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Aging in place movement fuels trend in Universal Design

 
I came across an interesting article the other day that identifies top home design trends that are key to a good home. Choosing the right design elements for your home is very important for creating an interior environment that truly makes you and your family feel “at home.” And if you’re planning on selling your home in the future, it is especially important to select elements that will increase your home’s value.

Get inspiration from latest home design trends

A great way to get inspiration for a future remodeling or interior design project is to look to the latest industry home design trends. According to the article, incorporating Universal Design elements is one of the top trends that will increase your home’s resale value. Universal Design is the design of products and elements that are easily used by all people to the greatest extent possible. This includes accommodating individuals with different height and mobility needs. In the kitchen, this might mean designing counter-tops with varying heights, or ovens that can be used from a seating position. In the bathroom, this might be expressed through threshold-less transitions between the shower and the floor.

aging in place: universal design
Midcentury Kitchen by Seattle Architects & Building Designers ROM architecture studio

Aging in place: Seniors prefer staying in their own homes

the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.

Universal design is part of a larger concept known as “aging in place,” which the CDC defines as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. As the cost of third-party care and assistance increases and the fiercely independent Baby Boomers get older, seniors increasingly prefer staying in their own homes over moving into a “retirement community.” Additionally, many adult children are choosing to have their parents move into their own homes rather than have them move into an assisted living facility. This desire has turned into an increased demand in the marketplace for homes that incorporate Universal Design elements into their interior design. It is no wonder Universal Design is identified as a top home design trend.

aging in place: universal design
Contemporary Bathroom by Ottawa Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Invisia

Other trends mentioned include:

  • textured walls
  • polished nickel finishes
  • raised-deck swimming pools
  • quartzite countertops
  • gray cabinets
  • bathroom “spa experience”

Universal Design: home design trend with staying power

These are all great suggestions. But as we all know, trends shift and change. Textured walls might fall from fashion. The demand for polished nickel finishes might fade. But considering that our demographic trajectory is not likely to shift significantly, the demand for Universal Design that the aging in place trend has created is not likely to decrease any time soon. This home design trend will continue to increase.
Ruth Chafin Interior Design specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, with a special emphasis on Universal Design. If you are considering an interior design or remodeling project, the aging in place movement has guaranteed that incorporating elements of Universal Design will dramatically increase the return on your investment. We’d love to help you incorporate Universal Design elements into your next interior design or remodeling project. Contact us for an initial consultation!
Source: Top home design trends key to a good home