Considering a bathroom remodel that is comfortable and appealing for everyone to use? With today’s convenient, attractive universal features, your new bathroom can combine elegant style with ease of use and indulgence for a truly satisfying experience. No matter what your current or future needs may be, these tips can help you to ensure accessibility and safety—without having to forgo style and charm.
Key Features of Universal Design in a Bathroom
What is universal design? It is a design philosophy that embraces functionality for people of all ages and abilities, as well as an appreciation for tasteful aesthetics. With today’s creative universal design fixtures, your bath can be both lovely and safe for everyone—an added plus these days, with so many people desiring to remain comfortably in their own house as they age.
Building or remodeling a bathroom with accessibility and safety in mind helps to prevent slips and falls, makes the space comfortable and easy to use, and adds appeal for homebuyers. Whether you are aging in place, accommodating family members with varying abilities, or simply creating a more user-friendly space, today’s accessible bathroom solutions offer sophisticated options that enhance your lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of style.
Accessible, Attractive Options for Your Bathroom Upgrade
So, what types of installations and fixtures should you consider as you make updates? Here are ten of the most common choices homeowners are making:
1. Spacious, Curb-Free Shower
Eliminating the traditional raised threshold of a shower creates a smooth, seamless path that is easy for older adults, children, and individuals with mobility challenges to navigate. This airy, spa-like design choice not only makes a bathroom safer to use, but it also creates added spaciousness. A cozy built-in shower bench gives those who need it a convenient place to rest while bathing. Weave in decorative tile on walls, recessed shelves, and thermostatic control water valves to provide added luxury.
2. Non-Slip Flooring
Considering how damp and slippery bathrooms can become during shower time, selecting non-slip options for flooring is a smart approach—both inside the shower and outside it. A few options include textured tiles that provide more grip for your feet, porcelain flooring with a slip-resistant finish, or waterproof luxury vinyl tiles. These materials come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to provide visual appeal as well as safety.
3. Radiant Floor Heating
In northern states like Minnesota, a well-heated bathroom is a delight during the cold winter months. One of the most indulgent, yet also practical ways to achieve comfort is with radiant floor heating to soothe your feet in chilly weather. Consider pairing heated floors with other touches of warmth, such as luxurious heated towel racks or a recessed heat lamp.
4. Designer Grab Bars
Grab bars are a helpful tool for those who need added support as they move about the bathroom. They come in attractive styles and can even be disguised as corner shelves, towel bars, and built-in soap dishes. If you do not need grab bars right now, you might still install the supports for them during your remodel for easy adaptation in the future.
5. Walk-In Bathtub
Soaking in warm water is a wonderful way to relax, unwind, and ease stressed muscles. Walk-in bathtubs are an accessible delight, featuring a comfortable built-in seat to lounge on. Their doors have a watertight seal that makes climbing in and out simple and safe. Some models are as petite as 26″ x 45″, which means that if you replace a standard tub (60” or larger), you can install a large, roomy shower.
6. Adjustable-Height Fixtures
Installing adjustable fixtures is an excellent way to accommodate users with different needs. Choose a universal-style vanity, which comes with an electronic system that moves the sink to different heights as necessary—handy especially for individuals in wheelchairs. Handheld showerheads or adjustable showerhead systems are helpful as well.
7. Easy-Use Cabinets and Drawers
Cabinets, shelves, and faucets all receive regular use, so it is worth including them in your universal design planning. Stylish lever handles are operated more easily than knobs, especially for those who have limited mobility in hands or fingers. Soft-close cabinets and drawers are modern and appealing, and they move smoothly without requiring extra strength.
8. Wide Doorways
A sense of spaciousness is appealing in a bathroom remodel, and the doorway is a part of the design. A larger entryway provides ample room for individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers. It is also practical for those who may be helping others into the bathroom, such as parents of small children or a home healthcare professional assisting someone recovering from surgery.
9. Comfort-Height Toilet
If you are creating a bathroom specifically with a senior or individual with a disability in mind, look for an ADA-compliant or comfort-height toilet. These fixtures are taller, which can make them easy and comfortable to use. Bidet attachments and motion-activated mechanisms are also useful, as are soft-close toilet lids, and many homeowners consider them a must.
10. Other Accessible Features to Consider
You can add style and practical function to your bathroom with other features as well, such as motion-sensor lighting, push-button faucets, and smart technology. Ensure important pathways and perimeters for the tub, shower, and vanity are more evident with color and texture contrasts that provide practical visual and physical cues, as well as charming style.
Design a Beautiful, Accessible Bathroom That Provides Years of Comfort and Safe Enjoyment
Investing in flexible universal design features helps to ensure your bathroom can adapt to your changing needs over the years with ease. Whether you desire to age in place, need unique accommodations, or plan to sell your house, our bathroom remodeling team is here to help you bring your vision to fruition. Explore bathroom remodeling with Beissel Renovation—and envision your dream bathroom coming to life.