Aging in Place Kitchen Design Tips

Aging-in-place design matters in every part of the home. It covers doorways, ramps and easy entry, and it also applies to bathrooms and kitchens. We have covered aging in place for bathrooms, so now let's focus on the kitchen.

Most kitchens are not designed for people who plan to stay in their homes as long as possible. An aging-in-place kitchen puts function front and center, without sacrificing beauty.

Plan for Generous Clearance

Clearance is the distance between countertops, walls and appliances, and it is one of the most important factors in a universally usable kitchen.

• Aim for at least 36 inches of clearance, and ideally 42 inches if space allows.
• For wheelchair users, plan for roughly 48 to 52 inches so there is room to turn in corners.
• Choose counter-depth appliances to maximize open floor space.

Rethink Lower Cabinets

In an accessible kitchen, focus on the lower cabinets. Drawers are much easier to reach and organize than doors with fixed shelves. If replacing every base cabinet is not in the budget, add roll-out shelves for pots, pans and dishes.

Store everyday plates and bowls below the counter so you are not lifting them above shoulder level.

Choose Comfortable Counter Heights

A standard 36-inch countertop can feel too high from a wheelchair. ADA guidelines suggest a work surface closer to 34 inches. In a full redesign, consider lowering base and upper cabinets a few inches. If you are keeping your cabinets, a carpenter can add pull-out trays or cutting boards just below the counter for a lower workspace.

Pick Low-Maintenance Surfaces

• Countertops: quartz resists stains, heat and chips and does not need regular sealing like natural stone. Learn more in our quartz countertop guide.
• Cabinet doors: flat or simple Shaker fronts have fewer grooves to clean.
• Floors: textured tile or luxury vinyl plank stays slip-resistant when spills happen and is easy to mop. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines to clean.

Add Safety Details

• Place the sink close to the cooktop, and consider a pot filler faucet so you do not have to carry heavy pots of water.
• Round the corners of islands and peninsulas.
• Choose pulls instead of knobs. Pulls about 5 inches wide are easy to grab.
• Install wall ovens and microwaves at a comfortable height.

Functional Can Be Beautiful

If you hope to stay in your home long term, work with a designer who understands aging-in-place requirements. Learn more about aging-in-place remodeling, then call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

This article originally appeared in Lakeside News.