There are many reasons to enhance the accessibility of your kitchen space. Perhaps a loved one has a mobility issue or you are planning to upgrade your home to meet your aging-in-place needs. When designing an accessible kitchen, you need to know what to focus on. Trusted mobility remodeling contractor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Huntsville shares the most important features that make this space accessible.
Custom Workspace
A typical kitchen design has a work triangle—cooktop, refrigerator and sink—that are spaced between four and nine feet apart. However, when designing an accessible kitchen, the distance or placement of these points may have to be modified to accommodate limitations. For instance, you may need to adjust your reach or require more space to turn a wheelchair. Another design customization to consider involves work surfaces. If you or your loved one is using a wheelchair, the countertops must be lowered about two inches. Install counters of varying heights to better meet the needs of every member of your family.
Open Kitchen Layout
An accessible kitchen should be easily navigable to anyone, especially those who use mobility devices like walkers and wheelchairs. An open layout usually involves bringing down walls and widening entryways. For improved accessibility, make sure the doorway measures at least 36 inches wide and the hallway at least 48 inches wide. Consider a saloon-style entry or leave the entryway open instead of installing a full door. Discuss this aspect of accessible design with your kitchen remodeler when obtaining a kitchen quote.
Cabinetry & Other Storage Solutions
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when designing an accessible kitchen is making sure there’s enough storage space. One specific trade-off involves the removal of base cabinets in favor of more legroom for wheelchair-bound users. This also means the upper cabinets are rendered useless for someone in a wheelchair. Fortunately, there are creative storage solutions that will make sure the kitchen provides access to all the essential items. Consider incorporating design features like pull-out shelves and roll-out cabinet drawers that allow you to bring stored items to you instead of reaching down for them.
Accessible Appliances
Choosing appliances for your accessible kitchen design is about minimizing obstructions and increasing convenience. For example, certain models of refrigerators come equipped with pull-out drawer freezers and controls that are low enough to be reached from a seated position. The cooktop must be a standalone appliance for easier use, allowing the space beneath it to be open for legroom. A wall oven is preferred because it can be placed at any height. Make sure the oven door opens sideways to benefit wheelchair users.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Still looking for a “kitchen remodeler near me”? Look no further than DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Huntsville! Our team provides top-notch home remodeling services and is committed to creating a safer, more accessible environment that you’ll love and enjoy, whatever season of life you are in. Call (256) 670-1834 or fill out our contact form to schedule a design center visit or virtual consultation. We proudly serve homeowners in Huntsville and the nearby communities of Redstone Arsenal, Moores Mill, Harvest and Hazel Green.
