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In the kitchen, products such as microwave and dishwash- er drawers, drawers instead of hinged doors with shelves and appliances with doors that swing left or right rather than down all enhance functionality for everyone. "It's important to make sure the function of an appliance doesn't prevent its use," says Nowicki. "If, for example, the oven is at a comfortable height, but the door swing pushes you too far away from it to reach what's inside, you don't accom- plish much." Sinks and cooktops can also be made more functional and beautiful. Provide an open area underneath so a wheelchair can slip below. "You can recess the panels so you still have some storage," says Nowicki. "This, like many Universal Design ele- ments, can easily be worked in to make it look like it was part of the design. In this case, it will look as though you are trying to create some relief in the cabinetry. You can add decorative legs, or stainless steel or screen panels…anything that might create interest in any design. It doesn't have to look like Universal Design. You can also use doors that swing open to reveal a cabi- net with no floor so someone can scoot underneath." KEEP IT SIMPLE Sometimes it's seemingly simple Universal Design elements that can be easily mainstreamed into a home, such as choos- ing levers instead of knobs for doors as well as faucets. "Levers are easier to use because you don't have to grab them," says Kaplan. "You can use any part of your hand to open a door or turn on a faucet." Wide hallways and doorways – 48" and 36" when possible – are easier for everyone to navigate, and adequate lighting can eliminate shadows. Universal Design also isn't always about the homeowner. Sometimes it's about anyone who may visit. "'Visitability' is a term we use where we want people to be able to come to your home," says Kaplan. "For that to happen, it has to be acces- sible, because a common reason why people may not visit is because they don't feel safe. Personally, I have made my home accessible so my parents can visit. While you may not need anything, friends and family who visit may." Taking into consideration Universal Design principles can make the home accessible for everyone, adds Cook. "Visitability is a boiled-down version of Universal Design," she says. "It focuses on three basic accessibility needs, including one zero-step entrance to the home, 32" minimum doorways and a wheelchair-accessible bath on the main floor." ▪ Oftentimes, people don't even realize a space is designed with Universal Design principles. "People are concerned that their new space will look like a hospital," says Nowicki. "But with the products and materials available today, there is no way that needs to happen." Bathrooms are often the first target. "If a client can only adapt one room, I suggest doing the bathroom," Nowicki continues. "That's the room that can cause someone to have to move out of their home." Grab bars are a common starting point and are available in a dizzying assortment of styles and finishes to accommodate virtually any need or design aesthetic. Curbless showers are another frequent request because they give someone in a wheel- chair or walker much easier access. But they are also being mainstreamed into many homes simply because of their beauty. From a Universal Design perspective, you don't have to step over a curb to get into the shower. "But from a design aesthetic, they are seamless and beautiful," says Amorello. "It's such a clean design, so I am doing curbless showers for people who are aging in place as well as for people who simply want a clean look." "When I started designing 20-plus years ago, the only reason anyone asked for a curbless shower was because some- one in the home was in a wheelchair or used a walker," adds Nowicki. "Now, because so many hotels have put in curbless showers, people think of them as a luxury item so they are asking for them." Wall-hung vanities and toilets also offer several benefits related to function as well as cleanability, as do wall-mount fau- cets. "Wall-hung toilets are easy to navigate around with a walk- er, and they offer greater flexibility in height," says Amorello. "They are also easier to clean, and cleanability is a question that often comes up in discussions about Universal Design." Another popular design feature in a bathroom is more space around the toilet. Both Klappa and Amorello typically incorporate 36" as a standard. "It isn't code," says Amorello, "but a wider toilet space is more comfortable for everyone." Visitability was an important consideration in this bathroom that Tammy Kaplan designed for her own home. A low-profile tub and plenty of grab bars make it easy for her parents to comfortably stay with her when they visit. Photo: Tammy Kaplan Photo: Tammy Kaplan 42 Kitchen & Bath Design News • September 2016 UNIVERSAL DESIGN