Timeless kitchens borrow many of their principles from timeless or classic interior design. These focus on the natural beauty of open spaces, layouts that improve efficiency and workflow and materials that age well and have subtle aesthetics that make everything frozen in time but still as charming as ever. In this post, accessible remodeling and kitchen design experts from DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Rhode Island show you how to design a kitchen that ages as beautifully as you.
Embrace Smart Kitchen Layouts
Maintaining a seamless flow between the stove, sink and refrigerator reduces unnecessary movements and makes kitchen tasks more manageable. Expert designers recommend considering a layout that keeps essential areas like the sink and stove close to each other but with ample workspace in between, to avoid the strain of carrying heavy pots across distances. Furthermore, ensuring that the kitchen allows for easy maneuverability, especially for those who might use mobility aids in the future, is crucial. Ample clearance space, as advised by ADA guideline and an intuitive, obstruction-free layout can make all the difference.
Choose Age-Friendly Appliances and Features
Select appliances and other features in your kitchen quote to facilitate ease of use over the years. Wall ovens and microwaves installed at or below counter height minimize bending and reaching. Induction cooktops with front controls, side-opening ovens and drawer-style dishwashers and refrigerators are other smart choices for an aging-in-place kitchen design. These not only enhance the kitchen’s functionality but also its safety and accessibility.
Opt for Smart Storage Solutions
Aging in place requires thoughtful consideration of how easily one can access what they need. Lowering the placement of upper cabinets, opting for drawers over doors, and incorporating pull-out shelves and lazy Susans ensure that reaching for items, from spices to heavy pots, is a breeze.
Select Durable yet Beautiful Materials
Durability and aesthetics go hand in hand in an ageless kitchen design. The right materials not only stand up to daily wear and tear but also contribute to the overall beauty of the kitchen. Non-slip flooring options, such as textured tile or resilient vinyl, are preferred for both safety and ease of maintenance. Countertops and cabinetry that resist scratches, stains, and moisture ensure that the kitchen remains as beautiful as the day it was installed.
Incorporate Adequate and Accessible Lighting
Good lighting is paramount in a kitchen that ages with you. Expert designers focus on the importance of a well-lit kitchen that incorporates a blend of task, ambient and accent lighting. Under-cabinet lights, ample overhead lighting, and easy-to-reach light switches, possibly automated for convenience, ensure safety and functionality at any age. Adjustable lighting solutions cater to varying needs and tasks, from meal prep to dining.
Want a kitchen that grows old and looks just as great as you do as you age? You can always count on “the best general contractor near me,” DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Rhode Island and its experts, to design and build the kitchen of your dreams. Call us at (401) 399-3917 or fill out this contact form to get an estimate. We proudly serve homeowners in Exeter, Greene, Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown and Kenyon.
