Universal Design Finally Gets Serious
Written by faith | View CommentsSeattle interior design embraces great design that creates a true, living reflection of the people who live in the space – and that’s about as ‘universal’ as it gets according to Janice Anne Costa.
Not long ago kitchens revolved around a single work triangle, where Mom cooked meals for her husband and family. But kitchens grew larger, and the work triangle evolved to kitchen “work zones.” Flexible refrigeration replaced large, boxy refrigerators, and multiple, flexibly designed appliances became the norm. See example:
Universal Design by Lora Creswick
In a similar vein, yesterday’s baths were all about super-size. Enter jetted tubs large enough to go swimming in and super showers with extravagant features using large amounts of water.
Consider the greening of the kitchen and bath. Efficiencies of space and energy are the rage and water conservation inspires smaller fixtures, re-designed to provide the full-sensory water experience, using less water.
Looking over the changes in the kitchen and bath industry, one thing is clear: Design is fluid. Indeed, the creative nature of the field almost demands that today’s trends will be ever-changing and evolving, as consumers and design professionals continue to pursue “the next big thing.” Janice Anne Costa
So what is the “next big thing?” Bet on Universal Design as the “green” of the future.
This trend gained visibility in the products on display at this year’s K/BIS, where beautiful, safe and accessible tub and shower options were seen in abundance. Personalized design is finally coming into its own. As Mick De Giulio explains, “People are an amalgam of so many different elements: culture and nationality, family history and cooking habits”.
