Accessible Kitchen Design for Empty Nesters
The ideal accessible kitchen is one that is all about aging in place but doesn’t look it. Learn about the features of this attractive, accessible kitchen design in this Kohler video:
The goal of this accessible design is a totally functional kitchen with wide traffic patterns for wheelchair accessibility and varying countertop heights for convenience. The sink countertop is lower while the cooking and oven/microwave countertops are higher. Different functional areas are visually identifiable through blue and white colors.
Other features of this accessible kitchen include:
- Small peninsula with a rolling cabinet that fits underneath the countertop and can be replaced with a wheelchair or chair.
- Pot filler that eliminates the need to carry heavy pots to and from the sink. A foot control allows you to have both hands on the pot filler while filling the pot.
- Dishwasher drawers instead of a conventional dishwater brings this cleaning operation to counter height and involves less bending and less reaching
- Hidden storage consisting of roll-out pantries, a built-in china cabinet, pull-down storage in upper cabinets, a big tambour for small appliances, and drawers under the cooktop area as opposed to cabinets
- Stainless steel sink with work surface that continues off to the side for placement of a cutting board. The work surface is recessed below top of counter to reduce splashing of water and oils.
- Dining room that is not formal but is a roomy eating area that is perfect for entertaining friends and includes cabinetry and a TV.
