Top Home Improvement Tips for Living with Alzheimer’s-Universal Design

March 7, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on a subject matter that touches so many of us. My own father-in-law is a dementia sufferer and I have had a first row seat to witness the challenges living in a home that is not designed to accommodate the illness presents. As a professional designer, I have an interest in addressing the design of living spaces for adults impacted by Alzheimers that will provide easier living conditions for all in the household.

Here is a recent remodel of a master bath that is universal design compliant so my clients can age in place without issue.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

You may think living with Alzheimer’s means living in a sterile, nursing home-style environment. However, one of the hottest trends in home remodeling is “universal design,” which means creating an environment that allows homeowners to enjoy their homes at any age. That includes living well into their golden years, and accommodating the mental and physical decline that can come with aging. Those same modifications can apply when making homes safer and more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More of us are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and this means making appropriate home modifications to meet loved ones’ needs. As pointed out by the experts at Redfin, “Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.4 million Americans, about 5.2 million of which are 65 and older. It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home.” Thankfully, with universal design options, you can meet those needs in ways that are not only safe, but livable and fashionable.

Studies show Alzheimer’s disease erodes judgment, balance, memory, general behavior, and basic senses like hearing and vision. Because of the effects of the disease, some experts advise making important modifications to reduce risks while keeping your loved one independent, such as:

Eliminate steps. At least one entryway to the home should be free of steps.
One-floor living. The main floor of the house should include at least one bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen conveniences.
Doorways and hallways. Doorways throughout the main living area should be free of thresholds and should be a minimum of forty-two inches wide.
Flooring. Replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring, such as hardwood floors or linoleum.
Floor space. Open floor plans are a benefit to those with mobility issues. Reducing clutter and broadening walkways helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
Easy-to-use handles. Doorknobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever handles.
Controls and switches. Place thermostats at lower levels, add a remote control, or add devices or apps which allow for voice control. Switches should be placed at heights accessible from a wheelchair, generally forty-two to forty-eight inches off the floor. Similarly, install electrical outlets higher for easier accessibility.
Lighting. Improving lighting throughout the home is a simple and important step toward safety. Add light fixtures, install brighter bulbs, and add nightlights to enhance safety for those with failing vision or to help those suffering with disorientation.
Bathroom. A taller, hands-free toilet and walk-in shower improve independence and safety. Installing grab bars and a seat for the shower are also important selections.
Countertops and sinks. Opt for shallower designs to keep things easier to reach.

The AARP notes that most of us want to remain at home as long as possible, and with that in mind, home styles are favoring designs that allow people of all ages and abilities to remain comfortable, mobile and safe in their living arrangements. For those who are caregiving to Alzheimer’s patients, that means stylish options can accommodate your loved one on all fronts. As explained by some professionals, it’s an opportunity to choose aesthetically pleasing but also practical solutions for living independently as long as possible.

Here’s the most exciting part: thanks to modern trends, functional equipment is more fashion-friendly than you think. Even grab bars offer a spa-style appeal coupled with safety and support. As The Wichita Eagle explains, “Many of today’s grab bars are cleverly disguised, looking instead like sleek soap dishes, functional shampoo trays, trendy towel racks and even toilet-paper holders.”

Safety marries fashion. If you thought home modifications for the elderly meant giving in to an institutional, sterile environment, think again. Homes can be safe, accessible and fashionable. Thanks to the trend of universal design, caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can meet their loved one’s needs effectively and beautifully.

Check Out Trends and Products from 2018 Kitchen and Bath International Show

February 13, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky

Here is as link to a recap or trends and products from the recent 2018 K.B.I.S. Show.

https://freshome.com/kitchen-and-bath-trends-KBIS-2018/

Clean geometric lines, updated technology, new functionality for both the kitchen and bath are featured including a voice activated LED mirror, and a cook top with the vent fully integrated. The glam factor showed up in several areas too–look at this bathroom!

Hottest Bathroom Designs Trends Leading into 2018

December 22, 2017 by Suzanne Lasky

Are you contemplating a bathroom remodel in 2018? Below is a guest post article that will help you think through some of your design decisions. Of course S Interior Design is here to assist you in person in the Scottsdale/ Phoenix Arizona area !

Below is a picture of a tile we are incorporating into one of our clients’ bath designs to be started in 2018. This tile will be used with an almost solid concrete look porcelain large format tile.
It will be stunning!

Also shown are the sink and faucet that will be used. Another trend is the use of single hole faucets versus wide spread two handled faucets. This is a good option to consider when the vanity space is not too large.

New year, new bathroom! As we say our final farewells to 2017, so too do we look forward to 2018 and the design trends that are sure to define it. This past year had us adorning our bathrooms with unique light fixtures, gold accents and standalone vanities. What’s in store for the coming year? Read on and find out!

Monochrome Paint Schemes

If the word “monochrome” makes you think of generic and impersonal bathrooms, you’re not alone, but it’s time to reset your notions for the new year! Supplementing your standard white bathroom with just one bold accent color lets you maintain a cohesive theme while still allowing ample room for creativity.

Try a striking black accent wall or a daring cobalt blue mirror frame – both colors will be huge in 2018.

Relaxing Standalone Bathtubs

Fancy bathtubs aren’t just for celebrities anymore! 2018 will be a big year for freestanding and island bathtubs.

With the recent proliferation of bathing products such as bath bombs and aromatherapy oils, it’s only natural that the standalone tub is about to enter the spotlight. Relaxing and luxurious, a new bathtub can provide both creature comfort and aesthetic appeal. It’s time to say goodbye to the ubiquitous shower-tub combo and usher in the new era of statement-making bathtubs.

Marble Finishes

Marble has long been a staple material of luxury bathrooms, but historically it has been too expensive for use in the average renovation. But recent years have seen more affordable marble tiles come on the market, and thanks to this the material will see a huge boom in popularity in 2018.

Rip out that old floor and replace it with large marble tiles for an instant dose of class that can make even the smallest bathroom feel vast. You can also keep it more low-key with a marble shower backsplash or marble slab countertop.

And don’t discount decor as an opportunity to hop on this trend! Soap dispensers, trays and vases are easy ways to add a little pop of marble to your bathroom.

Patterned Tiles

With monochrome color schemes being so popular, it’s no wonder that another big trend for 2018 bathroom design is the use of patterned tiles. Simple colors effortlessly complement bold, eye-grabbing patterns.

Classic dots and stripes are always in style, but this year will see some daring new patterns take center stage. Angled forms are in, so keep an eye out for triangular tessellations and geometric getups.

If you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, try using patterned tiles on a shower floor or on an accent wall instead for a less intense but still on-trend look.

Technology in the Bathroom

As we progress through the digital age, it’s getting harder and harder to resist the allure of the smart house. And there’s sure to be a spike in the prevalence of tech-filled bathrooms in 2018.

Smart mirrors look at first glance like regular mirrors, but one tap reveals a touchscreen integrated into the glass, allowing you to do things like read news headlines and view your daily schedule as you get ready in the morning. There’s also Bluetooth-enabled showerheads that use voice commands to control water pressure and stream music right to your shower.

Toilets are also getting the high-tech treatment. Seat warmers add an invisible element of comfort to any bathroom, while automatic deodorizers bring us one step closer to the ultimate dream: the self-cleaning toilet.

For a quick and simple bathroom tech upgrade, try giving your light fixtures a new lease on life with smart bulbs that allow you to adjust color and intensity from a phone or tablet app. Having such control over the ambiance can turn an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing escape that will leave you feeling not just clean but comfortable too.

In Conclusion

Modern bathrooms are getting smarter and sleeker, but they’re also experiencing a youthful surge in creativity and comfort. This perfectly balanced combination of form and function means that 2018 is the perfect year to design a bathroom that’s both fun and practical. What trends are you most excited for this year?

Mastering the Guest Bath: Creating a Stylish Space

March 4, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on the subject of designing and out fitting a guest bathroom. Any guest would be thrilled to be able to use any of these fabulous bathrooms while staying at your home.

S Interior Design thinks these design ideas and inspirations are very worthy of consideration for a MASTER BATHROOM too!

Mastering the Guest Bath: Creating a Splashy and Stylish Space

While most homeowners are prepared for the design demands of outfitting their bedrooms and en-suites, few give much thought to designing a spare bathroom for visitors. No matter if you’ve got a small space for a guest bath or a large and luxurious loo, there are plenty of design strategies for creating comfort and coziness for weary travelers.

If you’re looking to design or makeover an existing bathroom, here are some design ideas to incorporate:

Clean and Serene

A sparkling and clutter-free guest bath will give visitors permission to feel at ease. Muted and neutral colors work well in a guest bathroom. Pick from a palette of beige, gray or white to set a tranquil tone. Tan or lightly speckled floor tiles are a wise choice to add sophistication and style.Vintage cabinetry, marble counter tops and recessed lighting create a spa-like atmosphere.

Photo Source

Style Swagger

Guests will relish a bathroom that is both polished and trendy. Adding design elements like lucite hardware or chrome drawer pulls, a vessel sink and a waterfall faucet help to create more excitement in an ordinary bathroom. To score maximum points with guests, upgrade the bathroom space with a towel warmer, dimmer lighting and heated floors. And to give visiting company an extra bliss hit, try adding luxurious décor like a crystal chandelier or clawfoot tub.

Photo Source

Divine Dip

In addition to a claw foot tub that guests can use for soaking away travel tension, a chic shower provides out-of-towners with a way to expunge stress. Designed with marble tile and glass, a walk-in shower is ideal for a guest bathroom. A rain shower head, bench seating and shower niche allow guests to slip into vacation mode.

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Soap Opera

Preparing a home for guests often requires organization, creativity and a little elbow grease. Visiting guests may require toiletries, towels and other miscellaneous necessities that they forgot or left at home. One way to ensure that guests are comfortable is to design the guest bath with the adequate storage and cabinetry for bathroom supplies. A vanity with numerous drawers and a glass linen tower will house all necessary bath essentials.Adding a basket or apothecary jars is a great idea for adorning counter tops and creating storage. Spare toothpaste, shampoo and razors should be stockpiled ahead of time and displayed for guests.Wall shelving or hidden hampers can also be installed for extra storage options.

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Odds and Ends

Candles, lotions and trays of washcloths are a must have in a guest bath. Decorating with fresh flowers and novelty soaps is also a stellar way to accessorize a guest bath. Need another way to turn a guest bath into a warm and inviting space? Fill the walls with artwork, shelves for additional bathroom bits or add a display of a prized collection like antique perfume bottles. Resist the urge to go overboard with a theme or add excessive knick-knacks; the guest bathroom should feel clean, airy and spacious.

Photo Source

Don’t be afraid to play with textures, prints and colors in the guest bath. Fresh fluffy white towels often look beautiful when perched near cold marble, while funky patterned wallpaper looks chic when balanced with crisp white counter tops. Designing a bathroom with contrasting elements will give it more character and make it feel distinct and elegant.

Enjoy the process of decorating and designing a guest bath, as it will be the place for friends and family to unwind. A guest bath should be a sanctuary for visitors and homeowners alike.

Guest post author: LuxeDecor
Guest Post by Amy Spagnola for LuxeDecor

3 Bathroom Lighting Tips

January 29, 2015 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on the important subject of getting your bathroom properly lit. Like any other room, the bathroom should have layers of lighting to use that is separately switched depending on the functional needs of the space at any given time.

3 Ideas for Bathroom Lighting
By Jane Blanchard

Your day starts in your bathroom. Why settle for anything less than the best? Unfortunately, most bathroom lighting is completely neglected, leaving the room feeling sterile or depressing — and not allowing yourself to see you in good light. Instead of simply accepting it as it is, use these ideas to light your bathroom to give you a bright start to your mornings.

Mirror Lighting

Via Modernize

How many bathrooms have lights directly on top of the mirror? While ceiling lights are perfect for providing good visibility, they’re hardly romantic or helpful when you have to groom up close. Because of the stark shadows they create, applying your make-up or shaving your face can be extremely hard to see. Instead, turn to lights that fit on the sides of the mirror. These include sconces, bath bars and vanity lights. They are far better for lighting the face in a way that lets you successfully groom. If there happens to be no room for side lighting, opt for a horizontal vanity light to fit across the top of the mirror. The best are those with bulbs of different shades to maximize clarity.

Daylight Model

Another way to spruce up the bathroom is to mimic natural light. Even if you have a window, the sun may or may not ever stream into the bathroom. Aside from this, daylight is what will reflect off of your clothes and hair so trying to capture its essence is important to making sure you are ready to take on the day. For this choice, you’ll want to invest in white shades that are clear, frosted and any other option. This, however, will depend on the type of bulb you use. The varying kinds render colors differently so not all “white” categorizations can be trusted. For LEDs, go for temperature ranging from 2700K to 3000K. Compact fluorescent bulbs should always have a color rendering index at or above 90 and should have the same temperature range as the LED. Finally, incandescent bulbs must be labeled “white” or have the previously indicated temperature range.

Mood Lighting

Finally, it’s important to remember that the bathroom is not always a room used for getting ready for the day. In fact, it is often used for bubble baths and other relaxing activities. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure there are at least two settings for the lights. This, however, can be achieved through more than just extra lighting fixtures strewn about. For those who like what they have, install a dimmer. With this, you can control the intensity of the lights. For those that like a lot of decorative additions, bring in flush ceiling lights or small chandeliers to act as relaxed mood lighting. Even more than this, lamps can be brought in, assuming there is enough counter top space.

To learn about more creative ways to light up your home, visit Modernize.com.