We’ll all get older, and along the way there may be some setbacks. With most people wishing to remain in their home as they age, or in case of a sudden disability, universal design is an important consideration when building, buying, selling or remodeling.

We’ve talked about it before, but let’s go into some tips on two of the most important and most-used rooms in the house: the kitchen and bathroom. Both are used regularly for basic activities of daily living, so it is of vital importance that their use be accessible to all.

Charles and Hudson had some tips by way of Susan Serra, CKD, of The Kitchen Designer. She reminds people of the following for universally-designed kitchens:

• Contrasting colors make it easy for visually-impaired people to see things
• Make sure that you can easily open and close cabinets and drawers with easy to use hardware
• Keep the things you use the most easily accessible
• Use rounded corners on counters to avoid injury

There are lots of other things you can do, but these easy tips can set you on your way to a universally-designed kitchen.

Kohler has a lot of bathroom expertise, and they have some practical tips for universal design in the bathroom.

• Make sure to install a toilet with a higher height
• Curbless showers are handy for those with limited mobility or who need help bathing
• Wall-mounted sinks look fresh and modern, plus they leave space underneath for a wheelchair user, unlike vanities and pedestal sinks
• Don’t forget to think about the things you can’t see — reinforced walls give the option of putting grab bars anywhere

With an eye towards universal design, you can live in and enjoy your house for many years to come.

Photo courtesy of Susan Serra Associates via Flickr

Universal design is a philosophy that, when practiced effectively, increases the usability of the home for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Focusing on comfort, ease of access and maneuverability, a home is designed to increase the likelihood of people being able to live in their homes independently for as long as possible.

According to an AARP report mentioned in an article from Home Savvi, 89 percent of people aged 50 and over wish to remain in their homes indefinitely. What’s more, 75 percent of remodelers say they’ve seen an increase in demand for this type of design.

Easy first steps in universal design include installing lights strategically to create well-lit hallways, setting up cabinetry with roll-out cabinets, and replacing knobs with lever handles. Other tips include installing non-slip interior and exterior flooring and mounting adequate handrails for stairways and ramps.

Toolbase also offers a checklist of features small and large to consider for new construction and renovation projects that have universal design in mind. Among them: installing a main bath on the main floor and building lowered windows or taller windows with lower sill heights.

Marvin’s Ultimate Casement windows also are an excellent choice for any homeowner looking to incorporate universal design. These windows swivel 140 degrees, allowing you to clean the outside of the window from inside your home. No more climbing ladders, an activity that sent more than 220,000 Americans to the emergency room last year. For more information, check out the Web site for the Center of Universal Design.