obviously function is the frst priority, but when the aesthetics are built in, it makes the space great for everyone. As a company, our culture is to design and build for the future, so we ask, 'Can we make accommodations for future use by widening doorways, framing for future openings behind the walls like instal- lation blocking for grab bars or doors between rooms?' I have found it far eas- ier to talk with moms about universal/ accessible design. Reminding them of the changes in their bodies when they were pregnant, managing doorways, walkways and the house with a baby on their hip or in a stroller. That's when you get the 'a-ha!' moments and can turn their attention to the need to design and build spaces that are easier to live in today, and in the future. Elizabeth Springs, CKD, CBD CGBP, CAPS Springs Construction Redwood City, CA A ccessible products cover a broad spectrum of products. We edu- cate our clients about what is available for accessible products rather than sell . Most people have some knowledge of what is available out there, but may need a little more guidance on how items can translate into home use. We see more baby boomers and mature clients leaning towards utilization of accessible prod- ucts, such as grab bars in bathrooms. If we consider accessible products as 'ease-of-use,' we see this as more main- stream rather than niche market use in the kitchen. We see roll-out shelves and drawer cabinets, sensor faucets and lever doorknobs. Further education about ac- cessible products will broaden a better understanding for the masses as well as [inspire] more product development. Cheryl Ryan, CKD, Allied ASID Kitchens by Design, Inc. Elm Grove, WI W e ofer accessible products to all of our customers. We provide good, better and best grades of cabinets. Each grade has a selection and variety of accessible cabinetry. Some of our favorites have been tray base cabinets that feature the ability to stand up tall trays, cutting boards and cookie sheets, so they don't get stacked horizontally and buried. They come in a variety of widths. Another favorite is a 6" or 9" narrow spice base cabinets – great for large oil bottles and large spice containers. The most popular accessible cabinet is our wide stack of drawer base cabinets. The deeper drawers are per- fect for pots and pans with covers. Not having to go into a second base cabinet to fnd pot covers, or deal with rooting around in the depths of a standard base cabinet is a pleasure. Some of our cus- tomers who have difculty lifting their arms above their shoulders love the stack of drawers base cabinet for their dishes. We install a pegboard bottom and pegs for plates and bowls. These products appeal to baby boomers and to serious cooks, young and old, who appreciate how difcult it is to fnd what you need quickly. Proper organization in your new kitchen truly relieves stress and makes cooking more enjoyable. Mitch Grosshandler, Owner Keystone Kitchens Bohemia, NY I n our business, we approach ac- cessible design on a case-by-case basis, making suggestions to suit our clients' current and future needs. We get to know all of our customers enough to design intelligently for them…working to consider them physically using the space and ensuring they get the most out of it. We, of course, take extra care when working with people who have particu- lar limitations. Most of our clients will have a cursory interest in accessibility, but are not really committed to it unless they know that they do or will need it directly. Regardless of age, our custom- ers are looking for the most beautiful and efcient use of space and resources. Accessibility language and ideas are mainstream, but the use of these prod- ucts and designs remains a specialty. Lance Stratton, Partner, Folio+Stratton Del Mar, CA Y es, we need to sell accessible products to our clients; most clients do not ask nor do they even re- alize that this type of product exists within our industry. With baby boom- ers, aging-in-place accessible products or Universal Design is an increasingly popular topic within kitchen and bath design, therefore, it has become increas- ingly discussed with our more mature clients. When the topic comes up in con- versation regarding accessible products to the younger buying group, they are a little taken aback that it is even a topic of conversation. But, as an industry, we need to realize and promote that in de- sign, safety is a very important part of a proper kitchen or bathroom design. Most clients think of accessible prod- ucts as handicap safety bars, but it goes way beyond that. As professionals, we need to educate the consumer on the life safety products on the market and the value they add to their project. Peter J. Albanese, CKD, CBD Creative Kitchen & Bath Wayne, NJ I tend to build accessible features into my designs, and talk about their functionality and how they con- tribute to ease-of-use in the entire space. In a kitchen, storage of often-used items is located in easily reached places, and I would recommend suitable appliances, such as an induction cooktop, as an added safety feature for households of all ages. In the bath, zero entry show- ers are always well-received, even if not specifcally to address an accessibility issue. Boomers and mature clients are very active and do not often care to ad- dress the possibility of limited mobility in the future. I have rarely installed grab bars in a master bath for clients of any age, because they perceive it as an institutional look, even though many beautiful decorative bars are available. I do have blocking installed in the walls for future grab bars or seats, so they can be added later if needed. Overall, people of all ages are request- ing spaces that are highly functional and easy to use, but products and de- sign for those with specifc mobility or other needs remains a niche market. Cathy Driftmier, Lead Designer Dybdahl Design Group Middleton, WI Designers Discuss Client Interest in Accessibility Kitchen & Bath Design News recently posed these questions to dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: Do you need to 'sell' your clients on accessible products, or do they ask for them? Do these products appeal primarily to older baby boomers and mature clients, or is there interest from younger clients as well? Are products designed for accessibility truly 'mainstream,' or are they still more of a niche market? What do you think? E-mail your feedback, contact information and the subject line, 'Market Pulse' with your message to Andrea@solabrands.com.