What’s Driving Inclusive, Accessible Kitchens & Baths

By Lisa M. Cini

Join me on an exciting journey through the latest trends in accessible living, focusing on cutting-edge kitchen and bathroom designs that are as stylish as they are practical.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending two of the most influential design showcases: a furniture, kitchen and bath extravaganza in China, followed by a review of the hottest products at KBIS. What I discovered was a revolution in the way we approach these essential spaces in our homes.

Imagine a kitchen and bathroom that are as customizable and safety-oriented as our beloved automobiles. I just purchased a new car and was amazed that it has artificial intelligence integrated into it to keep me on the road safer, a massager that comes on after I drive more than an hour and augmented reality that shows where I should turn in my windshield.

Our kitchens and baths are moving toward integrating these types of safety and accessible tech now more than ever. But first, let’s dive into factors driving demand for accessibility in these spaces.

Drivers for rising demand for accessibility
The demand for in-home accessibility features and products is leading to a focus on incorporating elements like grab bars, roll-in showers and raised toilet seats to enhance safety and comfort. Demand is largely driven by:

• Multi-generational living: The trend of multi-generational living, where spaces need to cater to various age groups within a household, is influencing the design of kitchens and bathrooms to be inclusive for all family members.
• Aging population: With an aging population, there is a shift toward designing spaces that accommodate aging individuals, promoting designs for aging in place that are safe, stylish and accessible.
• Universal Design concepts: Universal Design concepts are gaining popularity as they create spaces suitable for all age groups and multiple generations, emphasizing inclusivity and functionality across different needs.
• Social trends: Homeowners are increasingly renovating their spaces for the long run, focusing on improvements that allow for safe and comfortable living, reflecting a broader societal trend toward sustainable and wellness-focused design choices.

Since we spend a considerable portion of our lives in these areas, why not ensure they’re accessible to everyone, regardless of height or ability? This inclusivity not only enhances daily lives, but also extends our ability to age gracefully in the comfort of our own homes.

Consider this: there are approximately 73 million Baby Boomers in the United States, alone. Add to that nearly 60 million Americans living in multi-generational households, and you’ll understand why adaptability is key to a well-designed accessible kitchen and bath.

So, what products are shaping the future of these spaces? Accessible appliances: Picture lowered microwaves and counter-depth fridges with customized shelves, making daily tasks a breeze for everyone.

• An inclusive kitchen island: Imagine installing an island with a second level, allowing folks of all ages and abilities to comfortably gather around for meals and conversations. Induction cook tops can be placed anywhere there is an outlet. Which means cooking is no longer limited to the stove cooktop.
• Customized countertop heights: Countertops can be set at the perfect height for wheelchair users, making meal prep a breeze.
• Accessible storage solutions: Pull-out shelves and adjustable cabinets ensure kitchen essentials are always within reach.
• Cabinet drawers that are easier to access instead of cabinets, this includes having drawer refrigeration.
• Curbless showers: These aren’t just for luxury; curbless showers offer seamless transitions and barrier-free access, ideal for aging parents or wheelchair users. Many times they are seamless with no grout and slip resistant so they are not only accessible and safe but also easy to clean.
• Bathroom drawers: Lower pull-out drawers and cabinets in bathrooms ensure easy access to essentials, making mornings a breeze for everyone.
• Bidet toilet seat: These are not only an all-in-one feature, but now can even raise and lower you onto the seat. Taking the concept of independence to a whole new level.

It’s not just about seniors aging in place or multi-generational households; technology is weaving its way into every aspect of our lives. Just like my car with integrated AI that keeps me safe on the road, we’re seeing technology enhance the inclusivity and functionality of our homes.

From demand for accessibility features to the rise of multi-generational living, these trends reflect a broader societal shift toward sustainable, wellness-focused design choices. And let’s not forget the exciting new products hitting the market. A few of these include:

• LB Outdoor Showers by Watrline: Elevates your outdoor space with stylish Dutch design showers, perfect for enhancing accessibility.
• Cubitac Cabinetry: offers customizable storage solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.
• inFINE Column Shower by S.G. SRL: Winner of the Best of KBIS – Bath Gold award, this Italian manufacturer offers a stylish and functional solution for accessible bathrooms.

From wide aisles to adaptive appliances, these planning and design trends ensure everyone can navigate their home with ease and grace.

Lisa M. Cini, ASID, IIDA, is a leading authority in Alzheimer’s and senior living design. She is the president & CEO of Mosaic Design Studio and the author of books, including “Boom: The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Preserving Your Freedom and Thriving as You Age in Place,” “The Future is Here: Senior Living Re-imagined” and “Hive, The Simple Guide to Multigenerational Living: How Our Family Makes it Work.”

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik