keurig storage drawer

Design Notes

Making Life Easier

Designing for Aging in Place & Individuals with Disabilities — to Make Life Easier

Custom cabinets are tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Designing cabinets that accommodate seniors who desire to age in place, as well as those with disabilities, is something more and more designers are becoming aware of. It is reshaping how they approach their design. According to the Americans with Disabilities website, approximately 25% of Americans have some disability, and areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms should have a layout that is user-friendly for them. Custom designs make it easy to create a space that works well for each family member, allowing everyone to accomplish their tasks while also feeling connected. Our homes are meant to be a place where everyone feels comfortable, and a good design plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. Let’s explore some ways and particular areas you can design for everyone.

Kitchen Design For Disability

The kitchen is the central part of the home, the area where everyone gathers to cook and connect with the family. Designing a kitchen with consideration for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and young children can help ensure that there is ample space for everyone. The first step is to determine what activities will be conducted and who needs access to them. For instance, if you have young children around, keep items within easy reach for them, such as snacks and dishes. Selecting pull hardware instead of knobs is another good choice, as it makes it simpler to open and close drawers and cabinets for people of all ages. Lower countertops are also a key element when designing for individuals with disabilities, especially those who require a wheelchair, as they can utilize the counters for tasks such as cooking. You can create a split countertop design with some sections at the standard height and others at a lower height. The width adjustment between the counter and the kitchen perimeter is essential to incorporate into the final design layout. Maximize the use of your kitchen island by placing items like your trash pull-out and microwave there, as they are within easy reach for every household member. Dish drawers and rollouts also provide ease of access for you and your loved ones, so be sure to discuss them with your designer. Blending these elements ensures that there is room and accessibility for all in the heart of the home.

walker woodworking utensil drawer

Bathroom Design For Disability

The bathroom is an essential part of the home and needs to be accessible to all household members. When designing for older adults or individuals with disabilities, be sure to discuss all the specific needs you will require with your designer. The bathroom vanity is a key piece in the bathroom, and it is recommended to have a lower countertop to make the sink more accessible. Some have even requested a vanity that has an opening, too, where someone with a wheelchair can pull up directly and easily reach all the things they need to get ready for the day. Customized cabinets allow you to design your vanity exactly to your specifications, whether for yourself or a loved one. Flooring, showers, and even additional storage are other essential elements that can make your bathroom suitable for everyone. Walk-in showers make it easy for anyone with a disability to get in and out; plus, a seated area can be included, or a separate shower chair can be placed inside when needed. Handrails should also be added to the design for enhanced safety. Lower shelves and rollouts allow you to easily reach your items, such as hair dryers and toiletries. Flooring is another key area when designing a bathroom for those who desire to age in place or have a disability. Slip-resistant is the best choice, and one of the number one choices is anti-slip vinyl flooring. Removing rugs is also a good idea. Designing a safe and functional bathroom is essential, so discuss all your options with your designer.

White bathroom vanity with a chair

Laundry Room Design

It is considered a key area in household function because this is where the mundane but necessary chore of laundry is done; it should be accessible to everyone. It is also a great place to store a variety of items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and even some kitchen overflow, so custom options offer perfect solutions. Placing custom bases for your washer and dryer provides a convenient place to store essentials like detergent and dryer sheets, while also offering easy access. Roll-out or drawer tilt hampers, like the ones made by Rev-a-Shelf, are perfect for storing dirty laundry until you are ready to start a load. Dryer rack drawers are another innovative feature that makes it easier for you to hang dry those delicate items, but they store neatly away when not in use. Pullouts help keep frequently used items within reach. Including additional cabinets with drawers in your laundry room design allows everyone to quickly and easily find what they need for their specific task. It also means storing overflow items without the area looking crowded or cluttered. Be sure to consider the overall layout of the laundry room and plan for ample space for a wheelchair to access and exit. Well-laid-out plans always equal a functional room.

Grey laundry room cabinets with marble countertops

Throughout The Home

When it comes to the rest of the home, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind, including flooring, accessible storage options, and even lighting placement. It is recommended that flooring transitions be minimized to reduce the number of bumps when a wheelchair moves from one room to another. Slip-resistant rugs that don’t curl at the edges or at least can be secured to the floor are good go-to options. Areas like mud rooms should have lower countertops and more drawers than cabinets, which are easier to access. Docking drawers are another excellent design choice for convenience, as they allow you to easily plug in items, such as phone chargers, whenever needed. These can be incorporated into multiple areas of the home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. A good designer can help you find the exact solutions and accessories to lend functionality to every area in your home, making it suitable for every member.

bathroom hair appliance storage drawer

Making Life Easier

Our families make up our homes, so they should be the number one priority when designing new spaces. Taking the time to go through and write down the needs for your home means you will arrive prepared at your design meeting and provide your designer with the necessary guidelines to ensure their plans align with your goals. You can find additional recommendations and inspiration by browsing sites like Pinterest, Houzz, and even design sites that emphasize accessibility for Americans with Disabilities. Your home should be perfect for everyone, and a well-designed space, combined with custom pieces, can help you create the ideal environment.

/onMay 14, 2021/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes
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