New Home Universal Design in the Bathroom
Choices for Vanities and Countertops
As part of the 50+ Housing Council in Raleigh, one of the things we look forward to is sharing really cool ideas from new home builders and interior design experts who are willing to share some of their secrets and most popular features.
Our most requested universal design ideas make your bathroom safe, user-friendly, functional, and beautiful - through built-in convenience that costs a lot less when you plan ahead.
Countertop Height - New Home Universal Design in the Bathroom
How high should a bathroom countertop be for maximum efficiency and functionality?
Standard vanity cabinets are about 32" high. At Stanton Homes, we use 36" high vanities, which are optimum height for standing in front of the countertop.
But the most functional countertop height may actually be a combination of heights. Think about including a standard or dropped height "seating" section at the vanity if at all possible. A comfortable chair specifically for the bathroom can be perfect for applying make up or completing other tasks.
The seating area should have leg room of 27 to 29 inches, and be 32 to 36 inches wide.
If the seating area is at a sink, the piping should be set as far to the rear as possible and covered with a protective panel.
Countertop Choices - New Home Universal Design in the Bathroom
Rounded edges are user friendly. Think about traditional Formica tops with their sharp right angles. Today's options include cultured marble, solid surface, and granite, all of which can offer nicely rounded edges.
Consider your color selections. Countertops should contrast with cabinetry and wall colors, very helpful for anyone with limited vision.
How easy are your countertops to clean? Any countertop with an integral sink (like cultured marble) eliminates seams and makes cleaning easier.
Granite is beautiful, but keep in mind that it is porous and will need to be sealed.
Vanity Space and Storage - New Home Universal Design in the Bathroom
Do you have room for the curling iron, electric razor, and other items? Make sure there's enough countertop space (and outlets) to safely keep often-used personal items on the countertop, but out of the way.
For a large vanity, you might even consider a stack of upper cabinetry, or an appliance garage.
Include an outlet inside the cabinet or garage, and it's easy to charge electric razors when not in use, but out of sight.
Consider the amount of storage space, especially if one section of countertop is accessible for seated users. It might make sense to include a set of drawers instead of a large cabinet, for ease of use.
Vanity Door Hardware - New Home Universal Design in the Bathroom
Choose cabinet and drawer hardware that's easy to grasp and pull.
Large "C" or "D" shaped handles work great, and can add interest and contrast to your vanity cabinets.
Universal Design Homes are available in many great places to live, including Angier, Apex, Bear Creek, Cary, Chapel Hill, Coats, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Harnett County, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Pittsboro, Siler City, Silk Hope, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Wendell.
You might also be interested in these related Raleigh new home trend articles:
Accessible Homes - Design and Features
What is Universal Design? Easy Living Homes
Specially Adapted Housing - Grants for Veterans
Building a Home with the VA's Specially Adapted Housing Program
Mother In Law Suite Homes - Floor Plans and Ideas
Virtual Tours - See This Week's Most Exceptional Homes
"Stanton Homes for Heroes" Military Discounts
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
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Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
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Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Love your insights...we have cultured marble...love the look, feel and easy care !
Great outline of the new and wonderful bathrooms. More square feet is devoted to master bedrooms these days than every before.
I love them.
Lots of good points to remember when building or remodeling. I'm still waiting for better methods for getting in and out of bathtubs. My mother loved her bath but in her later years was always afraid of falling. The one in the photo looks like it would present some challenges for an elderly person.
Nice post Penny.
http://www.poconolandandhomes.com
Norma - good point on the bathtub. There are several solutions which the homeowner of this particular home opted against - one member used the fully accessible shower and didn't like baths. One solution is a bathtub with a door. Several manufacturers make them. But keep in mind, you'll need to stay in the tub while the water fills up, then again while it drains, so that you can open the door. Keep some warm towels nearby!
Another partial solution is creating a large enough tub deck to allow "transfer room". A wide, flat tub surround can allow the user to sit down on the platform and rotate around to enter the tub. A few well placed, beautiful grab bars can help with the in and out process.
You may also want to consider a slightly shallower tub than normal, with a lower platform. A recessed tub (ie sunk in the floor) doesn't necessarily help, because then you need to climb UP out of it!
Thanks for the post.
We just did a bathroom remodel and the higher cabinet is a nice change.
Have a good day.
Hi Penny, We have a deep tub and it is hard to get in and out...probably will remodel this in a few years.
This is a great post, Penny but I really had to laugh!!!! You know me - I AM SHORT!!!!! I despise higher countertops! But, that is only for the short peeps - I do agree that the higher cabinets are awesome for the "normal" people! ;) Congrats on the feature - this is really great info to know for anyone looking to build or remodel!
Leesa - I'm sorry!!! We do actually offer both heights of countertops - it's totally your choice. Some builders charge an "upgrade price" for the higher cabinets, but we want you to be comfortable no matter how tall you are!
Penny,
These are all good points, and they are obvious once you think of them. Thanks for the summary.
Brian
Penny,
Some really great points here...I like the hidden outlets....I hate having to see all those appliances recharging..
Thanks for sharing - have a great day
Penny - That was some good information, I love reading about trends it keeps me current. The information about the heights was well thought out.
Penny,
Thanks for the great information. This is very helpful and intelligently presented. We really appreciate your valuable insignt. All the best.
We included a floor drain in the corner of our bathrooms (We have small children) and they have paid for themselves over and over again!
Hi Penny, While I am touring I see so many beautiful unique bathrooms. Jeff I have not seen many with the drain in the corners but it sounds like a good idea. Thanks for sharing this information.
You make a good point about needing different height cabinets in the bath. I'm 5' and my husband is 6'3. High counter tops drive me crazy!
Really appreciated this post...am just about to start a bathroom renovation. Have bookmarked.
Penny, I love raised vanities in bathrooms! We call it 'gentleman's height' and I am 5'2" tall. They just look better in a home. Sometimes I look at the squatty vanities builders put in and wonder what were they thinking? Great helpful post for the consumer, Penny :)
wow great information and I like how you draw into functional use of space.
Lori - those hidden outlets are one of the things you just don't think about until someone suggests it!
Sharon - the shorter vanities are fairly typical, but once you use a taller one, you'll never want to go back.