Can You Spot Universal Design Features in These Pictures?

Can you spot two elements of ageless design?

Credit: Korn Interior Design / Liliana Korn Custy, ASID, CAPS

1) An extra-wide interior hallway and passage doorway ensure safe entry and egress from the master bedroom.

2) Smooth, hard-surface wood floors make it easy to use a mobility aid; eliminating rugs removes a tripping hazard.

3) In addition, the communications system by the side of the bed controls lights, window treatments, and a flat-panel TV hidden in the ceiling; that’s plenty of comfort without having to get in and out of bed.


Credit: Korn Interior Design / Liliana Korn Custy, ASID, CAPS

Can you spot three elements of ageless design?

Credit: © Greg Hadley Photography

1) At just the right height for all ages, a built-in planter box lets everyone pick, tend, and enjoy potted plants and fresh herbs, right in the kitchen. The bay window planter was part of an overall kitchen remodeling project.

2) Pull-out drawers make everything in lower cabinets accessible.

3) Interior lights help you see what’s inside the upper cabinet in the corner; under-cabinet lighting illuminates the countertop work surface.



Credit: © Greg Hadley Photography

Can you spot four elements of ageless design?

Credit: rom architecture studio / NW Architectural Photography

1) What appears to be a slender towel rack running around the edge of the countertop is actually a sturdy grab bar (and yes — it also makes a dandy towel rack).

2) Black cabinet hardware contrasts sharply with the light-colored wood, making the pull tabs easy to see, even in low light, one of the many features of universal design.

3) Smooth wood floors ease mobility.

4) The oven and cooktop are set to wheelchair-friendly heights.


Credit: rom architecture studio / NW Architectural Photography

Can you spot three elements of ageless design?


Credit: Mark Brand Architecture

1) Completely open, this curbless, walk-in shower stall has easy access.

2) Non-slip textured bathroom flooring provides good traction when wet.

3) The waterproof bench is great for washing legs and feet.


Credit: Mark Brand Architecture

Can you spot four elements of ageless design?


Credit: Korn Interior Design / Liliana Korn Custy, ASID, CAPS

1) Sliding doors conceal a treasure trove of storage space without swinging into traffic.

2) The doors run on slick nylon tracks and open at the touch of a finger.

3) Pull-out drawers put lots of items within easy reach.

4) The generous recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling offer lots of light at all times of day.


Credit: Korn Interior Design / Liliana Korn Custy, ASID, CAPS

Can you spot 2 elements of ageless design?


Credit: The Home Improvements Group, Woodland, CA / HealthCraft Products

1) That cool toilet paper holder is actually a grab bar. It’s fastened to solid wood backing beneath the wall tile and easily supports a person’s weight.

2) Flush transitions between tile flooring surfaces ensures there aren’t any level changes that might cause a stumble.


Credit: The Home Improvements Group, Woodland, CA / HealthCraft Products

Can you spot three elements of ageless design?


Credit: Marrone & Marrone / Matthew Millman Photography

1) Hard-surface wood flooring makes using mobility devices easy; there are no rugs to accidentally trip over.

2) The interior is free of barriers and level changes that could impede mobility. Wide-open floor space makes it easy for wheelchairs to move around the interiors.

3) The floor-to-ceiling window walls of glass are beautiful and functional — they let in lots of daylight.

Credit: Marrone & Marrone / Matthew Millman Photography

Can you spot five elements of ageless design?


Credit: Interiors by InterDesign Studio / Architecture by West Carroll Architecture

1) A big skylight over the cooktop provides lots of natural daylight.

2) The generous range hood includes task lighting.

3) There’s no lower cabinet under the cooktop, providing barrier-free access to those in wheelchairs.

4) Vinyl kitchen flooring comes in many colors, is impervious to moisture, and provides a completely flat surface.

5) A stripe of contrasting white flooring defines the edge of the cabinets and leads along the hallway to aid visibility.



Credit: Interiors by InterDesign Studio / Architecture by West Carroll Architecture

Can you spot three ageless design elements?


Credit: Great Grabz

1) That handy dog leash hanger by the front door is actually an unobtrusive, 10-inch grab bar ($100-$150). Use it to steady yourself while taking off your shoes or setting down your purse.

2) Rocker wall switches make turning lights on and off a snap — you can operate a rocker switch with a palm or even an elbow when you’re loaded with grocery bags. For even more convenience, install motion-sensor lighting that goes on when it detects movement.

3) Lever-style door hardware is easier to use than knob-style hardware.


Credit: Great Grabz

Can you spot two ageless design elements?


Credit: Renovation-Headquarters.com

1) A space-saving pocket door glides out of sight between a master bedroom and adjoining bathroom. Pocket doors slide inside your walls — there’s no swinging door that takes up space.

2) The ceramic tile bathroom flooring is flush with the wood flooring in the hallway. The different surfaces are exactly the same height so there’s no danger of tripping.


Credit: Renovation-Headquarters.com

Can you spot two ageless design elements?


Credit: AFriendlyHouse.com

1) The approach to this front door places an emphasis on safety and convenience. There are no stairs, and the long walkway is designed to ADA standards, meaning it rises a maximum of 1 foot for every 12 feet of length.

2) A non-slip texture on the walkway ensures against falls. A change in texture signals the porch enclosure.



Credit: AFriendlyHouse.com

Can you spot three ageless design elements?


Credit: AFriendlyHouse.com

1) Comfort-height toilets have seating that’s about 2 inches taller than normal toilets. The extra height makes it easy to sit down and get up.

2) An easy-to-reach hand-held shower, and

3) a built-in seat makes showering safe and convenient.

Credit: AFriendlyHouse.com

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