I was browsing the shelves at the Louisville Library the other day while my children were in the kids section and Wendy A. Jordan's book "Universal Design for the Home" caught my attention. Here is a quick review.

Wendy mentions in the introduction that she wrote this book to bridge a divide on the information gap around Universal Design. Wendy definitely accomplished this goal. I found this book to be a great resource to help show people the power of universal design concepts in designing their living spaces. Wendy put it best -

"At first, much of the focus in universal design was on public places. Some of the universal design options for homes seemed institutional, too 'different.' Many were ugly, off-putting. If homeowners had a choice, they steered clear of these early designs. Now the picture is far different. Public interest in universal design has caught fire, igniting an energetic effort by designers and manufacturers to provide fresh, attractive designs for residential use. They have had great success. Today, universal design features blend seamlessly into home designs, drawing little attention to themselves, yet making the designs much better. The importance of universal design is clear, and its value in home design is as fundamental as the ABCs. Well-planned universal design homes are accessible, or barrier-free. They're beautiful, and they are comfortable for all."

The book has great pictures, sample layouts, tips, and stories highlighting the various concepts around Universal Design and how they have been applied in kitchens, bathrooms, indoor/outdoor living, and whole house designs.

If you are looking to update the appliances in your home this book will show you examples of how appliance technology has improved considerably in the last few years to make everyday cooking, bathing, and living activities easier for everyone without compromising the aesthetic appeal that we all seek.

The following 7 objectives, established for Universal Design in the 1990s from experts at the Center for Universal Design, are highlighted in the book. When you look at them, and keep them in the back of your mind as you read through the pages, it is hard not to see the value of using these objectives in interior design for everyone.

1. Equitable Use (The design works for everyone equally, preferably without separate features for certain users. Nobody should be stigmatized, and all should have equal provisions for safety, security, and privacy.)

2. Flexibility in Use (The design suits a wide range of abilities and preferences, including a choice in methods of use. Flexible designs anticipate the needs of people who are right handed or left handed, for example, and people who may need more time to complete a task.)

3. Simple and Intuitive Use (The design is easy for all to understand. It should make sense and be easy to use, even for someone without experience, reading ability, or language skill.)

4. Perceptible Information (Information needed to distinguish or use a design or product is communicated clearly to all. That means good color contrast and multiple, easy-to-use ways of communicating, such as images, words, and textures.

5. Tolerance for Error (The design anticipates accidents and minimizes hazards, by shielding dangerous elements, providing warnings, and incorporating foolproof features.)

6. Low Physical Effort (The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with minimal effort. In other words, people should be able to use the design without a lot of bending, straining, exertion, or repetitive action.)

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use (The design incorporates the size and space needed for every user to function well, regardless of size, posture, or mobility. Tall or short, standing or seated, alone or with an assistant, everyone should be able to see, reach, and comfortably use the features in a design area.)

I recommend checking out Wendy's book. I found some design inspiration in a couple of the bathroom pictures for remodel work we are thinking about for our own master bathroom.

If you are in the Boulder, Broomfield, or Longmont Colorado area and want to implement Universal Design concepts in your home give us a call at (303)249-4661. We are experienced in implementing Universal Design concepts and would be more than happy to bring our expertise to your design matters so you get the results you want!

Labels: Interior Design, Universal Design