The fortunate thing: creating spaces designed for "aging-in-place" can be one of the smartest actions you take in your home.
The unfortunate thing: the majority of the terms used for this type of design, "universal design," "accessible design," or even, "designed to age in place," conjure images of bland, low-pile carpeting and grab rails at every juncture. People envision assisted living facilities, rather than homes.
Chicago Bathroom Remodeling Should be Considered Remodeling for the Ages
In fact, accessible remodels are really about remodeling for the ages - all ages. Bathrooms should be designed so they are comfortable, safe and useful for everyone in the family, whether three years-old and requiring a step stool to brush their teeth or 90 years-old and needing enough space to maneuver mobility aids as they get in and out of the shower.
The reality is that all Chicago bathroom remodeling designs should take a "big picture" look at how the bathroom will be used today, tomorrow, in ten years and for potential future buyers.
Here are some of the bathroom features and upgrades you can integrate to remodel your own bathroom for the ages.
Natural lighting. The more natural light there is in a space, the less likely a person is to slip, trip or fall. Light also makes a bathroom space feel more cheerful, bright and spacious. Consider adding or expanding existing bathroom windows to provide more light. Adding skylights and solar tubes are another attractive option.
Even the interior space can be designed to infuse the bathroom with more light, like we did in this Northshore bathroom remodel. We cut out sections of the wall between the bath and sink areas. Beautiful tilework and glass shelves created a space where beautiful glass art could be displayed and the cutouts also provided a pass-through for natural light to move from one side of the bathroom to the other.
Large, walk-in showers. This style of shower is trendy right now, but in addition to being stylish, it's also safe. There is nothing to step over or stumble on and the shower is big enough for adults to move safely. Combine a large, walk-in shower with other stylish features - like lever-style faucets and deluxe hand-held sprayers - and you have a shower you will love for decades.
Reconsider heights. Talk to your bathroom design-build team about standard heights. Many owners opt to go with comfort-height toilets or vanities with varying countertop and/or sink heights (great for parents and kids to use together) because it makes for a more comfortable bathroom in general.
Extra safety features. Non-slip floors and subtly-installed grab bars are additional safety features that will keep children and adults of all ages a little more safe. Even something as simple as having a bad flu, a sprained ankle or recovering from a surgical procedure will give you a hearty appreciation for them.
Talk to the design-build team at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to discuss stylish ways to incorporate "livable" design features in your Chicago bathroom remodeling project.
