Kitchen Remodeling

We begin by looking at the layout of your current kitchen and discussing how it works for you. In some cases, we may not need to change much, but in other cases, we may need to make adjustments. We are guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications. These codes, however, only apply to public spaces, not private homes. For example, ADA code requires 40 inches of space for a pass-through/galley kitchen and 60 inches of clearance between cabinets, walls, and appliances. We are happy when we can meet these clearances. Otherwise, we get as close as we can.

If someone is a wheelchair user, we may install multi-level countertops in addition to widening the space between cabinets and walls. This allows those who need to sit to still prepare food easily. It reduces the risk of accidental cuts and falls. We also round the corners of countertops and shelves to reduce the damage from bumping against them.

Other layout changes may involve appliances. We recommend the sink and stove be close together. This makes it easier to drain items and move pots of water between them. We may suggest a refrigerator with lower handles; an oven with a door hinged on the side; lowering countertop outlets to make an easier reach for plugging in small appliances.

People love bright kitchens, which helps resale value. Better lighting also reduces the risk of accidents and makes it easier to prepare meals and to clean. Additional lighting not only makes the kitchen brighter it makes it feel larger. Under-cabinet lighting brightens up the darker parts of the counter, while motion-activated lights inside cabinets will help you find what you’re looking for quickly.

We look at the location and the type of light switches. You should be able to turn on the lights before you move into the kitchen, and rocker switches are larger and easier to turn on and off.

Another design strategy is to use bright, contrasting colors. For example, kitchen knives with black handles are easier to see on a light counter than on a dark one. Lighter surfaces also reflect more light, creating a brighter space overall.

Lowering upper cabinets three inches can make a big difference. Another option is to install pull-down shelves, so you don’t your risk your balance reaching on your toes or using a stool. For lower cabinets, we suggest adding pullout shelving and more drawers. Pullout shelves eliminate leaning and reaching and losing your balance, and make items easier to organize and find. Among pullout shelves are ones that also raise up: ideal for heavy appliances such as a stand mixer.

Replacing your cabinet and drawer pulls / handles will transform how your kitchen looks. Some pulls and handles are easier to grip than others; make sure you choose ones that are both stylish and easy to open.

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are durable, affordable and stylish. LVP is available with a slip-resistant texture to help prevent slips and falls. In some cases cork underlayment can be used, which provides more cushioning than traditional underlayment and can reduce damage to items that fall. Luxury Vinyl Planks are strong enough to stand up to manual wheelchair use. Vinyl flooring installed for heavier, powered wheelchairs, however, typically needs to be glued down.

We suggest removing rugs or at least taping them down. It’s very easy to trip over a rug, even a fairly flat one.

Smart devices are changing the way we live, and making us safer. Smart cooktops can turn themselves off, motion detectors can turn nightlights on automatically. A smart mat can tell you when a person steps on it, which unobtrusively alerts caregivers when someone with dementia gets out of bed.

Most people are familiar with the emergency necklaces that older people wear, who if they fall cannot get themselves up. Virtual assistant devices such as Google Nest and Amazon’s Alexa also provide lifelines to those who fall or are otherwise unable to reach their phones. One can call a family member, neighbor, or 911.