Kitchen Design Elements

Kitchen Design Elements

Design elements
The major design elements of a universal kitchen are:

• Countertops
• Cupboards, drawers and pantries
• Sinks and clean-up areas
• Food preparation areas
• Switches and controls
• Flooring materials
• Lighting

Countertops
Countertops are traditionally 920 mm (36 in.) high, but a countertop 860 mm (34 in.) high is more convenient for children, shorter people and people who use a wheelchair. If the person who uses the wheelchair is a child or a shorter person, they may appreciate 730 mm (29 in.) high counter and work areas.

Installing counters at a variety of heights is a universally accessible approach to meeting the needs of people of different heights and reach abilities, but remember, a traditional dishwasher requires a minimum counter height of 920 mm (36 in.) so the height of the counter should be carefully considered in that location. Adaptability can also be achieved by installing counters with electrically adjustable heights, which are available from a number of innovative kitchen designers.

A toe space of 100 mm (4 in.) under cabinets will enable a person who uses a mobility device to approach the counter more closely. A high toe space has the added benefit of raising the height of the bottom shelf in the lower cabinet or drawer, reducing the reach range.

Clear counter space should be provided beside all major appliances for food or dishes as they are taken out of the refrigerator, stove or cupboard. There should be multiple work surfaces in the kitchen, at least one with a minimum size of 800 mm (31 in.) wide x 600 mm (24 in.) deep, at a height of 730–860 mm (29–34 in.), with a minimum footprint in front of 750 x 1,200 mm (30 x 47 in.) to accommodate someone who is seated.

People with reduced vision should avoid countertop surfaces with busy patterns and many prefer to have a solid colour that will provide some contrast with their appliances and dishes. Some people select contrasting edging on the countertop to help in identifying the edge.

A backsplash in a contrasting colour can also help people  with low vision better identify the extent and configuration of the counters.

Rounded or bull-nose edges on counters increase safety by eliminating the danger of sharp corners.

Cupboards, drawers and pantries
Storing related things in the same cupboard where they are easy to find is especially important for people with limited mobility and a visual impairment.

A large pantry with swing-out doors or large drawers allows food and condiments to be stored where they can be easily reached at a variety of heights.

Upper cupboards should be installed with the bottom edge 410 mm (16 in.) above the countertop, instead of the more traditional 460 mm (18 in.), to ensure that the lower shelf is within reach of someone seated. Cupboards should not be installed less than 410 mm (16 in.) above the counter, as this reduces  storage space for appliances on the counter.

Upper cupboard systems are available that can be electrically raised or lowered. In addition, there are shelving and rack systems that can be installed in existing cupboards, which enable the entire rack to be pulled out and down, increasing the usability of the upper cupboards for everyone.

Installing lower cabinet drawers that pull out fully to display their contents for easy retrieval is an excellent approach.

Another strategy for providing accessible storage is using a series of small and large drawers instead of cupboards. Cupboards and drawers should have “D”-type pull handles, which are easier for people with reduced mobility or agility to use.

Touch-and-release drawers and cupboards are universally accessible to everyone, including people with limited dexterity.

People with reduced vision may prefer to have handle colours that contrast with the background colour. A contrasting colour for  the interior of drawers and cupboards may also increase visibility for people with limited vision.

A drawer or shelf that pulls out beneath a wall oven or microwave with a side opening door can be used as a heat resistant surface. This reduces the necessity of carrying hot pans and can provide a place for hot items to cool before they are moved. These drawers or shelves can also provide additional work surface in smaller kitchens.

Pantry cupboards with doors that open fully, using 180-degree hinges, allow everyone to easily see the contents and to reach the shelves. In addition, internal lighting adds greater visibility for people searching for items in pantries and cupboards. Household members with food sensitivities should have dedicated pantry and work areas for their preferred foods.

Consider using open-shelf storage or cupboards with glass doors if someone in the household is experiencing changes in cognitive ability or memory loss. The ability to see the contents of the shelves and cupboards can make the kitchen easier to use for many.

Sinks and cleanup areas
Two sink areas should be considered in busy kitchens and in kitchens where there are people working at various heights. Locating an accessible sink in a corner location is not recommended as it restricts access to the surrounding area and limits the usability of the counter areas.

When a sink will be used from a seated position, a shallow sink with the drain offset to the rear is recommended. This will allow sufficient knee space and will result in the drainage pipes being out of the way, eliminating the hazard of someone burning their legs. Alternately, the drainage pipes can be insulated rather than offset.

The visual continuity of the kitchen cupboards can be maintained with cupboard doors under the sink. The doors can be opened and slid back under the counter to create adequate knee space.

An accessible sink should provide knee space clearance —750 mm (30 in.) high,800 mm (31 in.) wide and 600 mm (24 in.) deep—to allow someone using a wheelchair to wheel under the sink.

A faucet controlled by a single lever or a motion detector is the most convenient. A lever faucet and a pull-out hose with a spray nozzle provides convenience for everyone, especially if there is a soap dispenser incorporated into the faucet design.

This provides flexibility and ease of use for all family members. It is a good idea to avoid gooseneck faucets as they can splash excessively.

Food preparation workstations
An accessible workstation integrated into the design of a kitchen is most advantageous for people who work from a seated position. A workstation where someone can prepare food and have easy access to accessories in that same area is efficient and convenient. An accessible workstation is equally appreciated by a child who wants to participate in kitchen activities.

The workstation should have at least one accessible counter or pull-out shelf, accessible storage within easy reach, as well as an electrical outlet and sink. There should also be task lighting if this is going to be a primary work area.

Switches and controls
Electrical outlets should be strategically located at the front of counters within the reach of someone seated and others with a limited reach range.

However, careful consideration should be given to locating outlets out of the reach of children. For added safety you could consider installing an override switch.

Other controls and switches, including the switch for the vent hood over the cooktop, should be located at a maximum height of 1,200 mm (47 in.) from the floor.

Switches and controls should be easy to operate. Try to avoid controls that require the use of two different motions to operate in order to accommodate people who have the use of only one hand; whether they are wheeling a wheelchair, carrying a baby, using a cane for support or have only one arm.

Flooring materials
Durability, ease of cleaning, comfort and a safe, non-slip surface are some of the prime considerations when selecting flooring. Slip resistant flooring should be assessed both dry and wet.

Avoid marble or waxed floors as they are slippery, especially when wet. Cork provides an interesting alternative as it is resilient, comfortable and easy to wheel on. Vinyl flooring is available in sheets and tiles and is low maintenance. However, it must be installed on a plywood surface, and as a result, there will be some emissions from the glue, vinyl and plywood. Low-emission glues are now available.

A ceramic tile floor is a harder surface, but it is easy to clean and wheel on.

If someone in your house is prone to dropping things or falling, be sure to choose a resilient flooring material, such as cushioned vinyl or cork. Whatever type of flooring material is selected, ensure the flooring is installed so that it is level with adjacent flooring to avoid having a lip or rise where the different flooring materials meet.

Lighting
Ambient lighting creates an even level of illumination throughout the kitchen. Fluorescent lighting offers the most diffused light and reduces glare. Lighting levels should be adjustable, supplemented by task lighting in key work areas and for specific workstations and islands.

It should be noted that people over the age of 60 typically require two to three times as much light for reading compared to people 20 years old. People with visual impairments may require even more light. Installing lighting inside the pantry and cupboards and task lighting beneath the upper cabinets will help everyone, but particularly people with limited vision.

Where possible, take advantage of opportunities to maximize natural lighting, but be careful to avoid glare. Glare-free surface treatments and a matt paint finish are preferred by many people with visual impairments as these finishes reduce glare and complement illumination levels.

Contact your REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Vantage Realty for more tips and advice on your kitchen design and what things you can do to increase the value of your home.

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