Life, Styled
Today’s kitchen is so much more than just a place where you cook. It’s where homework is being done, friends and family are hosted for dinners, and where memories are made. It truly deserves to be called the heart of the home! Therefore, whether you’re redesigning your old kitchen or moving into a new home, it’s essential to consider both the style and accessibility of your kitchen, especially if one of your loved ones has special needs. However, without experience or professional guidance, this could be easier said than done. That’s why we’ve asked experts from the renowned kitchen & bath home center for advice, and here are pro tips for designing a stylish, accessible kitchen. Trust us; it will be the envy of your friends and family and everyone’s favorite place to spend time in.
Let’s make designing a stylish, accessible kitchen fun and easy
When you think about kitchen design, you probably imagine stylish countertops, one-of-a-kind backsplashes, and accessories that tie the whole concept together, making your kitchen truly leave everyone in awe. However, even though there’s no denying the importance of style, accessibility and functionality are even more critical factors to consider.
In fact, designing a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional can improve the overall quality of life and increase the value of a home. It also promotes inclusivity and can make a space more enjoyable for everyone. However, it can be challenging to strike a balance without compromising function for the sake of style, especially when designing your own home. That’s why we’ve asked experts for help, and here are seven tips for designing a stylish, accessible kitchen.
Plan for a wide aisle
Creating a functional and accessible kitchen starts with considering the layout and plan. A wide aisle is crucial for easy access for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, with a minimum of 36 inches recommended for a clear aisle; however, 42 inches is even better if possible. This aisle should be clear of any obstacles, such as furniture or appliances, to facilitate easy movement.
When it comes to kitchen layouts, the one you choose will largely depend on the size of your kitchen. For example, galley kitchens with two parallel countertops and a walkway in between can be very efficient because everything is within reach. Alternatively, L-shaped kitchens with two parts of the countertop that form an L shape provide ample countertop space and can be a good option as well.
Opt for lower countertops
Standard countertops are typically 36 inches high, which can be difficult for people in wheelchairs to use. Therefore, make sure to opt for lower countertops that are around 34 inches high. This will make it easier for people to reach the countertops and will also make it easier to transfer from a wheelchair to a countertop. Plus, if you add pull-out drawers, not only will you make your kitchen more accessible, but you’ll also be able to organize like a pro.
Choose appliances that are easy to use
When selecting appliances for your kitchen, it’s essential to consider the needs of everyone who will be using the space. For individuals with disabilities, choose appliances that are easy to use and navigate. Look for models with large buttons, knobs, or handles that are easy to grip and turn. Additionally, consider appliances with a front-mounted control panel, as this allows the controls to be easily reached and used, even from a seated position.
Additionally, consider appliances with voice-activated controls. This can be especially helpful for those with limited mobility or dexterity. Another important feature to look for is the ability to adjust the height of the appliance, such as a stove or oven, making it more accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs. With a little extra attention to detail, you can create a kitchen that is not only functional and efficient but also inclusive and accommodating to all users.
Think about lighting
Lighting is a crucial aspect of any kitchen, but it is especially important in accessible kitchens. Good lighting will make it easier for people with visual impairments to navigate the space. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting to help illuminate the countertops and task areas. Additionally, consider installing dimmable lights, allowing the lighting to be adjusted to suit various tasks and preferences.
Select easy-to-clean materials
When designing a stylish and accessible kitchen, selecting materials that are easy to clean and maintain is crucial. This will make it much more manageable for people with disabilities to maintain their kitchens’ appearance without added effort. Let’s take flooring as an example. When considering flooring options for your new kitchen, consider using materials like laminate, which is easy to wipe down and maintain, or tile, which is also straightforward to clean and maintain. Both options are durable and can withstand heavy use, making them perfect for a kitchen.
Redoing your kitchen floors provides a great opportunity to paint the walls as well. Given that the space will be completely empty and clean, it’s much easier to have everything done in one go, even if you haven’t planned on painting in the first place. And even though it’s an extra expense, you can always find ways to save money. For example, if you’re designing a kitchen in your new home, you can think about reusing moving supplies after the move. You’ll be left with plenty of boxes, wraps, and other materials, which you can reuse during future renovations. It’s quite easy if you get creative.
Install levers and bars
Another thing to consider is the needs of those with smaller or weaker hands. Knobs can be challenging for them to grip, which is why it’s recommended to use lever- or touch-operated faucets. These types of faucets can be easily turned on and off, making them more convenient for individuals who may have difficulty gripping them.
Additionally, it’s best to choose options with bars or wider handles when it comes to cabinet hardware, making it easier to open the cabinets with the whole hand rather than relying on dexterity. These thoughtful design choices not only cater to individuals with arthritis or weaker grip strength but also enable aging in place without the need for future remodels.
Add a touch of style
Just because your kitchen is accessible doesn’t mean it has to be dull and uninspired. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to infuse your own personal style into the space. To add a touch of flair to your kitchen, consider incorporating elements such as a colorful backsplash, stylish hardware, or beautiful lighting fixtures. These little details can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, giving it a unique and inviting feel.
Furthermore, you can also play with textures by combining natural materials like wood and stone, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can also add pops of color with artwork or plants, which can bring life and energy to the room. The possibilities are endless, and it’s essential to remember that an accessible kitchen doesn’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. With a bit of creativity and thought, you can easily have both!
Greenbrook DesignHome is our place of refuge, the place where we can recharge and refresh ourselves before heading out for another day at the office, whether that is driving to town or walking down the hall to our desk. Our home is also our safe zone, especially when it comes to our health. We implement things that help us maintain and protect ourselves against illness, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that hinder the growth of bacteria. Multiple companies are dedicated to the health of their customers, which is why they continually develop products that not only limit the spread of disease but also promote overall wellness, whether physical or emotional. Both work together to help maintain our good health. Let’s discuss some great home products that can be utilized in your home to increase wellness for yourself and those you love.
Walker WoodworkingCoffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
Walker Woodworking We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Walker WoodworkingIf you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking