Universal design creates homes for the future

I had heard about this day from friends. And so just like that, one day in my 49th year, on an otherwise unremarkable day, it arrived: the dreaded AARP envelope with my name on it. I started hyperventilating. An immediate coating of nervous sweat appeared on my forehead as I opened the unwanted envelope with the red card. This can't be happening to me. Hold on, hold on, I'm not even thinking of retiring, how dare you send me such a thing?

It happens to every one of us, even though in my mind I am and will always be 27, we start to get to the age where you have to start planning for the golden years. Of course, this doesn't mean necessarily moving to a 55+ community, not that there is anything wrong with that. However, most folks would prefer not to think of any change. We would like to believe that life will remain pretty much the same. While there are many who will embrace the empty nest and trade up to that coveted condo, others will prefer to remain exactly where they are,

Universal design is the buzz phrase in the design world and now entering into the mainstream to describe design that takes into consideration those with disabilities and issues common with aging, such as diminished sight, restricted movement and loss of hearing. Gadgets and designs to support these issues have come a long way, so they visually aren't less appealing nor have to give the visual clues that they are specialized products.

Designers throughout the nation are incorporating universal design standards throughout their work. Many have adopted the design philosophy of creating “lifetime designs,” which gives homes the chance to be a forever home rather than just a first or family home. The upside of this new design approach is that they do not carry the “gray haze” of the 55+ communities.

Some universal design features are:

• A ground floor, which allows for ease and continuous use of the room by the homeowner and eventual caretakers.

• Kitchen cabinets and furniture: These can be built with multiple counter heights for visual interest and usable for everyone while standing or sitting or in a wheelchair.

• Contrasting colors at flooring: Where floor surfaces change or in stairs contrasting the colors for treads and risers give an added design feature but also clue residents and visitors of steps and changes in levels.

• Light switches: Setting rocker light switches at 42 inches from the finished floor make it easy to push and turn the lights on and off from either a standing or seated position.

• Showers: At least one curbless shower with a hand?held shower nozzle on the ground floor makes grooming and bathing easy for everyone. This has been done forever in European homes, and it even makes cleaning the bathroom easier.

• Closets: Closet systems with adjustable shelves and hanging rods that can be moved over time to accommodate children and adults.

• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.

© 2016, Creators Syndicate