Kitchen & Bath Business/KBIS Directory 2025 - 26

WELLNESS MOVEMENT
A Home for Everyone
Creating
spaces for
various
generations
and abilities
Designing a kitchen and bath for a multigenerational and
multi-ability household requires careful planning to ensure the
space is functional, accessible and accommodating for everyone.
But these accommodations don't have to feel institutional
or strictly practical. A design can be intentional and beautiful
without sacrifi cing the livability of the space.
Universal design is imperative in how a client can live independently
without the need for added assistance, no matter their
ability level. General universal design elements include ensuring
the space is adequately lit with overhead dimmable general
lighting and contrasting light switches placed low enough for
someone in a wheelchair. Other general universal design considerations
include non-slip fl ooring and lever door handles
instead of knobs.
This bright bath
designed by Elizabeth
Lord-Levitt features a
soothing color palette, a
curbless shower and a
handheld showerhead
to aid in accessibility and
convenience.
Photo credit: Nate Polta
Photo
Universal Design Tips for Kitchens
Work Triangle. When designing a kitchen space for individuals
with varying degrees of capabilities, it's important to create a
distinct work triangle. A client with mobility challenges shouldn't
have to walk or roll too far within a space to access key elements
needed for preparing food. A designer must also ensure a space
has wide walkways (at least 42-48 inches) for wheelchair accessibility
and maneuverability, as well as varying counter heights
to accommodate seated and standing users.
Appliances. Specifying a side-by-side refrigerator allows for
a more functional approach, and wall ovens with side-opening
doors and microwave drawers provide safer access. For
cooktops, specifying a product with front or side controls will
eliminate the need to reach over hot burners, and installing them
with open-access cabinetry at a lower height allows a user in a
wheelchair to effortlessly prepare food.
Storage. This is another key factor in any kitchen design,
but it's imperative to think through storage capabilities when
users may not have the ability to extend to higher levels or the
strength to carry or lift items. The use of pull-out shelves and
lazy susans in base cabinets will increase the functionality of
any kitchen design, especially in a universal design setting. Other
key storage details include soft-close drawers to reduce strain,
toe-kick drawers and pull-out steps for younger family members.
When it comes to faucets and sinks, touchless or lever-handle
faucets allow for easier operation, and installing a shallow, wide
sink with knee space underneath allows ease of use for those
in a wheelchair.
Universal Design Tips for Bathrooms
Layout. Bathrooms are an integral part of any home and need
to be versatile in their design to meet the needs of all the
individuals using them. The entrance to a bathroom must be
at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchair accessibility.
A great way to facilitate this is by using a pocket or barn
door to save space, although you do lose the ability to reduce
sound privacy.
Showers & Tubs. Showers are the most desired washing
method for clients, which means they need to be designed for
individuals with varying usability levels. This includes installing
a curbless entry shower for wheelchair accessibility, as well as
a handheld showerhead with adjustable height options. Working
with an occupational therapist, a designer should also place
grab bars around the shower, tub and toilet to meet a client's
individual needs. These need to be installed securely with blocking
during the framing stage. Showers should also include a
fold-down bench or heated permanent bench for accessibility.
Another bathing option is walk-in tubs for elderly users, but
these have their limitations, as a user must sit and wait while
the water drains before opening the door, which exposes them
to cold air while wet.
Toilets. Opting for a comfort-height toilet (17-19 inches)
makes sitting and standing easier for any user, while install26
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025
Kitchen & Bath Business/KBIS Directory 2025

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