It may seem a far-fetched claim but Sally Ann Sullivan, CKD, of Showcase Kitchens and Baths, Inc. in Tulsa, OK captures the sea change in attitude toward style taking place as Boomers age and redefine standards around themselves. They are starting to more and more like what the disability community has been saying for over three decades with Universal Design:
“Grab bars are now quite attractive to people and they can be done in a very sophisticated way, [especially] since the showers are so huge.”
Here is an excerpt from The Simple Life by John Fillipelli:
He concludes: “Time spent in master baths is becoming more and more precious, combining practicality and indulgence. The ‘spa at home’ feel and the efficiency needs required when in master baths are often gathered under the same roof.”More on Universal Design in the bath: Posted by rollingrains at November 18, 2007 03:14 PMCurbless Enthusiasm
[Carlene] Anderson sees curbless showers as another growing factor in the bath.
“We’re eliminating the threshold at the shower, so the bathroom floor slopes right into the shower drain. So, if anyone is in a wheelchair, they can get in and out quickly,” she says.
[James R.] Dase agrees: “Curbless showers are very popular right now. I am even doing one in my home. While it does take up more space, people love them because you don’t have glass to clean.”
He continues: “If they are not doing a steam shower, it is a much cleaner and sanitary way to do a shower because it also dries out faster, especially when natural materials are used.”
And, this ties into the growing impact of Universal Design, the designers point out.
Anderson offers: “By doing Universal Design, we are trying to make people want to stay in their homes.”
Most bath designers agree that accessible design elements, such as grab bars, are beginning to be accepted universally by clients of all ages for the tub and shower.