Smart Bathrooms

Nowhere does universal design yield more beautiful results than in the bathroom. That's because ample circulation space, smart organization, convenience and other universal design elements are signatures of good  overall bathroom design, too. And it's beautiful so many dazzling products are available that satisfy both universal design needs and stylish tastes.

Even compact universal design bathrooms tend to feel airy, because the space is open and there's elbowroom between appliances. In fact. the rooms do need to be at least a little larger than the once-standard 5-by-7-foot cubicle so they can accommodate a central 5-foot diameter area for circulation and wheelchair maneuverability. Pocket doors and out-swinging doors preserve precious space in a small room.

SHOWER EASY
No-curb or low-curb showers are a design highlight in bathrooms today and they're a natural for universal design baths. Extending seamlessly from the bathroom floor, these elegant shower zones with floors slightly sloped to the drain, present no tripping obstacles and can be entered on wheels, a built-in bench or folding seat, a handheld shower spray on a vertical slide bar, integrated soap compartments and strategically placed grab bars make the shower a sumptuous, safe washing place. Here, as elsewhere in the bathroom, pressure-balancing valves keep hot water temperatures safe, and non-skid flooring prevents slips.

FOR THE SAKE OF THE VANITY
Vanities and sinks offer countless opportunities for customization to maximize comfort, convenience and accessibility. Choose vanity heights to fit the users-higher to minimize bending for someone with a bad back or lower for children or seated users.  A low vanity section can serve as a dressing table for now and with behind the wall pipes in place and a counter top section that can be cut or replace, it's easy to drop in a sink later. A large mirror that runs from the counter top to the ceiling works for everyone. Adjustable mirrors add versatility. Sinks can be embedded in the counter top, overhang the edge, perch on top like a bowl, or stand alone with or without an integrated counter area. For convenient use, select one that is set toward the front of the counter, ideally with a rear drain so the pipes can be positioned against the wall or even behind it. Place faucets where they are accessible for children or seated users- for example, at the side of the sink. Lever handles are good, as are single control faucets with a pullout hose.

TOWELS AT HAND
Stow towels and bathroom supplies within arm's reach of where they will be used- that is, by the shower, tub and vanity. Sturdy towels bars or a few shelves tucked between wall studs or mounted on the wall will do the job. Remember to leave space between wall-mounted units and the floor to provide toe room for wheelchair users.

It's important to install grab bars around the room- in the shower, by the toilet and tub, whenever a holding-on place may be needed- but think of them as stylish accessories as well as safety features. Grab bars today come in beautiful finishes, colors and design, often matching the other bathroom hardware. Even if you don;t want to install all the grab bars at this point, put in the blocking for them while the walls are open; it will save money later.

Plan the electrical components of the bathroom with an eye toward convenience and practicality. Include ambient lighting as well as task lighting at the shower and vanity. Place some electrical outlets above the vanity, and consider an appliance drawer. Add a phone jack near the tub or toilet. Locate light switches where they'll be needed around the room and outside the bathroom door; lighted rocker switches can double as nightlights. Radiant floor heating is a nice option to keep the room cozy.