Hardware Resources offers two distinctive brands of decorative hardware, Jeffrey Alexander and Elements by Hardware Resources®. Both brands offer a wide range of shapes, styles, and finishes to complement any decor. Inspired by the principles of Universal Design, many pull style options not only comply with federal guidelines for accessible design but exceed them and offer exceptional functionality and style.
Elements Hadley Collection in Matte Black
Access for All
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. The objective of the law is to ensure that people with different ability levels have equal access to public facilities. In recent years, architects and designers have been incorporating this thinking into residential spaces. The concept of Universal Design, designing spaces for people of all ages and abilities, has become mainstream and is expected to grow as the population ages.
According to the U.S. Census, people age 65 and older represented 16% of the U.S. population in 2019. That number is projected to grow to 21.6% by 2040. While the aging population is certainly healthier and enjoys more active lifestyles than previous generations, anticipating mobility and accessibility challenges is important. Aging in Place, people choosing to stay in their home rather than move into elder care facilities, is becoming increasingly common. Multi-generational households are also on the rise. These changes will increase the need for thoughtful design that incorporates the best of accessibility without sacrificing aesthetics.
Jeffrey Alexander Marie Collection in Satin Bronze
Trends Align
Jeffrey Alexander Key West Collection in Matte Black
Trends in cabinetry throughout the home include more wide drawers for storage. Wide drawers are popular because they provide easier access to stored items than traditional cabinet shelving. In the past, it was common to see two knobs or short pulls installed on long drawers. This not only impacted the visual continuity of the space, but also required two hands to open the drawer. Choosing pull styles in multiple lengths helps to create a consistent look in the space. When used for longer drawers, a single, centered, longer pull allows the drawer to be opened easily with one hand. Jeffrey Alexander and Elements by Hardware Resources offer a wide range of options from traditional to transitional to modern that meet the challenge from both a style and function perspective. The Key West and Key Grande pulls offer lengths that are ideal for long drawers that historically would have had two pulls or knobs. Several Jeffrey Alexander pull styles also include appliance handles in longer lengths to complete the elegant, clean look.
Jeffrey Alexander Philip Collection in Satin Nickel
Future-Proof Design
While trends come and go in interior design, Universal Design principals are here to stay. As the population ages, demand for designers with the knowledge and experience offering stylish, accessible solutions will continue to grow. The product design team at Hardware Resources for Jeffrey Alexander and Elements view these demographic shifts as an opportunity to expand their product offering to include more products that meet the needs of people aging in place. Check out the diverse range of ADA-compliant Jeffrey Alexander and Elements decorative hardware options here. Visit HardwareResources.com to see the full line of Jeffrey Alexander and Elements decorative hardware.
Top photo: Jeffrey Alexander Roman Collection in Brushed Gold
