Universal design becoming more acceptable for homes

As Amy Vaughn hangs up from a call, she confirms an evolutionary residential trend: the housing market is changing in favor of accessibility, comfort and functionality.

"That was another couple who want plans for a one-story home," says Vaughn, who will hear many more such requests as she works the phones for The Associated Press House of the Week. "They don't want to walk up and down stairs anymore."

When homeowners just say no to stairs, they take their first step to embrace "universal design," a philosophy that creates buildings -- including homes -- that are more accessible and user-friendly.

Universal design traces its roots to efforts to make public facilities more accessible for disabled visitors. Wide restroom stalls, wheelchair ramps and no-threshold curbs were among the more visible of improvements.

But a funny thing happened on the way to free-and-open access: lots of people found the improvements easier to navigate and more comfortable, too.

These revelations ushered universal design into a transition from commercial buildings to the residential arena.

Homes adhering to universal design tenets might have wide doors with easy-push levers in place of knobs, low (or no) thresholds, no steps into the home, and bright lighting. Kitchens often feature inset sinks (with lever faucets) and raised cabinets and countertops to reduce the need to stoop for utensils. Bathrooms will have wide shower stalls with grab bars on all walls and no threshold doors. Taller toilets are often marketed as "comfort height."

Don't pigeonhole this design trend as only for older homeowners. The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University describes universal design as a way "to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities."

The perception is fading that universal design products are limited to institutional appearances. Consumers don't need to give up style for functionality as universal design ideals creep into the marketplace. Levered faucets and front-loading washers and dryers with easy-open doors are readily available products.

Even the home-improvement market has sat up and paid attention.

Therese Crahan of the Remodelers Council of the National Association of Home Builders says home improvements are "a good opportunity for her members to suggest" that homeowners consider these design elements in room makeovers.

There's another incentive for builders and remodelers to give serious thought to universal design traits in home projects. As the population ages, the perception of accessibility and comfort may well increase the attractiveness of a home on the resale market.