961 Nebraska Ave W

As we began thinking about retirement, one thing became very clear: we didn’t want to leave the home or neighborhood we love. Our goal wasn’t to downsize. It was to design wisely. We wanted to create a home that would support us beautifully now and prepare us for whatever the future may bring.

This project began with a thoughtful addition that created a main-floor primary suite, a spacious walk-in closet with an adjacent laundry room, and a universally designed bathroom. Having the bedroom, bathroom, and laundry all on one level eliminates the need to navigate stairs and allows us to live comfortably and independently for years to come.

Universal design guided every decision. The bathroom features a curbless shower with a linear drain, integrated grab bars, a fold-down bench, and generous clearances. The custom vanity includes a removable center panel, allowing for wheelchair accessibility in the future without requiring demolition. A 36” pocket door provides barrier-free entry, and all wall and floor surfaces were fully tiled behind removable cabinetry to allow seamless adaptation later. Radiant in-floor heat, layered lighting, and warm finishes ensure the space feels like a spa retreat rather than a clinical space.

Accessibility extends beyond the bathroom. Doorways throughout the addition are widened, circulation paths are generous, and exterior access includes a concrete ramp and a 36” entry door. From the bedroom, we can access the hot tub and deck with ease. The hallway door allows guests to use the bathroom without entering the bedroom, creating flexibility and privacy.

Comfort was equally important. Hydronic radiant floor heat runs throughout the addition, delivering consistent warmth underfoot. Automated blinds offer effortless light control. A heated towel bar, medicine cabinet mirror with internal outlets, and a lighted, anti-fog shaving mirror in the shower add everyday luxury while supporting ease of use.

This project also refreshed the exterior of our home with new siding and windows, creating visual continuity between the original structure and the addition. Outdoor living was expanded with a redesigned deck and grill area, integrating with a pavilion built years earlier. The outdoor spaces are not only beautiful but accessible, allowing us to move easily between inside and out.

Several years ago, we remodeled our kitchen. With this addition and exterior renovation, our entire home now reflects a cohesive approach to living well long term. The materials were selected for durability and ease of maintenance: tile in high-traffic areas, quartz countertops, stain-resistant grout, and custom cabinetry designed for both storage and adaptability.

An unexpected moment during construction reinforced the importance of these decisions. A temporary mobility challenge gave us real-time insight into how meaningful details like wide clearances, grab bars, and barrier-free entry truly are. What might have once felt future-focused suddenly proved incredibly valuable in the present.

This home demonstrates that universal design is not about preparing for limitation. It is about expanding freedom. It allows us to remain rooted in the community we cherish, host family and friends comfortably, and move confidently through our home at every stage of life.

We will also share more about our experience during a Topic Talk on incorporating universal design into the home, offering practical insights and real-life lessons from our journey.