Universal design is at the heart of many recent home remodeling trends. Now that we’re spending more time at home, the balance of aesthetics and functionality is more important than ever. Incorporating universal design in your kitchen is no exception.

Universal kitchen design makes it so that everyone can easily and effectively use the space, regardless of their size, age, or ability. This means taking a more cognitive dive into how people will be using their kitchen, and creating a layout that works for as many people as possible.

Here’s what universal kitchen design looks like:

 

Optimal Lighting

Poor lighting can be hazardous in your kitchen, especially during food prep. Natural light is always a plus, but depending on your kitchen layout, you may not always get enough of it. For optimal kitchen lighting[1] , you need to strike a good balance between task, accent, and ambient lighting.

●     Task lighting - Brightens your countertops, islands, and sinks to make prepping, cooking, and cleaning easier

●     Accent lighting - Highlights the well-designed qualities of your kitchen to make them look more aesthetically pleasing

●     Ambient lighting - Soft lighting that helps you navigate your kitchen

 

Cabinets

Cabinet placement requires you to think about the heights and ableness of the people using them. Stacking cabinets to the ceiling won’t be advantageous if you need a step ladder to reach them. If you have back issues, low cabinet placement can make rummaging through your bottom shelf a painful experience. Both cabinet types will likely go unused, except on rare occasions.

Pull out shelves[2] , swing-out shelves, toe kicks, and mixer lifts are excellent ways to incorporate a more universal kitchen design, so that you can make the most of the layout you have.

 

Open Shelving

If pull out or swing-out shelves aren’t your thing, eliminate cabinet doors altogether and install open shelving. They make it easier to see the items you need, and give your kitchen a more industrial, rustic look. Open shelving provides you with a great opportunity to use your vertical space, which is very popular in both universal and modern kitchen design.

 

Countertops

Depending on who you ask, the ideal countertop height for universal kitchen design is between 28-34 inches. Slightly lower than the average countertop height, this range allows children and seniors to access the countertop without having to climb up onto a stepping stool or bar stool. It also makes it easier to sit and do prep work.

We also recommend smoothing your countertops edges so that their corners aren’t sharp. Doing so makes your kitchen safe for everyone who’s going to use it.

 

Appliances

Much like cabinets and countertops, appliances should be placed at an easy-to-reach level. The optimal height of a microwave is between 24-40 inches above the floor, so that hot food is easier to remove from it. Cooktops and ovens should be in proximity to your sink to reduce how far you have to move heavy pots and pans.

 

Kitchen Flooring

Flooring is another crucial factor in universal kitchen design. Your kitchen floor should be safe and comfortable to stand on, so consider materials that are non-slip, water resistant, and impact absorbent. Materials that fit these qualities include:

●     Tile

●     Cork

●     Linoleum

●     Matte-finished wood

 

Final Thoughts on Universal Kitchen Design

When you’re balancing function and beauty, you’re making your kitchen more accessible to everyone. You’re also adding value to your home, because as our senior population increases, universal design will become more important than ever.

link to 5 kitchen lighting ideas article

link to how to hide your kitchen appliances article