Modern home design has redefined the bathroom as much more than just a place for personal hygiene. These days, it’s also a relaxing sanctuary, a place to refresh and recharge. Bathrooms are increasingly designed with accessibility in mind to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. This is where universal design comes into play. Explore how this design concept shapes Minneapolis bathrooms into spaces everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or mobility.

What Is Universal Bathroom Design?

Universal design focuses on creating spaces that are accessible and functional for everyone, no matter their physical limitations or stage in life. This design approach considers a wide range of human needs and abilities to create practical, beautiful living spaces. While universal design is often sought by older people looking to age in place, it increases safety, usability, and independence for anyone with unique needs, including seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

Benefits of Universal Bathroom Design for Minneapolis Homeowners

You might embrace universal bathroom design in your home if you want to create a more inclusive environment. Here are some benefits you can expect:

• Improved safety: Incorporating features like non-slip surfaces and strategically placed grab bars reduces the risk of slips and falls in the bathroom.
• Accessibility and independence: Universal design caters to people of all ages and abilities, promoting confidence among older adults and those with mobility challenges.
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance: The features found in universal design tend to be easier to clean and maintain, thanks to their simplified and accessible nature.
• Increased property value: A universally designed bathroom is a desirable feature that increases home value if you ever decide to sell.
• Flexibility for future needs: As your family grows and changes, you’ll find that a universally designed bathroom adapts to your future needs without extensive modifications.
• Aesthetic appeal: Rest assured that universal design does not sacrifice style for functionality. Modern universal bathrooms combine elegance and accessibility into one nice, neat package.

Ideas for Your Universal Bathroom Design

While you can customize your universally accessible bathroom to fit your precise needs, some common features are found in most universal designs, including:

• Comfort-height toilet: At about 19 inches from the floor, comfort-height toilets sit slightly higher than standard 15-inch toilets, making it easier to sit down and stand up.
• Shower bench: Sitting while showering is more comfortable for people with feet and back issues. If possible, opt for a built-in bench to minimize fall risks associated with portable shower seats.
• Curbless shower: Eliminate the entry barrier with a modern, zero-threshold shower.
• Grab bars: Installing grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet enhances safety and mobility.
• Friendly faucet: A single-lever faucet fitted with an anti-scald device makes using the sink safer and easier for everyone.
• Slip-resistant flooring: Slips and falls are more common in the bathroom than in any other room of the house. Reduce the risk with etched porcelain tiles or luxury vinyl planks.
• Wheelchair access: If you’re hoping to make the bathroom more accessible for wheelchair users, a 36-inch-wide doorway and at least 60 inches of open floor space to pivot are crucial features.

Choose Stonehearth Remodeling for Bathroom Renovation Services in Minneapolis

At Stonehearth Remodeling, we believe in creating spaces that reflect your needs and personality. We have built our foundation on exceptional quality, price transparency, and sustainability to ensure a seamless and proven process from start to finish. Our team of experienced professionals has a track record of honesty, integrity, and problem-solving, making us the ideal choice for your next bathroom renovation in Minneapolis.

Ready to transform your bathroom into a more accessible, stylish space? Contact us at (763) 427-7330 now to schedule a consultation.