> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://style.universaldesign.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://style.universaldesign.org/home.md).

# Universal Design Style Guide

2025 version. © The UD Project.

Hello! Welcome to The UD Project's style guide. Here you will find product & design recommendations for implementing UD guidelines in aesthetically pleasing ways. For some examples of the content in this guide, see the highlights at the bottom of this page! This resource was created by **Kelly Wright, OTD/S** as part of her occupational therapy doctoral capstone project. It is meant to complement the UD Project's existing [Residential Universal Design Building Code](https://hub.universaldesign.org/code) & course on “[Design Guidelines for Universally Accessible Homes](https://go.universaldesign.org/)”. 

{% hint style="info" %}
**Aesthetics** (n.) - a branch of philosophy dealing with the creation and appreciation of beauty; a recognition that humans have a preference for what is visually appealing and pleasing to the senses.
{% endhint %}

## Why a Style Guide?

There is significant research showing that the aesthetics of our physical spaces, especially our homes, impact our functioning, psychology, & overall well-being ([Evans, 2003](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3456225/pdf/11524_2006_Article_257.pdf); [Graham et al., 2015](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1745691615576761)). For a deep dive into these cited articles and more, see Kelly's podcast episode titled "[The Functional Impact of Aesthetics](https://universaldesign.org/series/goodfitpoorfit)".

Historically, spaces and products designed specifically for accessibility have failed to consider, or prioritize, aesthetics. Elements of these designs conjure up feelings of sterile, hospital-like environments rather than features someone would want in their home. This has lead to preconceived notions and stigma surrounding the "look" of accessible/universal design (UD). **The overarching goal of this style guide is to expand the reader's (you!) concept of the aesthetic possibilities of UD.** No one should have to sacrifice feeling comfortable in their space to be able to function in it.

{% hint style="success" %}
Use the links below to navigate directly to a specific area of the home or browse through using the tabs to your left. Please reach out with any questions or even suggestions for products to add!

Contact us at - **<hello@universaldesign.org>** &/or **<k.m.wright@wustl.edu>**
{% endhint %}

## Chapters:

| [1: Parking Areas](/chapters/parking-areas.md)     | [5: Kitchens](/chapters/kitchens.md)     |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| [2: Entrance Routes](/chapters/entrance-routes.md) | [6: Bathrooms](/chapters/bathrooms.md)   |
| [3: Entrances](/chapters/entrances.md)             | [7: Bedrooms](/chapters/bedrooms.md)     |
| [4: Circulation](/chapters/circulation.md)         | [8: Miscellaneous](/chapters/systems.md) |

The **UD Style Guide** does not address every single item that can go in a home. It follows the recommendations described in The [UD Project's building code](https://hub.universaldesign.org/code) and touches on those that have an impact on the aesthetics of the design.

## Highlights:

<details>

<summary>From <mark style="background-color:$warning;">Section</mark> <a href="#section-6.5.1-zero-barrier-entrance-showers"><mark style="background-color:$warning;">6.5.1</mark></a> <mark style="background-color:$warning;">Zero-Barrier Entrance Showers</mark></summary>

Walk-in or roll-in showers are vital for universal design. These should have no step or curb over the threshold. [**Chapter 6**](/chapters/bathrooms.md) features beautiful examples of how to accomplish this & more!&#x20;

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="265.73046875"></th><th width="341.00390625"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><div><figure><img src="https://173461808-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF2ylqIpBnqAEljxCOOZI%2Fuploads%2F4AySuVLaC7OMISMopFg1%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=090aaa64-96e4-4b78-be4c-9373d2d689be" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td><td><div><figure><img src="https://173461808-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF2ylqIpBnqAEljxCOOZI%2Fuploads%2FiZ0Nd1G2LKzIG5bOfxXo%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=34a5d6c5-1f75-44fe-ab34-1c41ae0a8e68" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td></tr><tr><td><div><figure><img src="https://173461808-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF2ylqIpBnqAEljxCOOZI%2Fuploads%2FS3MyomYNVCAcDCKsUMxB%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=bd0beb38-b2ef-4712-8a3c-cab0476e114a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td><td><div><figure><img src="https://173461808-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF2ylqIpBnqAEljxCOOZI%2Fuploads%2F9LoOzpxVaq3oKtbm6XZY%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f6948eb3-afcd-4bdd-a682-674ee7fe7ca1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Sources:** [WayFair](https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/glass-warehouse-ursa-30-in-x-78-in-fully-frameless-bronze-tinted-single-fixed-shower-panel-gaks5368.html?piid=89211427) **I** [The Spruce](https://www.thespruce.com/wet-room-ideas-7091511) I [WayFair](https://www.wayfair.com/Glass-Warehouse--Aurora-36-in.-x-78-in.-Fully-Frameless-Fluted-Radius-Single-Fixed-Shower-Panel-FLRAD36R-L6128-K~GAKS2624.html?channel=GooglePLA\&ireid=210914456\&fdid=1817\&PiID%5B%5D=52199567\&PiID%5B%5D=93935863\&refid=GX22644913355-GAKS2624_52199567_93935863\&device=c\&ptid=\&network=x\&targetid=\&gad_source=1\&gad_campaignid=22644918899\&gbraid=0AAAAAD9ISC4efFoe2S1Eo2dn8UvzJp4kN\&gclid=CjwKCAjwqKzEBhANEiwAeQaPVcSRcK4ITtDfFiHfXpA0xwHR9-13V5nQ1rk_cDvRJdkWLXJQReaoFhoCMlYQAvD_BwE) I [Motionspot](https://motionspot.co.uk/blogs/projects/ade-linda-adepitan#Gallery)

</details>

<details>

<summary>From <mark style="background-color:$warning;">Section</mark> <a href="/pages/-Lhfc3l32fdHjTT2ZkYR#id-5.2.2-concealed-clearance"><mark style="background-color:$warning;">5.2.2</mark></a> <mark style="background-color:$warning;">Concealed Under-Counter Clearance</mark></summary>

Recessing flipper doors are a clever design "hack" to allow for clearance when needed without sacrificing the look of traditional lower cabinets. For more on this design approach and all things UD kitchens, see [**chapter 5!**](/chapters/kitchens.md)&#x20;

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="202.86846923828125"></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><div><figure><img src="https://173461808-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF2ylqIpBnqAEljxCOOZI%2Fuploads%2Fz0QZqYbXUJocpGz62rUT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e45cea7a-ffaa-4464-b930-78ebff062660" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td><td><div><figure><img src="https://173461808-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF2ylqIpBnqAEljxCOOZI%2Fuploads%2FoU1NlEnq53VM4vKfGfER%2Fblah2.JPG?alt=media&amp;token=af4a140b-2481-4028-b2d6-dcf8590e8b4f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td><td><div><figure><img src="https://173461808-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF2ylqIpBnqAEljxCOOZI%2Fuploads%2F77qvXn0J8fP2fBe2Gqhw%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4febd9f6-5ba7-40b3-8b9c-daf18f566612" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** [Video demo](https://www.instagram.com/p/DHHVr58yhI9/) on Instagram I Photography by *Life Created*

The gorgeous kitchen pictured above was done by interior designer, Maegan Blau, of [Blue Copper Design](https://bluecopper.design/).&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
[**Section 6.2**](https://style.universaldesign.org/pages/-LhfbhdQalwYy1APz5Mx#section-6.2-under-sink-clearance), in the bathroom chapter, also features under-sink clearance ideas & examples.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

</details>

<details>

<summary>From <mark style="background-color:$warning;">Section</mark> <a href="/pages/-LhfapvVPP018OwaOj-o#id-4.3.6-vinyl-mats"><mark style="background-color:$warning;">4.3.6</mark></a> <mark style="background-color:$warning;">Vinyl Mats</mark></summary>

Traditional throw rugs can be a barrier for many people and are not always ideal for UD! Read why vinyl mats are an exciting alternative and find lots more on circulation throughout the home in [**chapter 4**](/chapters/circulation.md)!

| ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfFOfQSifMpqHX5ztEiqzmhs6qfpEjYEXyEjmbwBsVLzQ4yskJONIyE4iEHe3TJmWe6IuSgrjT_p-A0Or5lfl65FSZZNALPv6HIgc08HXfRjTss7Kh38kQOiBC2WAy3MJvIs5qLYw?key=FigqnbCdLoyjoIQhGiY3Ekz8) | ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe937DCAz9quwSixuci4EGnJaPOxGCe8ixjk318jbyxWjnSqn7UbIxZGhhnvZTeTMeFlaCAhDbyaEec9EXv5-xyLmStq3Pg30BhJpl00kHSSiR0cRVW7tC3KN_mtaoP20ulEH3EHQ?key=FigqnbCdLoyjoIQhGiY3Ekz8) | ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfpLLk7XkO4WGOLnfjjhHfmJPt8Kw1hObZTEAQBN6d5AGmkztLfFpbwaONoKRXzN64qpYJebwQDg-Dq5Z2mAo2KKh9VcNDAMUATzpKCPLm-7pRXG-IJHVYH3Qf6PNS1XDDNtYnw?key=FigqnbCdLoyjoIQhGiY3Ekz8) |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdjv6ql_9PnvPsh9qPo1H-cbgu5F2ZjRfaS08iZ_IdKNetmY9KykJkiPxojo5v1qmvbN3oTL6OKuSgi5EVuUoJAuL73KzvvW4NQHSX3O5fU7hB7imLSjYKw8K2NNrs2ayY_m-lDfw?key=FigqnbCdLoyjoIQhGiY3Ekz8) | ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd12kDNnhx9EMXFsojQAv6Wq8txB3AdZFa1nyM6CPRT3f9ZYRI8R05Owx0EJ4wMI9Xz-0fUhZjhWpL7VTarhKo5iTwTa-DM2hAoY_pmC3K5Mnq-R6ChOumk1LXI1x33SYQqFt0B7w?key=FigqnbCdLoyjoIQhGiY3Ekz8) | ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdZAzOjY5PfH_GvmtqD-9fAk--2CXIPXD6cDBfjYZVDSBRT1bWp1o_mrzLUg3JLN3rtWEtOqxIF91k1TYPLcCNXU468NbYK3nBFp93aK-0bQ266GFAEXX9scvy6ebCRVu-ZNDGh?key=FigqnbCdLoyjoIQhGiY3Ekz8) |

**Options:** [Rugs Direct](https://www.rugs-direct.com/Store/nav/Category-Area-Rugs-Material-Vinyl) I [Hudson & Vine](https://hudsonandvine.com/collections/brand-spicher-company) I [Monroe + Leisure](https://monroeandleisure.com/collections/vinyl-rugs) I [Carolina Creek House](https://www.carolinacreekhouse.com/collections/all-floorflats)

</details>


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