It’s not unusual to start a renovation journey by updating a bathroom. With all the new surfacing materials, mobility aids and shower options, the possibilities are endless when renovating a bathroom. Incorporating mobility aids or designing for the long term can also support aging in place and the choice to remain in one’s home longer.
I asked registered interior designer and ARIDO member, Dolores Pian, to share her top recommendations for building the perfect bathroom in a forever home, without sacrificing accessibility. “Two musts for a bathroom in a forever home,” she says, “[are a] curbless shower and grab bars.”
Pian guides her clients to think beyond aging. “There’s a chance everyone will experience mobility issues in life — knee problems, a broken arm, pregnancy or even the flu. At some point, we are not 100 per cent mobile or agile and we may need a little help to stay bathed, showered, fresh and clean.”
The shower
Pian recommends a curbless shower. Even stepping up three inches can be a chore for some people. These self-draining units require special structural considerations for the shower floor. An interior designer can recommend the best slope, so water drains properly. “It always feels luxurious to just ‘walk in’ and not step up or step out of a shower,” she says.
Grab bars
Pian’s other must for a forever bathroom are grab bars, which are reinforced bars fixed to the wall and used when getting in and out of a tub or to hold to keep from slipping in a shower. Some might balk at the thought of installing a grab bar before it’s needed, but it can also serve a useful purpose outside accessibility, such as a place to hang and dry a towel. “Grab bars have come a long way,” says Pian. “There are many elegant options that are more attractive than the ones we see at the gym or the pool.”
The floor
To kick your bathroom to the next level, Pian proposes under-floor heating. “There are some more affordable options on the market these days,” she says. “Stepping from the tub to a warm floor eases that transition during cold winter days.” It can also soothe arthritic feet or musculoskeletal issues in the legs and feet.
A niche is nice
She also proposes taking advantage of the wall space in a shower by incorporating a niche. “Scavenge space from wall cavities with niches. Not only are they a decor element, but they also make all items more accessible.” It can also reduce clutter around bathtubs or bending to retrieve items from lower down.
Lighting
Bathroom lighting is another important consideration. Multiple lighting options provide flexibility within the space and installing a dimmer can ensure both bright light and a subdued spa-like glow. “Consider that the lighting you use will need to be rated for wet or damp locations,” says Pian.
Long-term goals
Long-term accessibility is a growing desire among homeowners. Thinking longer term is key with an interior design project, Pian says: “All in all, these additions will make a big difference to you, regardless of your stage of life.”