Universal home design in Nashville
Blending beauty & accessibility
Universal home design is not about ramps and sterile spaces. It is about creating homes that are beautiful and ready for whatever life brings. Across Nashville, homeowners are embracing this approach to proactive planning, blending elegance with practicality.
At Hantel Kitchens & Baths, universal design means creating beautiful, functional spaces that work for every generation. Our function-first philosophy leads to results that turn your bathroom into an oasis.
From curbless showers to roll-under sinks and soft-close cabinetry, these thoughtful touches are not about aging. They’re about designing homes that last.
Breaking the myths about accessibility and style
When most people hear “accessible design,” they imagine hospital-grade grab bars or institutional fixtures. In reality, barrier-free design has evolved into something more elevated.
- Curbless showers no longer cause water to spill everywhere because the floor slope keeps it neatly contained.
- Grab bars can match your shower hardware and double as sleek towel holders.
- Textured tile on a shower floor provides safety without sacrificing beauty.
- Even shower benches or built-in shower seats add an element of spa-like luxury.
Nashville homeowners often hesitate because they don’t want to “feel old.” But as Hantel’s designers know, universal home design is about more than age. It is about independence, convenience, and long-term value.
Invisible accessibility: When function and beauty work together
Some of the most stunning examples are the ones where you would never know accessibility features were included.
Take a recent Hantel project in Brentwood, for example. The bathroom was designed for a client with a degenerative condition. The remodel included a curbless shower with an extra-wide entry, a pair of matching grab bars, and a built-in bench. Yet everything looked like part of a luxury spa. Visitors saw beauty, and the homeowner felt a sense of freedom.
That’s the hallmark of great universal design: functionality that doesn’t call attention to itself.
View our Portfolio to see how tile and hardware upgrades enhance any style.
Everyday design benefits for everyone
Universal design is often seen as a solution for aging in place, but its benefits extend far beyond that.
- A handshower near the seat makes post-surgery recovery easier and washing the dog simpler.
- A roll-under sink gives seated users full access and also provides extra space for tall pots or a child’s stool.
- Lever handles are easier for arthritic hands and convenient when your hands are full.
These features bring daily comfort for homeowners of all ages. Designing for access is not about limitation; it’s about creating freedom through thoughtful design.
For more information about universal design features and their benefits, visit Tennessee’s Department of Health.
How to talk about aging in place without feeling old
For many clients in their 50s and 60s, the idea of accessibility still carries emotional weight. Designers often reframe the discussion around lifestyle longevity and resale value.
Bidet-ready bathrooms are an excellent example. During the pandemic, toilet paper shortages made bidets more desirable, but retrofitting electrical outlets later can be expensive. Installing them during your bathroom renovation is a wise investment, even if the feature isn’t added right away.
Designing for multi-generational homes that work for everyone
As more families welcome aging parents into their homes, thoughtful design provides a blueprint for harmony.
Creating a designated private suite with its own barrier-free bathroom allows independence without isolation. A shared kitchen with pull-out shelving and accessible cabinet hardware ensures everyone can use the space comfortably.
High-impact upgrades that pay off over time
When budgets are tight, prioritizing key changes ensures the best return on investment.
- Grab bars are cost-effective and essential for safety.
- Pull-out drawers reduce strain without a complete cabinet overhaul.
- Curbless showers and wider doorways future-proof the home.
- Soft-close drawers and lever handles improve everyday usability.
Even small changes like replacing knobs with pulls make a difference, especially for clients with arthritis or limited dexterity. Nashville buyers increasingly appreciate these subtle upgrades. Homes feel more flexible and modern. They bring added value to a broader range of potential buyers.
Why Nashville homeowners are embracing barrier-free design
Nashville’s charm lies in its mix of historic architecture and new construction. That blend makes universal design especially relevant. Retrofitting older homes demands creativity while maintaining character and introducing barrier-free features, such as curbless showers or roll-under vanities.
Today’s homeowners are more open to the concept than ever. Designers note that once clients understand how these features enhance comfort and aesthetics, resistance fades.
Universal design is simply good design
At its core, universal home design is about freedom and foresight. It’s not a trend. It’s an evolution in how we think about our homes.
By prioritizing proactive planning, Nashville homeowners are creating spaces that serve them beautifully today and seamlessly tomorrow.
Ready to create a home that fits your future beautifully? Contact Hantel Kitchens & Baths to start planning today.