We recently hosted a KB Tribe Chat discussing the topic of Designing with Living in Place in Mind. We are huge proponents of the Living In Place Institute's mission: providing professional education to make all homes safe, healthy and comfortable for everyone. In fact, a few of our offerings have become Certified Living In Place Products!
This Twitter discussion was so rich with important information, we wanted to share what we and other industry professionals had to say.
01. How would you define Living In Place? Do you know that it differs from other principles like Universal Design and Aging In Place?
So often do people lump all of these principles together, but Living in Place differs in that it takes away the focus on aging by striving to enable people of all ages and abilities to live their best lives in their home.
Photo Courtesy of @KBIS, design by Kendall Ansell Interiors
Pic: Kohler/Tiller Press
"A place where you can be yourself, ensuring the homeowner has a safe, comfortable, and stylish space that fits their needs and lifestyle at any age."
- @KBIS
“Living in place is not yet a well-known term for creating inclusive living spaces, but it ties in w/my Five Facets of Wellness Design, which include #Accessibility, safety & functionality for all. Handheld shower heads are an example.” - @JGWellnessDesgn, CKD; CAPS; MCCWC
02. Do any of you work with Occupational Therapists when designing a Living In Place space?
There will be a round table discussion during #KBIS2021 hosted by Living In Place on this topic! K&B Ergonomics From An Occupational Therapist and Designer Perspective - Mary Fisher & Monika Lukasiewicz | Register here: http://bit.ly/2YjnW5Z
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"Having a husband with a 3 level spinal fusion among other issues, we've received good tips from his Drs and PTs." - @SusanSerraCKD
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03. SAFE | Do you have any go-to products for clients who want to ease strain, limit reach and reduce dangerous clutter?
We offer a number of Certified Living In Place Products including our 5PD/5UPD, 582 ‘TheCurve’ BC Optimizer and Pullout Waste Containers that keep hazardous cans out of walkways and in the cabinet.
"Pull-downs, pull-outs, u-drawers & corner swing-outs are vital in cabinetry, plus handheld shower heads near seats. Floating vanities & wall-mount toilets are also really helpful. Reducing clutter means clear walk aisles/lower fall risk." - @JGWellnessDesgn, CKD; CAPS; MCCWC
"Pull-out cabinets are wonderful for ergonomic design in the kitchen. They reduce strain, reach, and clutter to a marvelous degree." - @2020spaces
"We remodeled our kitchen and kept a space for a wheelchair to left of drawers for plates within reach with @REVASHELF peg board system." - @pillow_goddess
04. HEALTHY | Ample lighting has a huge impact on not only safety, but also health. Do you take into consideration the effects of certain lighting on health when creating your design?
Ample lighting is important to ease eye strain when performing tasks, safely guiding homeowners in the dark and majorly affects our Circadian Rhythm.
"As we age, it's harder to see so you can never have too much lighting! Under-cabinet lights are a must on a dark countertop" - @Stacy_Garcia
"Ample lighting in this office space prevents eye strain when working or crafting." - @WellbornCabinets
"#Lighting in the bathroom is important, especially when it refers to personal #health. The combination of natural light during the day & colored lighting, or chromatherapy in the evening can have a significant impact on our #mood & #wellness." - @AstonBath
05. COMFORT | How can you add comfort for all to a design without sacrificing aesthetic? (i.e. handrails, no threshold doors, door knobs)
There are plenty of stylish options that are also Living In Place friendly! Beautiful no threshold showers and multi-use grab bars are becoming a norm.
Have you considered how hardware choices can affect those with arthritis? The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice chic designs for comfort, just simply think a little deeper when weighing your options.
“Lever handles for passage doors work better than knobs for arthritic hands and weak grips." - @Stacy_Garcia
Here is what to avoid:
Narrow Pulls (less than 3”) // Thick hands either won’t fit or can get stuck
Thin Pull Handles // Sore hands need thicker pulls to grab onto comfortably
Harsh Angles // Pulls with 90-degree angles can pinch sore hands
Cup Pulls // Cup pulls typically don’t have an adequate surface area to grab onto safely
T-Pulls // pulls with a bar that sticks out farther than the end screw mounts can snag clothes or be painful to pump into
T-Knobs // Knobs shaped like a “T” put too much stress on arthritic fingers
Small Knobs // Grasping a small knob is painful for large, sore hands
"Incorporate these additions to match the style of the home. Sometimes people need assistance, but that doesn’t mean it has to clash with the design. Handrails can have character, too." - @2020spaces
"No threshold showers don't just offer a safer use of the space... we think they look cleaner and much cooler!" - @VilgHomeStores
06. Where do you get your inspiration for Living In Place Designs?
Interiors by Design's LaDonna Eriksen | via NEBRASKA-BASED FIRM COMPLETES A LIVING IN PLACE CONCEPT HOME
"The best place, aside from contemporary and historic design, is the clients themselves. Living in Place is part of a modern movement in design focusing on individual needs and wellness." - @2020spaces
"We get a lot of inspiration right here, on this chat. There's always great ideas for new products and ways of looking at design and function." - @WindowWorksUSA
"Working with different professionals give you great ideas on what is needed in the real world. I love to learn!" - @NancyYoungDsign, CKBD; CLIPP