Kitchens and Baths, Episode 105, Week of June 14, 2008

Episode BEBK-105 Week of June 14, 2008 Universal design is the practice of making a home accessible, usable, and comfortable for everyone. And it's easier to plan and build a universally designed home rather than trying to retrofit one. And universal design gets a bad reputation because people associate the term with hospitals and an industrial look. Companies are getting the message as baby boomers come of age and are designing products that are not only beautiful, but that are also functional. So universal design is moving from being a niche to more of a recognized practice. It can also make great business sense as clients look to designers and builders with this expertise. Segment 1: More homeowners are recognizing that universal design makes sense for them and their families. Many people associate the term with aging -- but universal design is for everyone -- hence the term. There are also some new products that are not only beautiful, but are also convenient. We take a look at a universally designed kitchen and check out what features designate it as such. Imagine a teenager who breaks a leg -- grab bars in a shower can be really convenient as an injury heals. Resources: National Kitchen & Bath Association www.nkba.org Universal design in the Kitchen http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt/text/0,2595,HPRO_20196_63755,00.html SMEG http://www.smegusa.com/ Segment 2: Many designers and builders say one amenity clients are asking for are shower stalls that are the centerpiece of a master bath. And, many consumers want the spa tubs and multiple showerheads, but the infrastructure of a home dictates what amenities designers can add. Find out how a tankless water heater can make these conveniences possible. Resources: Rinnai www.foreverhotwater.com Segment 3: Becoming certified by the NKBA is not easy, but it is worthwhile. Certified designers are experienced and have passed several hour of NKBA approved education. Hiring an NKBA certified designer is a great idea because builders can be confident that the designer will work with him in harmony to make a home a place the client will love. And, details make the difference! Designers consider kitchen hardware the "jewelry" of the kitchen, and it's trending larger and with more rich finishes. Resources: National Kitchen & Bath Association www.nkba.org Hickory Hardware www.hickoryhardware.com Segment 4: See how universal design applies to the bathroom. We'll take a look at an award winning design as well as new products that bring in function -- as well as form. Resources: Alsons Corporation http://www.alsons.com/ Hansa http://www.hansaamerica.net/ Safety Tubs http://safetytubs.com/ Anthony Binns CKD, CBD Binns Kitchen + Bath Design GTA East Location 333 Kingston Road Pickering, Ontario L1V 1A1 Tel: 905-509-5555 Fax: 905-509-2222 Toll Free: 1-877-509-5555 http://www.binns.net/ Email: info@binns.net Mary Jo Peterson CKD, CKB Mary Jo Peterson, Inc. Design Consultants 3 Sunset Cove Road Brookfield, CT 06804 Phone: (203) 775-4763 Fax: (203)740-2333 http://www.mjpdesign.com/ E-mail: MaryJo@mjpdesign.com National Kitchen & Bath Association www.nkba.org