These Tips and Tricks Improve the Functionality of Your Kitchen
A beautiful kitchen adds value to your home, but beauty shouldn’t be all you consider when renovating. Rather than simply giving your kitchen a facelift, it is important to also consider the functionality you will get out of the space once the renovations are complete. Here are a few suggestions on how to make your kitchen more accessible:
Reduce Barriers
This may seem like common sense, but not many people consider what realistically constitutes an appropriate amount of space to move around in a kitchen. This is especially important if your needs include navigating with a walker or wheelchair. When renovating, make sure to consult with an expert and know the measurements of the space you are working with and how much of it you can allocate to that giant kitchen island you’ve been dreaming of.
Instead of Reaching Up, Make Hard-To-Reach Places Come To You
It can be frustrating when your in-laws drop by for a surprise visit and, suddenly, you realize you should probably use the crystal wineglasses they got you for your wedding. As you go to reach for the precious glasses you’ve stored well above your reach, you accidentally knock one off the shelf and it smashes to the floor!
Even people of average height have trouble reaching the top shelf. As ceiling heights get higher and higher, so do the shelves of your home. Many people try and minimize the amount of time they spend straining for the top shelf by storing items they use less often in those higher spaces, and some people avoid using them at all (they just aren’t practical). Luckily, there are cabinet and appliance lifts (also known as pull-down shelving) that can be installed to bring your shelves to you.
Making your Kitchen Wheelchair-Friendly
Having shelf and appliance lifts are extremely practical for anyone who faces extra barriers when reaching for their shelves. For example, if you’re in a wheelchair the kitchen may be an especially inconvenient place.
Other accessible features can also be installed by a renovation expert, making your kitchen work for you. For example, simply lowering cabinetry makes it easier to reach; and counters, stovetops, and sinks can be designed with extra legroom to improve accessibility. This way, you can roll right up to your task without having to deal with that pesky under-cabinetry. Just remember! It is important to make sure you know the appropriate measurements for knee clearance, especially as your counters and workspace will need to be lower than standard height.
When contacting a kitchen renovator, make sure you understand and communicate your needs. If you constantly find yourself frustrated by the lack of function in your space, consider making an accessible kitchen your renovation’s priority.
