Design Ideas for Aging in Place

Aging in place can be an extremely attractive option for many homeowners. Continuing to live in your own home often means more freedom in decision making and keeping ties with close neighbors and relatives. More often than not, many homes require several home improvement projects to accommodate homes for aging in place.

Like any other home improvement project, there is no one size fits all plan for aging in place accommodations. A good place to start is with universal design, which is the approach to design that aims to satisfy the widest range of people. A couple of universal design principles for aging in place include widened doorways and a no step entry.

Designing a bathroom to age in place can be dreadful. Many homeowners may feel as though they have to choose between an efficient design and an aesthetically pleasing design.

Photo: Homedit

Zero-threshold, or curb-less showers, are great for accessibility and have a simple, elegant design. They are especially perfect for those of you who prefer a shower over a bath and want to age in place. In addition, curb-less showers incorporate linear drains, which requires the floor to be pitched in one direction. This means that homeowners can choose to use the same floor tile throughout the whole space.

Going with a curb-less shower requires a continuous water barrier past the shower area. How far the water barrier extends will depend on whether there's gasketing on the bottom of the shower door and the direction of the water. An alternative to a curb-less shower is a roll-in curb, which looks like a small speed bump. This can help to keep water from spreading throughout.

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With bathroom safety being a concern for many homeowners, the addition of grab bars into the bathroom design is a good idea. For those not ready to commit, blocking for grab bars is a great way to think ahead and to avoid any future headaches of installing them.

Planning a bathroom for aging in place does not have to be dreadful. With simple and elegant designs, along with some pre-planning, an aging in place bathroom can be relaxing and enjoyable. For more aging in place remodeling ideas, visit the National Association of Home Builders' Checklist or contact us.

Porcelain Tile Design Trends

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is made of finer, denser clay. Since porcelain is denser than ceramic tile, it is also harder and less porous. This makes it very stain ad water resistant. Porcelain is available in several textures including: natural, smooth, polished, and textured surfaces. Porcelain tile is offered in glazed and un-glazed options; however, un-glazed tile requires more frequent cleaning. As a bonus, porcelain is much lighter than marble and granite  - meaning easier installs.

porcelain tile bathroom renovation

The versatility of porcelain is almost endless. Porcelain tile can be incorporated in several places of the home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and even fireplace. It has recently emerged into the bathroom design scene since it is low maintenance and can handle moisture and daily use.

A great thing about porcelain is that it is available in several "looks." It can even be made to look like metal, wood, and stone. Additionally, it can be used indoors and outdoors. With advancing technologies, porcelain is now available in larger segments.

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A recent trend in bathroom design is covering all of the walls with porcelain slab tiles. The large tiles can help to make the room appear larger due to the little number of grout lines. This creates a minimal look with little upkeep. Porcelain slab tile is a great option for those who want to create a glamorous look without the high costs since it is cheaper than marble. Although porcelain slab tile may be currently seen as a luxury item, it is expected to come down in costs as it becomes more popular.

Porcelain is a great option for flooring, backsplashes, walls, and other accent areas in the home. It is a durable and stain resistant, which is a plus for any family. One of the major advantages of porcelain is that it is extremely versatile since it can be used in several areas of the home, as well as outdoor spaces. Porcelain tile is also available in many styles and can mimic the look of wood and metal.

Tub Shower Combo Ideas

Tub shower combos are great for those who like to indulge in the occasional bubble bath, or for those with a smaller bathroom. Recently, many homeowners have been foregoing the bathtub and have been replacing it with a walk in shower instead. This is a great option for those who don't use their bathtub. However, having at least one bathtub in the home is better for resale.

There are a couple of different tub shower combo options available. The most well known option is the prefabricated fiberglass tub shower combo.

Prefabricated models are available in a variety of designs - from basic models, to high-end looks, to completely custom designs. They can also be customized with extra features such as shelves and grab bars. A great way to make a prefab bathtub appear more sleek is by installing a glass shower door. A glass shower door will help to make the bathroom look larger and brighter. While one piece kits are the most waterproof, they are very bulky and often cannot fit between doors. One piece tub shower combos are most popular for new homes and additions since the kit can be set in place before the walls.

While prefab models are the most common, another way to include a tub shower combo is by adding shower fixtures with a freestanding tub. The freestanding tub you choose for a tub shower combo is up to your personal preferences. You can choose anything from a farmhouse style clawfoot tub - to a sleek and modern soaking tub. One major thing to keep in mind when choosing a freestanding tub is the width and height of the tub. Make sure that the bathtub is comfortable to step in and out of and stand in.

If you decide to go with the freestanding tub turned tub shower combo route, you will have to consider your shower curtain option to prevent water from going everywhere. Many homeowners with this type of tub shower combo install a ceiling mounted shower rail with a custom shower curtain to keep the shower water from running all over the bathroom and causing possible moisture damage.

A tub shower combo is a great option for many homeowners because of its versatility. They can be installed as prefabricated units, or they can be incorporated through a free standing tub and shower component. A tub shower combo can work with an endless array of design styles and is perfect for those with a smaller bathroom, or for those with younger children.