March 31, 2019

The number of Americans living in homes with more than one generation has grown steadily over the past decade, and recent studies show that the trend is not slowing down. According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, a record 64 million people – or 20 percent of the U.S. population – is living in one of these households.

“I believe that every designer should be versed in this area,” said Andrea Hysmith, aging-in-place specialist and founder of Ellicott, Md.-based ASH Interiors and Design. “Multigenerational living has increased since the 90s and will continue to do so.  We as designers need to educate our clients and help them understand the benefits of preparing for the future in any design project.”

With manufacturers helping provide more products for ease of use and safety, it is simple to implement living-in-place elements that enhance a design.

Make every entryway wide and barrier free. Whether for the elderly with wheelchairs or walkers, someone on crutches or simply someone carrying a child or a laundry basket, having wider doorways and halls provides for everyone. Barrier-free showers also accommodate these situations and prevent slips and falls, as well as making spaces feel more open and brighter.

Cero by NanaWall offers full floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels with recessed top and bottom tracks. Along with a STC 43 sound rating for interiors, Cero is ADA compliant and allows for maximum transparency with large panes of glass and minimal frames.

Use lever handles for plumbing and hardware. While knobs can be difficult to grasp by people with arthritis or by small children, lever handles can be turned with just a wrist or one finger. For cabinetry, handle-less features like knock-to-open doors are also beneficial.

With three spray selection buttons and a pause feature, ActivTouch hand showers from Delta Faucet allow the user to choose from up to nine different spray settings with simple, one-handed activation. In addition, the rubber Touch-Clean spray holes allow any mineral residue to be easily wiped away with no need for soaking or the aid of chemical cleaners.

Consider deep sliding drawers for storage. A drawer that easily slides out to reveal its contents is helpful for anyone who does not feel comfortable leaning into and digging through the back of a cabinet. It also puts everything into view.

MOVENTO from BLUM holds up to 170 pounds and puts everything in view and in easy reach. Combined with Blum’s motion technologies, Tip-On Blumotion or Servo-Drive, runners can be completely handle-less, will open with a light press anywhere on the front and will close softly and quietly.

Think about your clients’ height. If a client is older, talking with them about implementing sitting-height countertops for an area in the bathroom or kitchen might make a huge difference in their future should they be in a wheelchair or have trouble standing. Taller homeowners might also appreciate higher countertops in either their kitchen or bath.

The Ventus Wall-Hung Sink from Stone Forest is honed from a solid stone block into a thin-walled basin with linear horizontal surfaces. The ADA-compliant sink is available in antique gray limestone or classic Carrara marble and is supported by new matte-black, aged brass or polished-nickel hardware with knurled fittings.

Ensure efficient lighting is everywhere. Hysmith says that good lighting is essential to good home safety for everyone. She likes to particularly include it in hallways, transitional spaces or entrances where someone might trip.

Designed by Paris-based industrial designer Florent Coirier, Qbini is the smallest spotlight ever produced by Modular Lighting Instruments. Deriving inspiration from the shapes of children’s sorting boxes, Qbini offers two finish options, six shapes and four sizes and boasts a 400-lumen output.

Include both gathering spaces and private areas. If three generations are in one household, not everyone will always want to be in the same place at the same time. Having a room dedicated to the children – and their toys – keeps clutter in check, while keeping an area entirely for the adults gives them a designated space to entertain or spend time together.

Federal Brace has debuted its ADA Universal Floating Vanity Bracket. Unlike other ADA brackets, separate left and right pieces are not needed; the bracket’s arms are easily reversible. When mounted at the appropriate height, the bracket has a carrying capacity of 500 pounds.