Kitchens are the heart of the home, right? It's a busy spot where we prepare food, grab a nighttime snack, and gather with family and friends. But as we age, the way we interact with this space changes.
That's where a universal design kitchen comes in. It's all about creating a flexible space that works well for everyone, regardless of age or ability. An ergonomic and accessible kitchen design isn't a luxury - it's a necessity to ensure safety, comfort, convenience and independence, especially as we age or encounter mobility challenges that may necessitate a wheelchair-accessible environment.
Here are 9 areas to focus on to make your kitchen super-functional and ready to age in place no matter what the future may bring.
1. Ample Lighting
Imagine trying to chop stir-fry veggies in a dimly lit kitchen - yikes! Layered lighting is important with ambient, task, and accent lighting working together with natural light for effective lighting design. The right amount of light at the right places makes all the difference in avoiding mishaps and maximizing convenience.
There are many ways to customize kitchen lighting without breaking the bank. Many are also DIY and can be easily added to an existing kitchen configuration. Think lights on dimmer switches, undercabinet lighting, lights in drawers and inside cabinets, and even lights along the toe kick providing accent and wayfinding light along the floor. Take convenience up another notch with remote control or smartphone-controlled lights.
The key is to balance enough light for safety and function without having too much light. Excess light causes glare which can be especially problematic for older eyes.
2. Accessible Storage Solutions
How often have you struggled to reach that pot in the back of a cabinet? Well, accessible storage (aka ‘make it easy’) will change that. Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and pull-down and lift-up cabinet inserts make accessing items a breeze.
Although it may seem obvious, placing frequently used items within easy reach—like on open shelves or appliance garages—ensures you can grab what you need without a hassle. Eliminate excessive stretching, bending and turning when possible for better ergonomics.
It’s easy to become accustomed to putting certain items at a specific location without thinking about how often it’s used, their size and the effort needed to access them. Asking ‘Is this the best place for this item to be stored?’ and simply changing the location can instantly improve kitchen efficiency and safety.
3. Easy-to-Use Appliances
Appliances should work for you, not against you. Unfortunately, the most common stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerator models aren’t usually the best for accessibility and a universal design kitchen.
As a general rule, appliances should be intuitive and easy to reach. Instead of a range, select a cooktop separate from the oven allowing each to be installed at the most comfortable height.
Choose conveniently located controls and easy-to-read displays. For example, stovetop controls should be at the front to avoid reaching over the hot cooktop. Avoid the hot cooktop altogether by choosing an induction range that only heats up when a pot is on the stove’s surface.
Side-opening ovens are more convenient and help prevent burns. Elevated dishwasher installation or drawer-style options reduce bending and reaching, making kitchen chores less of a chore and easier on your body.
Side-by-side and French door refrigerators keep both freezer and fridge contents within easy reach even for those seated in a wheelchair.
4. Non-Slip Flooring
Where there is water, there’s a higher chance of falls. With hard surfaces and sharp edges, accidents in the kitchen can be disastrous. There are many types of flooring to choose from and each home has specific needs so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation, but here’s a general rule to keep in mind.
When selecting kitchen flooring, prioritize options with slip-resistant properties. Opt for materials with a high coefficient of friction (COF) or dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) to enhance safety. These numbers are available for all flooring types, so ask the salesperson if it’s not displayed.
If considering tile, choose smaller tiles such as penny tiles or 1x1-inch squares. These offer increased slip resistance due to more grout lines and are better suited for managing the concentrated pressure from wheelchair tires, reducing the risk of cracking compared to larger tiles.
You know those lightweight, decorative throw rugs? They might look nice, but they can easily bunch up under your feet or an assistive device like a walker, potentially sending you sliding across the floor. It's a good idea to remove them for a safer home environment.
5. Multilevel Countertops
Standard countertop height of 36 inches doesn’t fit all. Whether you’re seated, standing, tall or short, your ideal counter height is likely different. Incorporating kitchen surfaces at varying heights enhances flexibility, accommodating individuals with diverse abilities.
For those who love baking, a lower counter about 30 inches high can be a game-changer, providing better ergonomics than the typical waist-high surfaces. Plus, it’s perfect for little helpers who want to join in without climbing onto chairs.
Consider incorporating open spaces under counters, pull-out work surfaces, or even a kitchen island with seating. These features make your kitchen useable for everyone, including those who use wheelchairs, and anyone who prefers to sit or has limited endurance for kitchen tasks. It's all about making meal prep and dining experiences comfortable and convenient for all.
6. Handles, Faucets and Hardware
Lever-style faucet handles are a lifesaver for those with arthritis or limited dexterity. They're easy to operate, even with a fist, elbow or single finger. Consider touch or sensor-activated faucets for even more convenience.
A pot filler faucet located at the cooktop eliminates the need to transfer heavy water pots from the sink to the stove. This is especially helpful if you have limited strength or mobility.
Here’s a small, but important kitchen detail. D-shaped cabinet hardware or looped pulls are practical and accessible alternatives to traditional knobs and are easier to use for everyone. Or eliminate handles and knobs altogether by using tap-open latches where the cabinet or drawer opens when pushed with a hand, arm or even hip.
7. Open Floor Plan
A more spacious kitchen layout with wider aisles between cabinetry and appliances enhances maneuverability so it’s easier for everyone, including those using assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs.
Bigger is not always better though. Too much space in the wrong places can make meal prep more difficult. A thoughtful kitchen layout specific to the needs of those who will use it is essential to maximize accessibility and convenience regardless of square footage.
8. Kitchen Island
Whether you're looking to incorporate features that don't fit elsewhere or introduce new elements without a full remodel, a kitchen island can be a great solution.
Need a lower countertop? An island can make that happen without the hassle of altering existing counters.
Is your microwave above your range and too high to reach? Consider moving it to a drawer in the island. And if you're looking for more accessible storage, think about adding drawers or cabinets with pull-out features.
Plus, if your kitchen has too much distance between counters and appliances, an island offers a handy spot to rest hot dishes or temporarily place items from the fridge while you hunt for that elusive condiment hiding in the back. Even a narrow island (like 18 inches wide) can be very useful.
Not every kitchen has room for a permanent island, but you don't have to miss out. A wheeled island can be your mobile assistant, offering all the benefits with the added perk of being able to move it around as needed. Having lockable wheels ensures it stays in place when necessary.
An island where part of the countertop folds down can make it even more compact and flexible for your space requirements.
And if you're working with a smaller kitchen, removing, relocating or even downsizing an island could create better wheelchair accessibility, creating wider, more navigable paths between counters and appliances.
Lastly, if a small island just won’t fit, try a wheeled cart. It can be incredibly useful for moving hot dishes from the countertop to the table or for providing a small mobile workspace. It's all about finding what works best for you and your unique space.
9. Materials and Decor Selection
Again, details really do make the difference. Something as simple as choosing rounded instead of squared-off countertop edges and corners can help prevent injuries when bumped or fallen into accidentally.
An often overlooked and underutilized detail is the use of contrasting colors to differentiate between surfaces. For example, ensure that the countertops are distinct from the backsplash and that the backsplash is different from the cabinets.
Choose countertop patterns that are simple and not overly detailed for a clearer visual layout. These suggestions contribute to a safer and more user-friendly kitchen for everyone, while also addressing the specific needs of aging eyes.
Final Thoughts About Universal Design Kitchens & Next Steps
Designing a kitchen with universal design principles creates a space that adapts to your needs throughout all phases of life including the retirement years and potential mobility limitations that may require wheelchair accessibility.
Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation or designing a new home, it's crucial to integrate features that enhance safety, convenience, and accessibility. By doing so, you ensure your kitchen remains a comfortable and functional space, regardless of life's unexpected changes. A universal design kitchen will not only meet your current needs but also anticipate future possibilities and aging in place ensuring comfort in the heart of your home for years to come.
As a home accessibility consultant, I'm here to guide you through this process with consultations, education, and recommendations tailored to your needs. Explore our senior-friendly home design resources, and benefit from our expertise. Together, we can create a living environment that is safe, accessible, and perfectly suited to your retirement lifestyle and goals.