Universal design elements are friendly to all

Ever heard the term “universal design”? The concept is to incorporate design for the disabled with design for the nondisabled so that it all integrates without making the disabled stand out or be different.

Instead of knobs, for example, proponents of universal design use lever handles for doors and faucets. The door levers are usable by just about everyone regardless of physical abilities. And there is a bonus in that the levers are attractive and easy to use by all.

Varied counter heights for work surfaces such as in kitchens also are being incorporated into this integrated living design. This way a child, a person in a wheelchair, or unusually short or tall persons can all have easy access to different parts of the kitchen or other workspace.

The old standard height for kitchen counters was 36 inches. All counters were the same height. Now the varied heights place cabinets 30 inches high in some places, with the standard 36-inch height at other parts of the counter. Your personal comfort height can be accommodated easily even if you require a higher counter such as 38 inches or more.

More emphasis is being placed on appliance heights as well. Builders and retrofitters are incorporating microwaves, dishwashers and oven heights to be at levels where a person does not have to bend over or reach up to use them. The rule of thumb for heights for microwaves and ovens is that the bottom of these appliances should be 24 to 42 inches above the floor depending on personal ability. Also, the dishwasher should be raised to 6 to 9 inches above the floor for better and easier accessibility.

Cook tops with varied ability users are now mostly smooth tops with touch sensitive controls.

Freezer drawers are available instead of the standard, hard-to-open doors. These drawers can be placed under countertops.

Closet systems now incorporate easy access clothing bars by using a pull-down system so the upper tiers of hangers can be accessed.

Nonskid flooring can be a common flooring for kitchens and baths as well as hallways and other areas where carpets are not used.

In the laundry room, front-loading washers and dryers are more accessible than the top-load models.

Why limit grab bars to the physically challenged? Why not include them in all bathrooms? Put them in showers and tubs and by toilets. It is a great safety feature regardless of physical ability. There are grab bars available that have interesting designs and avoid that hospital look in your house.

Universal design has moved outdoors as well, incorporating sloped walkways into the landscaping so it becomes part of the design and eliminates the need for a separate handicap entrance.

But the general idea of it all is to make living comfortable for everyone.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of “Mystery of Color.”