BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on her expertise as a design education leader, Juliet Johnson, brand experience manager for Jenn-Air, recently earned her Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. With home modifications for aging-in-place being the fastest growing segment of the home remodeling industry today, Johnson wanted to make sure she was well versed on strategies and techniques necessary for designing aesthetically enriching, easily accessible living environments.

According to the U.S. Census, the first wave of baby boomers, who turn 65 in 2011, will represent 20 percent of the population, so for Johnson, certification could not have been timelier. It will allow her to provide better insights on how to market to and work with this specialty demographic group.

"When most people think of aging-in-place, they often think of grab bars in the bathroom or a wheelchair ramp, not necessarily kitchen appliances," said Johnson. "Jenn-Air believes it is vital to create a kitchen environment that not only accommodates, but also welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Appliances play a significant role in planning a successful design."  

Johnson added that ideas to consider for aging-in-place remodels might include placing a dishwasher at a comfortable height for easier loading and unloading; installing an induction cooktop to enhance the safety of someone with sensory limitations; and installing a microwave drawer under the counter for easier access instead of using an over-the-range model.

"Beyond being simply an issue of accessibility for older generations, aging-in-place design strategies allow people to stay in their homes longer, while at the same time making their homes more welcoming for the entire family," Johnson said.

Johnson also has earned her Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) credentials from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). As the brand's lead for outreach to the design community, her latest projects include conducting hands-on training with designers and trade customers throughout the country, organizing designer roundtables, maintaining relationships with influential designers and teaching NKBA-accredited courses.

"In the luxury appliance market, designers often influence the purchaser's final decisions," said Johnson. "Earning these credentials has enabled me to better understand and meet the needs of designers while reinforcing to this important audience that the Jenn-Air brand is committed to being in the luxury arena."  

About Whirlpool Corporation

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Whirlpool Corporation's influence on home and family life has shaped trends in the kitchen, laundry area and beyond. The company strives to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. Whirlpool Corporation's The Inside Advantage™ Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Market Insight to support building professionals.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $18 billion in 2010, 71,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world.  The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world.  

For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-952-2537.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation