2C | The Home We’ll Grow Old In: Why We’re Building With the Future in Mind with Our Aging In Place and Accessibility Design Guide
- HouseBabyDesign
- Sep 25
- 8 min read
What if your dream home could grow with you, supporting your health, lifestyle, and independence no matter what the future holds?
That’s the heart of aging-in-place design. It’s about creating a space that feels welcoming, accessible, and functional today and for decades to come. Whether it’s accommodating a temporary injury, the natural process of aging, or planning for multigenerational living, designing with the future in mind brings peace of mind, reduces renovation costs, and supports long-term comfort.
As we design our forever home, we’re incorporating aging-in-place principles right from the start. Our goal is to create a home that adapts with us, supports our changing needs, and allows us to live comfortably and independently for as long as possible.
Why Aging-in-Place Design Is So Important
Aging-in-place design isn’t just about preparing for our later years, it’s about making a home that works for everyone, at any age. Universal design principles benefit toddlers and grandparents alike, and they reduce the need for expensive or disruptive renovations down the road.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
Maintaining independence and dignity over time
Reducing the likelihood of future remodeling costs
Increasing the long-term value and appeal of the home
Improving daily safety and comfort for all ages
Whether we're helping aging parents, raising young kids, or simply planning for the unknowns of life, we want a space that works now and keeps working later.
Core Principles of Aging-in-Place Design
To build a future-proof home, we focused on five core design principles. These have guided everything from our floor plan to our hardware choices.
1. Universal Design Features
These are foundational elements that create accessibility from the start.
Wide hallways (minimum 42") and doorways (minimum 36") to allow for wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers
Step-free entries at all exterior doors
Zero-threshold showers with no raised lips
Smooth, flush transitions between rooms—no abrupt floor changes
These features allow for easy movement and accessibility without needing to alter the home later.
2. Barrier-Free Living
We looked for ways to reduce everyday physical obstacles and create safer, more comfortable movement throughout the home.
Lever-style door handles instead of knobs for easier grip
Slip-resistant flooring in bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior spaces
Minimal thresholds between rooms and to the outdoors to prevent trips or falls
Barrier-free doesn't mean clinical—it means smarter design choices that feel seamless and intentional.
3. Built-In Future Flexibility
Rather than wait until we need certain features, we’re planning for them now.
Reinforced walls with wood blocking in bathrooms to support future grab bar installation
A first-floor bedroom suite that allows for complete single-level living if ever needed
A stacked closet layout that can later be converted into an elevator shaft is something to consider, but a low priority for us as our primary suite is on Level 1.
This flexibility ensures that we won’t be boxed into costly or difficult renovations in the future.
4. Convenience Through Technology
Smart home technology can make aging in place not only easier, but safer and more efficient.
Voice-controlled systems for lights, appliances, security, and window shades
Smart plugs for automated routines
Motion-activated lighting in hallways, bathrooms, entryways, and closets. We are planning for hardwired products.
Smart locks, security cameras and video doorbell for easy, safe access. We intend to hardwire our products where possible, but many battery options are also available.
We’re focused on systems that enhance independence without feeling intrusive or complicated.
5. Supportive Design for Safety and Comfort
We’re also incorporating subtle details that enhance safety, especially in high-use areas.
Comfort-height or extra tall toilets and vanities
Anti-scald shower valves and faucet controls
High-contrast finishes and materials for better visibility
These small upgrades go a long way in supporting vision, mobility, and overall comfort.
Using ADA and ANSI Standards in Our Home Design
Even though private homes like ours aren’t legally required to follow ADA or ANSI accessibility standards, we’ve found them to be a great resource. They provide clear, well-tested guidelines for creating spaces that are safe, flexible, and usable by people of all ages and abilities. Since our goal is to build a home we can comfortably live in for the next 20+ years, we’re looking at these standards as inspiration for how to future-proof our design.
What We’re Borrowing from ADA Standards
Accessible Routes: The ADA calls for a 36″ clear path of travel in public buildings. For us, that means hallways and doorways wide enough (36″+ halls, 34″–36″ doors) to easily move through with kids, strollers, or even a wheelchair down the line. This ties directly into how we’re thinking about square footage planning, making sure circulation space isn’t something we compromise on.
Turning Space: ADA specifies a 60″ clear circle for turning in wheelchairs. We’re using that as a guide in key areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and entryways, so there’s always room to maneuver without feeling cramped.
Reach Ranges: In commercial spaces, the ADA sets limits for how high or low switches and outlets can be. In our
home, we’re keeping outlets around 18″ and switches around 42″ from the floor so they’re within easy reach whether you’re standing, seated, or helping a child.
What We’re Borrowing from ANSI Standards
Step-Free Entries and Thresholds: ANSI requires smooth transitions and gentle slopes (ramps no steeper than 1:12). We’re applying this by designing at least one step-free entry and keeping thresholds low (½″ or less) to minimize trip hazards. That decision goes hand in hand with our approach to aging-in-place design.
Clear Floor Space: ANSI calls for a 30″ × 48″ clear space in front of fixtures and appliances. We’re incorporating this in front of sinks, laundry, and appliances so they’ll stay accessible even if our mobility changes.
Bathrooms with Flexibility: ANSI outlines grab bar placement and shower design. We’re reinforcing walls now so grab bars or shower seats can be added later without a major remodel.
Kitchens That Adapt: ANSI provides guidance for appliance reach and counter heights. We’re designing with a mix of work surface levels, drawer bases instead of doors, and open clearances so the kitchen stays comfortable and functional for decades — something we plan to touch on in our kitchen layout post.
Why We’re Doing This
By weaving ADA and ANSI ideas into our design, we’re giving ourselves flexibility, safety, and peace of mind. It’s not about checking off a code requirement; it’s about knowing our home will grow with us. A little extra clearance here, a reinforced wall there, and some thoughtful placement of outlets and switches now can save us from expensive renovations later. For us, it’s another way of making sure our home is a place we can thrive, not just today, but as we grow older.
Room-by-Room: How We're Designing for Accessibility
To make aging-in-place practical and livable, we then thoroughly applied these recommendations room by room.:
Entryways
We wanted our home’s entrances to be welcoming and fully accessible.
Step-free front entry with a flush walkway
Covered porch with space for seating or deliveries
36-inch wide front door with lever-style handle
Next steps: Install motion-sensor lights and a smart, touchless lock for added safety and convenience.
Kitchen
Kitchens are central to daily life, so we prioritized open access and ergonomic design.
Wide circulation paths around the island and work areas
Lower storage drawers and pull-out shelves for easy access
A central island with knee space for seated meal prep
Next steps: Add a touchless faucet, D-shaped cabinet pulls, and integrate smart appliances.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most important spaces for aging-in-place design.
Walk-in showers with integrated seating and handheld showerheads
Large vanities with generous storage and comfort-height fixtures
Natural ventilation and layered lighting for safety and visibility
Next steps: Install zero-threshold showers, anti-scald valves, and grab bar-ready wall reinforcements.
Primary Bedroom
Our goal was to create a retreat that offers comfort, accessibility, and privacy.
Located on the first floor with direct access to the bathroom
Wide doorway and generous turning radius for mobility aids
Walk-in closet with built-in lighting and adjustable storage
Next steps: Add slip-resistant flooring and automate window shades for comfort and ease of use.
Guest Suite or Future Caregiver Room
We're preparing for the possibility of live-in support or hosting aging family members.
Main-level bedroom with a full private bath
Located close to the primary suite for convenience, but with privacy
Flexible enough to serve as a home office or playroom in the meantime
Next steps: Confirm 36-inch door widths, add a flush shower entry, and integrate smart lighting.
Hallways and Doorways
Movement between rooms should be smooth and accessible without effort.
Hallways are at least 42 inches wide
Doors throughout the house are a minimum of 36 inches wide
Next steps: Add lever handles throughout and consider auto-openers at key exterior doors.
Garage and Outdoor Areas
The outside of the home should be just as functional as the interior.
Oversized garage with room to maneuver vehicles and mobility devices
Covered rear patio and entry for year-round outdoor use
Outdoor shower with flat entry for rinsing off after gardening or beach days
Next steps: Use slip-resistant concrete or stone, and install handrails where necessary.
Smart Home Technology That Supports Aging-in-Place
We’re choosing smart home features that provide comfort, security, and independence. Here's a summary of what we're integrating:
Feature | Benefit |
Motion-Activated Lighting | Prevents falls in dark spaces |
Smart Thermostats | Simplifies climate control |
Video Doorbells & Cameras | Increases visibility and security |
Voice-Controlled Devices | Enables hands-free operation |
Fall Detection Systems | Offers emergency support |
These systems give us peace of mind now and flexibility for the future.
Aging-in-Place Design Summary Table: Key Features by Room
Area | Aging-in-Place Features | Next-Step Enhancements |
Entryways | - Step-free entry- 36" wide doors- Covered porch- Lever handles | - Motion-sensor lighting- Smart locks or auto openers |
Kitchen | - Wide circulation paths- Pull-out shelves- Lower storage drawers- Accessible island prep space | - Touchless faucets- Smart appliances- Varied counter heights |
Bathrooms | - Walk-in shower- Built-in seating- Handheld showerhead- Comfort-height toilet | - Zero-threshold entry- Anti-scald valves- Reinforced walls for grab bars |
Primary Bedroom | - First-floor location- Ample turning radius- Accessible closet layout | - Slip-resistant flooring- Automated lighting or shades |
Guest Suite / Caregiver | - Main-level bedroom with private bath- Near primary suite for support- Flexible use | - Confirm 36" doors- Flush shower entry- Smart lighting |
Hallways & Doorways | - 42" hallways- 36" doorways | - Lever-style handles- Flush transitions throughout |
Garage & Outdoor Areas | - Wide garage- Covered patio- Flat-entry outdoor shower | - Slip-resistant paving- Handrails where needed |
Smart Home Features | - Motion-activated lighting- Smart thermostats- Voice control- Video doorbell- Emergency devices | - Remote monitoring- Smart appliance upgrades |
Planning Ahead = Peace of Mind.
Planning for aging in place might feel like a far-off concern, but the truth is, it’s easier and more cost-effective to design with the future in mind from day one. Rather than facing expensive, disruptive renovations later, we’re building a home that adapts from the start.
Our dream is to live in this house comfortably, safely, and joyfully for decades—and to welcome loved ones of all ages into a space that works for everyone.
