Thanks to advances in universal design, accessible kitchen spaces can be as efficient and convenient as they are beautiful. However, you need the perfect balance of storage, workspace and appliances. In other words, it requires meticulous planning to ensure every inch counts. In this blog, trusted mobility remodeling contractor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park shares the characteristics of an accessible kitchen.
1. Minimal Barriers
An accessible kitchen should be free of barriers. Structural modifications to basic kitchen features allow individuals with mobility issues to perform every kitchen task. Below are some examples:
- Countertops should be installed at least 34 inches from the floor. That’s lower than your standard work surface height of 36 inches.
- Base cabinets are usually few in number in an accessible kitchen to allow for legroom when working in a wheelchair. The sink, cooktop and other work surfaces are also open below to provide accessibility.
- Lowered wall cabinets allow for easy reaching. Electrical-powered adjustable types are also available, depending on your budget.
Consider these suggestions when you’re planning to age in place. Make sure you inform your remodeler about your requirements for the space before discussing the details of your kitchen quote.
2. Improved Convenience
One of the most crucial aspects of an accessible kitchen involves storage. Optimizing it can get tricky, especially since some of the base cabinets have to be removed for legroom and higher shelves are rendered useless. For this reason, you need to get creative to make sure there’s enough storage space for all your kitchen essentials.
Roll-out cabinets, which are ideal for pans and other cookware, utilize the entire depth of the cabinet. The same can be said for pull-out pantries for boxed and canned goods. These storage solutions bring stored items out to you, which is much better than bending and reaching in for them.
3. Accessible Appliances
Many appliances today are designed to benefit individuals with mobility issues. However, they aren’t overtly advertised as such and can fit right into any space. Take them into account when planning the layout of your accessible kitchen:
- Some cooktops, especially electric ones, have staggered burners with controls on the front to minimize the need to reach across hot burners.
- Certain refrigerator models have bottom, pull-out drawer freezers. Some have doors that open on both sides.
- The best ovens for accessible kitchens are those with side hinges, allowing a seated user to open the door to the side.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
There’s a reason you’ll see DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park near the top of the page when you Google “kitchen remodeler near me”: local homeowners know us and trust us! With our Independence by Design™ services, we can create beautiful, functional and safe spaces that accommodate the needs of every individual in your household. Give us a call at (952) 522-3008 or fill out our contact form to schedule a design center visit or online consultation. We are proud to serve homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and Robbinsdale, as well as the surrounding communities of Eagan, Golden Valley and Dayton.
