Universal Building and Design Resources

When remodeling or building a home, or even a single room like a kitchen or bath, it is important to think about adding simple barrier free options and upgrades to accommodate not only the older generations, but also the unexpected.  I have written before on simple changes that most wouldn't even notice as being trans-generational or barrier free, such as my post Simple Changes that Encourage Accessibility.  As a home owner, or design professional, when planning for any space, it is good to have some resources and tools available to ensure that any space is easy for everyone to get to, including small children, older adults, or a friend that comes over with a broken leg or arm.

National Association of Home Builders CAPS Directory
Certified Aging in Place Specialists will help with designing a new home, or remodeling your existing, so that you can age in place at home with little effort.

• Eskaton Universal Design Principles
• Eskaton National Demonstration Home Brochure (Livable Design) 

Livable Design by Eskaton is a new certification process for new home construction and remodel.  This new certification process is associated with Eskaton, a leader in housing solutions for the older communities, however the Livable Design is designed for all generations, from newborns and infants to the elderly.  The demonstration home (brochure link above) shows bathing solutions that make it easy for a parent to bathe a small child, as well as a caregiver to bathe anyone at any age.  It features roll in showers, and standard everyday appliances that are easy to reach and use for all users.  [note: if you are in the Sacramento area, or planning a trip, try to see the Demonstration Home, as it is an eye opener for all families to see how easy Barrier Free can be incorporated seamlessly into any home.]

Other Resources 

• Barrier Free Living - Products and Architectural Products. 
• Kohler's Bold Independence Collection - Products for Barrier Free Design. 
• Livable Homes Universal Design Checklist - A simple checklist for use when remodeling or designing a universal space.  
• Designing Well  - An Aging in Place Blog written by a friend, Karla Gustafson. 

Wood Countertops

Wood is a great alternative to some of the current counter options out there.  Including reclaimed wood, there is a lot of wood species, finishes, edges, and options.  This counter solution can be eco friendly with the use of quickly repopulating woods like Bamboo, or with reclaimed and recycled woods.  

Heirloom Wood Countertops features custom shapes and sizes, as well as multiple different species and finishes.  They have multiple thicknesses available as well, and several different edge styles.  These wood tops are treated, and so they are heat, water, and stain resistant.  

Block Tops Incorporated is also a great source for wood countertops, which can be used  all over your kitchen, as well as islands, on furniture, and so much more.  Wood countertops can enhance the look of your space, add warmth, and are a great warm surface for the consumer that feels granite and stone is too cold.  Block Tops also offers woods like Bamboo and Reclaimed wood, which are great for the environmentally friendly consumer.  

This reclaimed countertop from Craft-Art features a custom cutting board that fits perfectly into the under-mounted stainless steel sink.  

Design Tips: Be sure to have some contrast between the cabinetry color, and the wooden top color.  This allows a visual separation between counter and cabinets, and will help users see the edge of the countertop.  It also helps avoid trying to "match" two different types of wood from two different providers, which is nearly impossible!

Window Treatments

When designing a room, you don't want to forget the windows.  Window treatments are a final touch, that is often overlooked.  With so many products on the market for your windows, they should never be forgotten.  There are many products out there today that are designed to make life with window treatments easier.  Make them more user friendly, for all users in the home.  Here are some solutions for window treatments. 

Automation, or remote controlled treatments are great for larger windows, where the window treatments are too heave to open and close.  Automated window treatments can be hard wired, or even operated by a remote control, and are great for users with limited strength as well.  Most window treatment companies have automation options.  While a more expensive option, it is always a great thing to price out for those larger windows.  Here is a link to Hunter Douglas and their Motorized Options.  Another producer of window automation is Somfy, which has more than just remote controlled options.  

Natural Materials can also be used in Window Treatments.  Grass, bamboo, and other natural elements can work well with many interior design styles and rooms.  These products can also be motorized, and are typically an environmentally friendly option.  The shades below are made from Grass by Perry Design. 

Shutters are another great alternative to blinds and traditional window treatments.  Several companies offer shutter solutions for all types of windows, including french doors and sliding patio doors.  The below shutter was designed by the Baltimore Shutter Company.  

Roman Shades are a beautiful and completely customizable solution to upholstered window treatments.  They can be equipped with black out liners for ultimate light control.  There are many different shapes and styles of Roman Shades, and they look great in formal and casual settings.  The shades below are part of the Perry Design line up.  

Draperies are another great customization options with several casual and formal designs.  Typically custom made, these solutions can be made however the end user wants them, including style, fabrics, liners, shapes, etc.  Draperies can be made with automation and black out liners if requested.  The draperies below are available from Factory Direct Drapes.