For many, the kitchen is more than just a cooking space; it's the heart of the home. No matter if you opt for custom made cabinetry tailored for accessibility or something else altogether, even those with mobility challenges or those transitioning into their golden years can move with ease and comfort. It's all about merging style with functionality, ensuring everyone enjoys a kitchen that's both inviting and accommodating. Read on and we'll see how it's done!
How can I make my kitchen more practical?
Customized kitchens aren't just about aesthetics; they're life-changers, especially for those who need a bit more flexibility. But even more than that, there are tweaks and features every kitchen can benefit from. Let's explore how you can simplify and elevate your culinary space.
1. Lowered Wall and Floor Cabinets
Lowered wall and floor cabinets are typically installed in kitchens where the homeowner has mobility challenges that keep her confined to a wheelchair. But customizing the height of your kitchen cabinets can help make your countertops more accessible for your whole family. At five feet tall, I have trouble reaching the top shelves inside my cabinets. Because it’s difficult for me to access these shelves, I keep them empty, which wastes much-needed space in my kitchen. Lowered cabinets make it easier for me to access my cabinets and make the most of my kitchen. If you have a large family full of small children, lowered wall and floor cabinets can encourage them to participate in everyday chores and help in the kitchen.
2. Pull Down Shelves and Lazy Suzans
For bustling families seeking a well-organized kitchen, pull-down shelves and lazy susans are game-changers. Especially if you have little ones around, these additions are a boon. They let kids fetch what they need easily and safely, reducing the chances of those pesky kitchen mishaps.
3. Pull Out Pot Drawers, Cutting Boards and Spice Racks
Here’s another great life hack to help keep your kitchen organized. Pull out pot drawers make it easier to see everything inside your cabinets, rather than rummaging through a mess of heavy cookware. Ever spend too much time searching for a spice that’s hidden in the back of a cabinet? Pull out spice racks make it easy to find just the spice you’re looking for, so you can get right back to cooking. Pull out cutting boards are another great addition for the busy mom. Let your children practice cutting, or help out in the kitchen, without standing on a step stool. Busy holding a baby? Take a seat and prepare dinner with a pull out cutting board.
4. Easy to Load Dishwashers and Ovens
Ever get back pain from constantly bending over to empty the dishwasher or pull that roast out of the oven? Easy to load dishwashers and ovens can keep your back comfortable, without having to risk cutting yourself while unloading the washer, or burning yourself when using the oven.
5. Easy Access Microwave
It’s common to install the microwave above your stove, but this makes you more at risk for injury, and makes it impossible for your children to heat up an after-school snack. In customized accessible kitchens, the microwave is placed within comfortable reach for easy access, usually within the floor cabinets so that it is closer to the ground. Not only does this make it easier for your children to use the microwave, but it also keeps the microwave cleaner because it doesn’t get splashed with food or grease from the stove. My favorite place to install an easy access microwave is inside an island—it gives you extra space, and makes it super easy for every member of the family to use the microwave.
Thinking about custom made cabinetry? Contact Kitchen Magic today!
Thinking about redesigning or tweaking your kitchen, think not just of aesthetics but of the seamless blend of functionality and design that caters to everyone? The Kitchen Magic team is all in! With years of experience, we know how to ensure that every family member, regardless of age or mobility, can enjoy and utilize the space effectively. Get in touch with us at (866) 525-0012 and set up a free design consultation!
