Designing Kitchens Perfectly Suited for the Young and Old
The kitchen isn’t just a space for cooking; it’s the heart of the home, where everyone should feel welcome. Designing kitchens that cater to both the young and the young at heart is something to keep in mind when thinking about your next build. But here’s the scoop: many kitchen features can be tricky for both older and younger folks to navigate. From unreachable shelves to heavy lifting, these two age groups surprisingly share a lot in common when it comes to kitchen needs. So, why not whip up a kitchen design that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone?
Five Ways to Keep You Kitchen Design Accessible for All Ages:
1. Saying Goodbye to Doors | When it comes to kitchen cabinets, drawers are where it’s at for all ages. Forget about fumbling with doors and crawling on your knees to reach the back of the cabinet. Drawers make it easy-peasy to see and grab everything at once. It’s a game-changer for older members of the family and a breeze for little helpers too.
2. Keep the Sink and Stove Close | The sink and stove should be attached at the hip in your kitchen. For both grandma and the grandkids, lugging a heavy pot of water across the kitchen is no fun and a hazard, which is why keeping the stove and sink within an arm’s reach of each other is essential. Plus, leaving a small workspace between the sink and stove gives you a safe spot to park that heavy pot without risking a spill. If the kitchen layout doesn’t allow for the sink and stove to be close together, that’s where pot fillers come in. Check out the Pioneer Wall Mount Pot Filler for your next kitchen project.
3. Ditching Upper Cabinets | Who needs to play high-flying acrobatics to grab that cookie jar? Ditch those upper cabinets and opt for storing your essentials in lower drawers instead. It’s a savvy move that’s not only practical for all members of the family but can be a big cost saver too. Plus, consider a microwave drawer for easy access, this will eliminate the need to bend down or reach up high to grab that late-night snack out of the microwave.
4. Sink Accessibility | Sink time should be stress-free for everyone. Installing a faucet with a touchless sensor for a hands-free washing experience is perfect for tiny tots and seasoned chefs alike. Say hello to the Olympia Single Handle Touchless Sensor Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, a perfect touchless option for your next kitchen build. Opting for a shallow sink for easier veggie rinsing and dish duty is another way to keep your sink as accessible as possible, plus your back will thank you!
5. Flooring Matters | Let’s talk about floors. Slippery floors are no fun for anyone, so choosing a non-slip surface that’s safe and stylish is the way to go. Tiles that have more grout and texture can also have more grip, making them a great non-slip option. Another flooring factor to consider is how easy they are to clean, messes happen, and you don’t want anyone crying over spilled milk. Porcelain tiles absorb less moisture than other tile options, making them easier to clean and a perfect choice for the kitchen.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multi-family housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.