Our interesting and informative monthly newsletter
Small details count when you are planning to remodel a kitchen. We are seeing a growing interest in "Universal Design" features that make a kitchen stylish, safe and functional for people of all ages and stages of life. Even if you are not planning to live in your home for a long period of time, these features make sense by creating a kitchen that is comfortable for your use and will appeal to a wide range of buyers at resale.
It's important to know that with the right planning and design of your kitchen (or bath) remodel, it will not cost any more to make it accommodating for all ages and life changes.
Universal Design is simple and intuitive. Here is a list of things to consider in your kitchen design plans:
1. Appliances
When choosing appliances, consider ease of operation:
2. Cabinets
Open shelving can be used for reachable storage. Cabinets with full extension drawers, full-extension pullout shelves, carousels and adjustable height shelving will keep you off your knees and from losing your balance when you reach in the back for contents. Glass door cabinets help you to view the contents and keep items organized.
3. Counters
Multi-height counters create a surface for household members to work either standing or sitting. Smooth rounded edges help to prevent injuries. Multi-height counters are great if you have small children in your home and create architectural interest in a kitchen.
4. Hardware
Use over-sized hardware on cabinets. D-shaped or cup-style pulls are stylish and easier to open than cabinets with round pulls. Consider self-closing drawer glides and soft close door hinges on cabinets. Use a lever handle faucet for the sink.
5. Lighting
As we age, lighting becomes more important especially for people age 60 and older. Enhance general lighting in a kitchen with ambient and accent lighting. Install bright non-glare task lighting over work areas including the sink, stove and counters. Lighting inside of storage cabinets and pantries makes it easier to see the items stored there and to read labels.
6. Flooring
Level thresholds between the kitchen and adjacent rooms make a home safer and reduce the probability of tripping and falling. Select slip resistant or cushioned flooring. Take the time to consider the traffic patterns and the way you move around in a kitchen to alleviate barriers. Good planning and design will provide level thresholds between the kitchen and adjoining areas.
7. Open Spaces
Maneuvering space is important in any kitchen. For people who use a wheelchair or ambulatory support, a clear space in the room with a 5-foot radius is recommended. Door openings into the room should be at least 36 inches wide. Many manufacturers now offer "easy access thresholds" for exterior entry doors, sliding glass doors and patio doors.
8. Windows
If your kitchen remodel involves adding new windows, consider crank-out windows with controls placed at waist level.
9. New Innovations
Some relatively new products to look into if someone in your home has impaired mobility are adjustable sinks, stove tops, counters and cabinets that can be raised and lowered.
10. Working with an Aging-in-Place Specialist
If you have a household member with special needs, it helps to consult a professional company as you plan your project. They can advise you on the best options to make your kitchen stylish, accessible, functional, safe and comfortable for all users.
In your enthusiasm for remodeling your kitchen or bath, other less exciting spaces in your home may be ignored, even though they desperately need a make-over. A garage is one of those oft-neglected areas, because homeowners typically are not very concerned about the appearance or functionality of their garages. However, if you thoughtfully consider some of the items that you regularly deposit in your garage, you will realize the importance of having a plan for organizing and improving your garage as well.
Garage storage systems offer many customizable options to help you organize all these items and more. For example, Organized Living's freedomRail Garage system includes metal rails, brackets and uprights, along with sturdy Melamine GO-Boxes. Gladiator utilizes heavy-duty PVC GearTrack Channels and GearWall Panels to arrange a wide variety of storage accessories for the garage. These systems can also offer sturdy tables with casters, benches, wire baskets and other accessories. Garage storage systems assist you in making the best functional use of all available garage space, whether it consists of wall storage, elevated ceiling storage or a combination of both. Ceiling storage is perfect for seasonal items, such as decorations and camping supplies.
As you are remodeling your garage, also make plans to improve the lighting. Sufficient illumination is necessary for car maintenance tasks, and your work table needs to be well-lit for you to easily and safely complete your projects. Overhead fluorescent fixtures are often recommended, with electronic ballasts for temperatures below 50 degrees F. in unconditioned garages. Consider LED for safety (no mercury) and energy savings. In addition, consider installing a new garage door with windows on top or retrofitting your existing door, so the space may be flooded with natural light during the daytime. Also, windows may be installed above the storage walls. Finally, your garage may not have enough electrical outlets to meet your needs. Instead of winding an extension cord around the room, it is safer to install a few additional outlets.
Please call 203-431-9104 to schedule a complimentary design consultation or to make an appointment to visit our showroom. Our showroom is open from 9-5 Monday through Friday, and by appointment weekends and evenings.