Embracing universal design can do a lot for your kitchen remodel, from adding convenience to improving the space’s overall functionality.
Universal, or inclusive, design was the brainchild of the late architect Ronald Mace. He believed in creating spaces that were accessible to all, regardless of their age or ability. Including these concepts in your planning can contribute a lot to your kitchen’s functionality.
To that end, here are some top design ideas to consider for your next kitchen upgrade.
Let’s dive right in.
Top Ideas for the Kitchen in Your Mississauga Home
Make your kitchen work for you, instead of the other way around. Here are some top ideas to include in your project.
1. Choose Simple Countertops
Countertops are a major surface area in your kitchen. They need to be considered carefully, or else a lot can go wrong. Choose something that is easy on the eyes and easy to clean. Low-maintenance quartz or granite countertops are great solutions.
Choosing neutral colours will help you see what is on the countertop. Going with a honed or matte finish surface will help someone with a visual impairment feel the texture of the surface and work more easily.
Explore granite countertop prices in Mississaugabefore you invest in them. At CGD, we offer high-quality granite and quartz countertops at the best prices.
2. Choose the Right Cabinet Hardware
Without the proper hardware, it is very difficult to grasp drawers and cabinets.
For better accessibility, ask your kitchen remodeler to install easy pull-out doors and drawers. This allows your kitchen to be accessible to people who suffer from mobility issues or arthritis. Avoid hardware styles that are too narrow. Instead, go for wider profiles that offer a better grasp.
Also, ensure there is plenty of space between the hardware and cabinet so that it is accessible to everyone. Ask our cabinet designers for D-shape pulls. They offer better grip to open and close cabinets; knobs are difficult for people who suffer from arthritis. It also allows you to install safe locks, thus storing flammable or poisonous materials, like cleaners, away from kids or those with cognitive impairments.
3. Get Rid of Flooring Hazards
Kitchens are high traffic areas, so pay extra attention when choosing your flooring for this area. Avoid rugs and other tripping hazards, as uneven floors can cause accidents.
Vinyl, porcelain, and granite floors are great options for this space. All of these materials are resistant to moisture and easy to maintain, which is a requisite in this area of your home.
4. Have Sufficient Floor Space
When designing kitchen islands, peninsulas, and breakfast bars, don’t forget to include plenty of storage and functionality. Also, make sure you have sufficient floor space between the kitchen island and countertop.
Speak with your kitchen designer or contractor to devise a layout that accommodates easy mobility, even with a wheelchair. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends a 42” to 48”-wide work aisle and up to 60” of open space to allow for easy movement.
5. Contrast Cabinets and Countertops
In addition to creating a particular aesthetic, universal design pays attention to the usability of the kitchen area. Creating a contrast between flooring and cabinets, as well as between cabinets and countertops, helps clearly demarcate the area.
People with visual impairments can safely identify where the surface changes from horizontal floor to vertical cabinets. This contrast doesn’t necessarily have to be black and white. The idea is to create a separation and clear identification of different spaces; creating contrast helps to do just that.
6. Have Adjustable Kitchen Cabinet Heights
Your kitchen cabinetsshould not be hard to reach. Therefore, upper cabinets should be designed in such a way that they are accessible. Very high cabinets look wonderful but may not be user-friendly.
If you have family members with special needs, the kitchen design in your Mississauga-area home needs to reflect that. To that end, you can opt for lower cabinets and get rid of high ones altogether.
7. Have Different Countertop Heights
Installing kitchen countertops at various heights allows people of different sizes and physical abilities to access them. Include 30”-high countertops to allow children and people with limited mobility to access that area. This is usually the height of an average dining table. The space can then be used comfortably for different tasks.
Your countertop can be between 34” and 36” high so that a person of averageheight can use the area while standing for cooking or prepping. If you have special needs that must be addressed in your kitchen design, speak with your contractor or designer.
There are many ways to design a kitchen in your Mississauga home, but why not make sure your upgrade is user-friendly? Before investing in any type of kitchen cabinet or countertop in Mississauga or elsewhere, always take time to understand your needs before investing. Request your free quote today!