Magical Makeover: Bath

With universal design, homeowners get it all—beauty, comfort, and function.

Essential elements of universal design

The faucets have single levers that are easy to grasp and use with one hand.

An 18-inch chair-height toilet is positioned so that the user has at least 18 inches of comfort room on the sides as well.

Grab bars are placed in the tub and shower and beside the toilet, helping with stability and with sitting and standing.

The vanity includes ample knee space for seated users, and the sink base does not restrict movement underneath the vanity.

There are limited thresholds-or no thresholds-in the entryways, on the floor, and in the shower.

Multiple sources of light, including general, task, and in-cabinet lighting fixtures, provide sufficient illumination in the room.

Universal Design

Lowe's and Ohio State University have teamed up to tell the story of universal design. In 2006, they partnered to build a universally designed kitchen exhibit at the university's Farm Science Review. The exhibit was toured by thousands of people, including the general public as well as interior design students from several colleges, and Lowe's received thousands of letters from the readers of Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden, eager to learn more about universal design. Because of that success and a commitment to this principle, the two decided to build a universally designed bath at the Farm Science Review for 2007.

"We're very excited about this opportunity to get the word out about universal design," says Melissa Birdsong, Lowe's Vice President of Trend, Design & Brand. "We hope even more people will learn how easy it can be to make a home accessible for all-and make it look fabulous as well."

Rethinking the Bath

When a bath is designed for individual needs and different life stages, whether current, anticipated, or even unforeseen, it truly becomes a place for peace of mind and relaxation. Imagine an expectant mother whose center of gravity is awry-grab bars help steady her while getting in and out of the tub. For a man with an old football knee injury, a zero-threshold shower makes daily tasks less painful. And open sink bases leave room for those who require seating, in a wheelchair or otherwise. All of these solutions and many others are applied through the principles of universal design.

Universal design is about products that are more comfortable to use and environments that make life easier for as many individuals as possible, regardless of age or ability. Not long ago, the perception of universal design was that style succumbed to accessibility. Today, there are more and more universally designed products available in the latest colors and finishes, so homeowners get the best of all worlds.

This bath reflects today's styles and trends-from the dual-use layout to the sleek products to the accessible features. Welcome to the universal design bath from Lowe's and Ohio State University. We hope you enjoy this private tour especially for the readers of Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden.

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Cabinetry and Countertops

Cabinetry (KraftMaid, Passport, Gentry Cherry Square, Kaffee finish, special order)
Pulls (KraftMaid, satin nickel, Model 7040, special order)
Countertops (Corian, Natural Pearl, special order)
Countertop Edge (Corian, Doeskin, special order)

Tile

Floor (18-inch, American Olean, Highland Ridge, Desert #HR50 and Autumn #HR51, special order)
Shower/Tub Surround (American Olean, Highland Ridge, special order; shower and tub surround, 12-inch, Desert #HR50; shower floor, 1- x 3-inch, Autumn Mosaic #HR51)
Glass Tile (American Olean, Candalara Glass, special order; 4-inch, Silver Lake #CL51; trim, Silver Lake Torello #CL51) white grout

Plumbing

Tub (30 inches wide, 37 inches high, 51 inches long, Safety Tubs, Model ST5130RJ, special order)
Shorter Vanity Sink (Kohler, Invitation, Cashmere, Model K-2098-4-K4, special order)
Shorter Vanity Faucet (Price Pfister, Amherst, brushed nickel, #231223)
Taller Vanity Sink (Kohler, Lady Vanity, Cashmere, Model K-2170-1-K4, special order)
Taller Vanity Faucet (Kohler, Model K-19480-4-SN, satin nickel, special order)
Shower Faucet (Kohler, Symbol, Vibrant Polished Nickel, Model K-T18495-SN, special order)
Handshower Faucet (Kohler, MasterShower Slide Bar, Vibrant Polished Nickel, Model K-8516-SN, special order)
Body Sprays (Kohler, WaterTile, Vibrant Polished Nickel, special order)
Tub faucet (Kohler, Symbol, Vibrant Polished Nickel, Model K-18486-4-SN, special order)
Toilet (Kohler, Cimarron Comfort Height, Cashmere, Model K-3489-K4, special order)

Paint

Walls (Valspar, Blue Twilight #5001-1C, semi-gloss)
Trim (Valspar, Comet Dust #5006-1A, semi-gloss)

Lighting

Bath Bars (Portfolio, satin nickel; 3-light, #106764; 4-light, #110039)

Accessories

Mirrors (Decolav, #117305)
Grab Bars (Kohler, Revival, Vibrant Brushed Nickel, special order; 12-inch, Model K-16156-BN; 18-inch, Model K-16158-BN)
Bath Accessories (Kohler, Stillness, special order; 30-inch towel bar, Model K-14452-BN; towel ring, Model K-14456-BN; bath paper holder, Model K-14459-BN)
Countertop Accessories (soap dish, #235330; lotion dispenser, #235329; toothbrush holder, #235333)
Wastebasket (#235335)