IDA Design & Build
Just enter your contacts and we will contact you within a day
Universal Design Remodeling for Aging in Place
Universal design remodeling makes a home easier and more comfortable to use as needs change over time. Instead of waiting until accessibility becomes a problem, homeowners can incorporate wider circulation paths, step-free transitions, better lighting, easier-to-use storage, curbless showers, and other practical features during a planned remodel.
The goal is not to make a home look institutional. Good universal design integrates accessibility into the architecture and interior design so the home remains attractive, functional, and comfortable for people of different ages and abilities.
For homeowners planning a larger renovation, these decisions can be coordinated from the beginning through one design-build remodeling process.
The goal is not to make a home look institutional. Good universal design integrates accessibility into the architecture and interior design so the home remains attractive, functional, and comfortable for people of different ages and abilities.
For homeowners planning a larger renovation, these decisions can be coordinated from the beginning through one design-build remodeling process.
Universal Design Features to Consider During a Remodel
Universal design works best when individual features are planned as part of the entire home rather than added one at a time. The right improvements depend on the existing layout, the people using the home, and how long the homeowner expects to stay there.
Common universal design features include step-free entrances, wider doorways and circulation paths, curbless showers, handheld showerheads, lever-style handles, slip-resistant flooring, accessible storage, improved lighting, easier-to-reach switches and outlets, and reduced changes in floor level.
Not every home needs every feature. The objective is to identify improvements that make daily life easier now while allowing the home to adapt more easily in the future.
Universal design works best when individual features are planned as part of the entire home rather than added one at a time. The right improvements depend on the existing layout, the people using the home, and how long the homeowner expects to stay there.
Common universal design features include step-free entrances, wider doorways and circulation paths, curbless showers, handheld showerheads, lever-style handles, slip-resistant flooring, accessible storage, improved lighting, easier-to-reach switches and outlets, and reduced changes in floor level.
Not every home needs every feature. The objective is to identify improvements that make daily life easier now while allowing the home to adapt more easily in the future.
Universal Design Bathroom Remodeling
Bathrooms are often one of the first spaces homeowners consider when planning for aging in place. Tight circulation, high bathtub walls, slippery surfaces, limited lighting, and difficult-to-reach fixtures can all make an older bathroom less convenient over time.
A bathroom remodel creates an opportunity to address these issues as part of the design rather than adding accessibility products after the room is finished.
Curbless Showers and Easier Shower Access
A curbless or low-threshold shower reduces the change in floor level between the bathroom and shower area. A wider shower entrance, handheld showerhead, built-in or fold-down seating, and thoughtfully positioned controls can also make the shower easier to use.
Even when grab bars are not needed today, wall blocking can be planned during construction so secure grab bars can be added later without reopening finished walls.
Better Bathroom Circulation and Storage
Vanity placement, door swings, shower dimensions, toilet clearances, and storage all affect how comfortably someone can move through a bathroom. Drawers, accessible shelves, and storage located within an easy reach can reduce unnecessary bending and stretching.
See how layout, shower design, storage, and finishes were coordinated in our [Bellevue Primary Bathroom Remodel].
Bathrooms are often one of the first spaces homeowners consider when planning for aging in place. Tight circulation, high bathtub walls, slippery surfaces, limited lighting, and difficult-to-reach fixtures can all make an older bathroom less convenient over time.
A bathroom remodel creates an opportunity to address these issues as part of the design rather than adding accessibility products after the room is finished.
Curbless Showers and Easier Shower Access
A curbless or low-threshold shower reduces the change in floor level between the bathroom and shower area. A wider shower entrance, handheld showerhead, built-in or fold-down seating, and thoughtfully positioned controls can also make the shower easier to use.
Even when grab bars are not needed today, wall blocking can be planned during construction so secure grab bars can be added later without reopening finished walls.
Better Bathroom Circulation and Storage
Vanity placement, door swings, shower dimensions, toilet clearances, and storage all affect how comfortably someone can move through a bathroom. Drawers, accessible shelves, and storage located within an easy reach can reduce unnecessary bending and stretching.
See how layout, shower design, storage, and finishes were coordinated in our [Bellevue Primary Bathroom Remodel].
Universal Design Kitchen Remodeling
A kitchen designed for long-term use should minimize unnecessary reaching and bending while keeping everyday storage, appliances, preparation areas, and seating easy to access.
Universal design does not require a completely different-looking kitchen. Many of the most useful features—deep drawers, pull-out storage, better lighting, clear circulation, lever-style fixtures, and carefully positioned appliances—also improve everyday usability for the entire household.
Storage That Is Easier to Reach
Large drawers and pull-out systems can make lower cabinetry easier to use than deep fixed shelves. Frequently used items should be stored where they can be reached comfortably without excessive bending or stretching.
Plan the Layout Around Movement
The relationship between the refrigerator, sink, cooktop, island, storage, and seating should leave comfortable circulation through the kitchen. When a kitchen connects to a living or dining area, those paths should be considered as part of one layout rather than as separate rooms.
For a real example of a kitchen and living area planned as one connected space, see our [Redmond Kitchen & Living Room Remodel].
A kitchen designed for long-term use should minimize unnecessary reaching and bending while keeping everyday storage, appliances, preparation areas, and seating easy to access.
Universal design does not require a completely different-looking kitchen. Many of the most useful features—deep drawers, pull-out storage, better lighting, clear circulation, lever-style fixtures, and carefully positioned appliances—also improve everyday usability for the entire household.
Storage That Is Easier to Reach
Large drawers and pull-out systems can make lower cabinetry easier to use than deep fixed shelves. Frequently used items should be stored where they can be reached comfortably without excessive bending or stretching.
Plan the Layout Around Movement
The relationship between the refrigerator, sink, cooktop, island, storage, and seating should leave comfortable circulation through the kitchen. When a kitchen connects to a living or dining area, those paths should be considered as part of one layout rather than as separate rooms.
For a real example of a kitchen and living area planned as one connected space, see our [Redmond Kitchen & Living Room Remodel].
Entrances, Doorways and Interior Circulation
Aging-in-place planning should consider how people move through the entire home—not only how individual rooms are designed. Exterior steps, narrow doorways, tight hallways, abrupt floor transitions, and difficult room connections can become more noticeable as mobility needs change.
During a larger remodel, it may be possible to improve circulation by widening selected openings, reducing unnecessary level changes, adjusting door locations, or creating a more direct connection between frequently used spaces.
These decisions should be coordinated with the existing structure, electrical and mechanical systems, cabinetry, and furniture layout before construction begins.
Aging-in-place planning should consider how people move through the entire home—not only how individual rooms are designed. Exterior steps, narrow doorways, tight hallways, abrupt floor transitions, and difficult room connections can become more noticeable as mobility needs change.
During a larger remodel, it may be possible to improve circulation by widening selected openings, reducing unnecessary level changes, adjusting door locations, or creating a more direct connection between frequently used spaces.
These decisions should be coordinated with the existing structure, electrical and mechanical systems, cabinetry, and furniture layout before construction begins.
Plan for Main-Floor Living
One of the most important long-term planning questions is whether essential daily activities could eventually happen on one level of the home.
A main-floor bedroom or flexible room, an accessible bathroom, the kitchen, and primary living spaces can reduce dependence on stairs in the future. In some homes, the existing layout can be reorganized. In others, additional space may require a larger renovation or home addition.
The advantage of considering this during an earlier remodel is that structural, plumbing, electrical, and layout decisions can support both current needs and future options.
For more ideas, read our guide to [bringing more natural light into your home].
One of the most important long-term planning questions is whether essential daily activities could eventually happen on one level of the home.
A main-floor bedroom or flexible room, an accessible bathroom, the kitchen, and primary living spaces can reduce dependence on stairs in the future. In some homes, the existing layout can be reorganized. In others, additional space may require a larger renovation or home addition.
The advantage of considering this during an earlier remodel is that structural, plumbing, electrical, and layout decisions can support both current needs and future options.
For more ideas, read our guide to [bringing more natural light into your home].
Universal Design Remodeling FAQs
They overlap. Aging in place focuses on allowing homeowners to remain comfortable in their home as their needs change, while universal design creates spaces that are easier for people of different ages and abilities to use.
No. Features such as curbless showers, wider circulation, better lighting, accessible storage, and easier-to-use fixtures can be incorporated into modern, transitional, or traditional interiors.
Yes. A larger renovation is often the best opportunity to coordinate bathrooms, kitchens, circulation, lighting, flooring, and future main-floor living as one plan.
Planning a Home That Works for the Long Term?
IDA Design & Build can incorporate universal design principles into bathroom, kitchen, home addition, and whole-home remodeling projects throughout Seattle and the Eastside.