Kitchen & Bath Business April 2021 - 42

" Now, more than ever, ergonomics and organization are at the forefront of
simple kitchen updates, " said Polidor, who suggests installing easy-to-reach
cabinets and placing often-used items in the ideal " nose-to-knees zone " - a
term coined by kitchen designer Maria Stapperfenne - where reaching and
bending are minimized.
According to Stephenson, each and every space should incorporate the
principles of living in place to accommodate users of all abilities and age groups.
" I like to take a proactive versus reactive approach, " she added. " Someone
who has zero issues today could have a freak accident or injury tomorrow, and
their needs may change - either for a short time or permanently. Something
as simple as a rollout shelf or a deep pot/pan drawer can be helpful for users
of all abilities and age groups alike. "
BUILDING TODAY'S BATHROOM

While the kitchen is still the heart of the home where the whole family gets
together on a regular basis, the bathroom is a retreat - the only room Polidor
identifies as the one where people in close quarters can get away.
Homeowners are paying a lot of attention to their bathroom needs as well
during this time, envisioning it as a spa-like sanctuary where they can escape
for even just a little while. As such, clients are asking for aromatherapy and
steam functions, touchless and self-cleaning toilets for increased hygiene,
increased natural lighting and multiple shower fixture options.
" Making the bathroom a refuge of health and relaxation is definitely a
trend, " said Carr. " We're seeing more soaking tubs, rainfall showerheads,
and bidets are also rising in popularity - thanks to many aftermarket bidet
attachments that are now available and inexpensive. "
In terms of making bathroom space accessible for all ages - assuming more
than one generation may be using it - Stephenson says she starts with storage.
She ensures there is a place for everyone's personal hygiene products - even
using the space between the studs for recessed storage - and includes rollouts,
drawers and open shelving.
Sound proofing is also important in the bathroom for added privacy, as are
air quality control and easy-to-clean surfaces. Comfort-height toilets are an
accessible option for all ages and abilities, and heated floors, zero-threshold
showers with seats and scald-proof faucets benefit everyone using the space.
" I no longer specify towel bars; instead I use grab bars as the towel bars
themselves since they are so stylish and blend in with today's designs, "
said Stephenson. " Then if someone were ever to need assistance, they are
reaching for an actual grab bar instead of a flimsy towel bar, which could
cause injuries. "
According to Klaus, a popular design element today for multigenerational
living is the " wet room. " With this feature, shower enclosures and raised lips
are eliminated, creating an open area for both a shower and a tub.
" By removing the shower enclosure, you can walk right in and not worry
about tripping, which is a very important consideration for seniors and small
children alike, " she added. " An open bathroom space is also convenient for
families with small children who have a need for water-friendly surfaces. "
KEEPING UP WITH THE KIDS

The pandemic has definitely had an effect on the younger generations as well.
Children have been learning at home virtually instead of going to school,
and they are becoming even more involved in preparing meals with their
families. As such, Polidor suggests incorporating multi-height countertops
and safe spots for them to do their work, as well as placing the microwave at
an accessible height.
" For families with children, one of their primary concerns is safety, and
today's appliances and fixtures offer much more in that department than
products of the past, " said Klaus. " Some smart appliances allow for remote

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40-42_KBB_0421_SpecialSection.indd 42

ABOVE Designer Ebony Ste-

phenson says she starts with
storage to make a bathroom
suitable for all ages. In this
project, she incorporated
plenty of rollout shelving that
can be easily accessed, and
each shelf can store a different
person's personal items if
necessary.

monitoring and sync with smart home systems for
added safety benefits. If you turn on the oven and
forget to put something in, the system will shut
down if it's detected that you leave the house - a
great feature to have for kids and family members
of all ages. There are also faucets available that
will shut off once a certain amount of water has
been running, so there is no need to worry about
children leaving the tap running anymore. "
Stephenson suggests also adding storage at their
level to promote responsibility and independence
with accessing their items and putting them away
after use. She also adds grab bars in bathrooms for
parents to use while bathing their children.
" Indoor gardens for herbs, fruits and vegetables
help children learn to grow and cook their own
food, as well as increase their awareness for selfsufficiency and sustainability, " she added.
Carr incorporates step stools to help kids reach
counters and sinks, and Klaus suggests shallower
tubs so parents have an easier time reaching over
to assist with bathing.
" Thermostatic valves are another great choice
for homes with young children, " she added. " The
valve is set to a specific temperature, greatly reducing the possibility of selecting one that is too hot.
This is great for children who can bathe independently and provides peace of mind for parents. "
The safety and well-being of everyone in
the home have always been at the forefront of
people's minds, but the pandemic has generated
a much greater need to make this a priority in
today's homes.
" This shift has caused everyone to pivot and
shift their priorities and has impacted every generation, " said Polidor. " The response has largely
been positive, and creativity and resilience will
continue to allow everyone to thrive and look out
for their loved ones. "
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/ APRIL 2021 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of NKBA (NKBA.org) and KBIS (KBIS.com)

3/22/21 4:48 PM

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Kitchen & Bath Business April 2021

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