General Kitchen Design Tips | Universal Kitchen Checklist | Log Home Design |
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General Kitchen Design Tips
Use this checklist for hints on creating a workable kitchen
[] Concentrate the work centers or triangle: limits needless steps.
[] Consider clear floor space and traffic flow when planning island or peninsula.
[] Use "easily accessed" storage of all supplies and utensils.
[] Use non-glare finishes, especially for older eyes.
[] Provide good, adaptable and adjustable lighting throughout the space to make area comfortable for younger and older eyes.
[] Use lower wall cabinets or pull down storage to bring more storage into the 15-48" universal reach range.
[] Choose lighter colors on cabinets, counters, floors and wall coverings to benefit eyes that are aging or impaired.
[] Plan lower windows to allow more people to see outside, including children and people using wheelchairs.
[] Plan pull-out work counters placed at lower than 36" counter height to accommodate people who are shorter or who sit to work.
[] Choose non-skid floors - check slip resistance and rating.
[] Design contrasting or raised countertop edges to cue people with visual impairments.
[] Hinge cabinet doors to make access easier, and eliminate them when appropriate.
[] Use vertical pull-outs in cabinets for better access.
[] Consider adjustable height cabinets to bring storage into the universal reach range (15-48").
[] Plan drawers, roll-outs, lazy susan or corner swing out shelves, etc. to provide greater base cabinet access.
[] Plan heavy objects at countertop height, using tambour or other appliance garages to enhance storage.[] Use full extension drawer glides for maximum accessibility.
[] Use glare-free task lights.
[] Design for long spans of continuous countertop to allow for sliding items on counter as opposed to carrying them from work center to center.
[] Install timers to insure that any appliance that should not be running will be automatically shut off.
[] Limit cabinet door sizes to 18" and consider bi-fold doors to lessen interference with clear floor space.
[] Use tilt down fronts or angled plug molding to access switches or plugs that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
[] Use current switching technology, such as pressure pad-operated doors and voice or motion activated lights to free up hands.
[] Keep room and appliance controls, outlets and switches at the front of base cabinetry or low enough to be reachable, within the universal reach range (15”-48” a.f.f.).
[] Consider touch latch cabinet doors to eliminate the need to grasp knobs or pulls.
[] Use wire or architectural pull in lieu of knobs.
[] Use adjustable (hydraulic) office type chair to create flexibility in the working height while seated.
[] Design a back or garage loading pantry and recycling center to eliminate the need to carry bulky items great distances.
[] Design a recycling center that has bins that are easy to remove without great lifting.
[] Use rolling carts to transport many items at one time.
[] Use pneumatic legs on the table to raise and lower it to accommodate potential usage.
[] Use lighted interiors on cabinets to aid in visibility.
[] Install repairable counter surfaces.
[] Use drawers in lieu of doors to make easier access.
[] Install hot water dispenser within reach of seated or shorter users.
[] Install standard wall cabinets at a lower height when feasible.
[] Provide a variety of countertop heights: 30", 36" and 42" provide comfortable work surfaces for people of varied heights.
[] Reinforce base cabinet bottom drawer with solid platform and full extension locking drawer glides to create a step to reach upper cabinets or a microwave.
[] Provide an easily-accessed step stool to reach upper cabinets.
[] Models available with or without railings, for installation in the toe-kick, on the inside of cabinet doors, or collapsible for easy storage.
[] Use shallow pantry cabinets or roll-out shelves to increase accessibility.
[] Store heavy objects at the safest and most convenient height.
[] Consider a built-in ironing board in base cabinet drawer or wall recess for easy access.
[] Store dishes/glasses in wall cabinets placed on the floor with an added toe kick, or in base cabinets fitted to facilitate their storage to make access easy and convenient for everyone.
[] Design projects so that they do not look institutional.
[] Use levers or touch controls and avoid smooth round control knobs.
[] Test a control to see if it can be operated with a closed fist.
[] For greatest accuracy plan controls close to the body at elbow height.
[] Suggest a vinyl jar opener or a vinyl knob cover to improve grip on knobs.
[] Choose controls that do not require sustained holding.
[] Be aware of simple assistive devices:
[] A wall mounted holder to help open jar lids.
[] ‘A potato peeler with a clamp requires just one hand for use.
[] Pan holders keep the pan from turning while stirring.
[] A pan drainer allows one to drain off hot liquids with one hand.
[] A gripper to add to silverware, small objects and handles.
[] Select small appliances on a basis of weight, balance and control.
[] Ask manufacturers for Braille or oversized raised print (overlays) on appliance controls.
[] Keep guard rails around burners of gas and electric appliances.
[] Try to choose switches and controls that are audible, large print and easy to read.
Back to: Universal Kitchen Checklist
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