Skip to content
Search
Search
 

Make Kitchen Cabinets Work for You

Alternatives to hard-to-reach wall cabinets, hard-to-open doors and uncomfortable counters

by Rosemary Bakker, September 21, 2010

Related

Have a question on how to make your home more user-friendly with universal design? E-mail your query to Rosemary Bakker, Certified Interior Designer,at Ask-Rosemary@aarp.org.
Be sure to include your name, state and ZIP code. Your name will not be published.

Most people never complain that their kitchen has too much storage space. It seems that no matter how much cabinet space you have, you’ll eventually find a sufficient quantity of pots and cooking gadgets to fill it. It’s also true that sometimes this storage space is useless because it’s so difficult to reach. Here’s a storage tip: Place frequently used tableware, cookware and food within easy reach, and store everything else on higher shelves.

Cabinet Height

In a universal kitchen, upper cabinets are hung on commercial brackets so that height adjustments can be made at a later date. Isn’t that smart? The standard cabinet height is 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) from the countertop, but a 15-inch (38 cm) height makes the second shelf easier to reach for a person of average height while still allowing ample room for countertop appliances, such as microwaves, toasters and most blenders.

Cabinet Design

If you’re replacing your cabinets as part of your universal design update, keep accessibility as your main criterion, both in terms of the cabinets’ design and the way they’re mounted on the wall. There are many cabinet designs and arrangements that can fulfill this goal with style. In general, however, frameless cabinets provide more storage space for small kitchens.

Cabinet doors can be a mixture of wood and glass (making it easy to see what’s on the shelves), or in some cases the doors are removed altogether, making it much easier to reach into the cabinets. This can also be aesthetically pleasing — but only if the cabinets showcase

well-organized tableware. (If you choose the open option, you’ll need an adequate range-hood fan to make sure grease from the kitchen air is removed and doesn’t collect on the dishes.) Another nice feature is touch magnetic latches that allow you to open cabinet doors using minimal strength. If you’re using nonmagnetic latches, colorful C-handles are the best choice because they are easy to grasp. Another practical option is a knife hinge; this allows cabinet doors to be folded back flush (at 180°), eliminating the need to duck when the doors are open.

Mobile shelving is a good choice, too: It’s adaptable and brings hard-to reach items to your fingertips. You can purchase pull-down shelving, available in 24- and 36-inch (61 and 91.5 cm) widths, for your upper cabinets. In your lower cabinets, pullout shelves and drawers on full extension glides, lazy Susans, and pop-up shelves for appliances can expand usable storage space and reduce bending and reaching toward the back of the shelf.

Kitchen Countertop Considerations

Whether you’ve had a long day at the office or are recovering from foot surgery, most of us have wished, at one time or another, that we could chop vegetables while sitting down. With universal design’s built-in flexibility, you can devise a countertop that will work whether you sit or stand.

Counter Height

The height of any work surface is one of the most important factors in creating a comfortable space. It’s a great idea to have at least two different countertop heights: the standard 36 inches (91.5 cm), if this height works for you, and a lower height of 30 inches (76 cm) so you, a friend or a grandchild can work while seated.

Standard base cabinets are 34 1⁄2 inches (87.5 cm) tall, which includes a 4-inch (10 cm) toe kick space. Countertop material adds another 1 1⁄2 inches (4 cm), bringing the standard kitchen work surface to 36 inches (91.5 cm). The ideal countertop height is typically 6 inches (15 cm) below your elbow, as measured while you’re standing, so adjust accordingly.

The most ergonomic countertop height for those cooking while seated is 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm). This is also a great surface height for kneading dough while standing, baking cookies with grandchildren, or using your laptop to find a favorite recipe.

To take advantage of sitting while working in the kitchen, keep a section of your countertop — a 3-foot-wide (91.5 cm) space is nice — with room for your knees underneath. If you’re reluctant to give up the storage space, designate one base cabinet for possible removal later; the floor surface under this cabinet should be finished, as should the sides of the adjacent cabinets. Screw the countertop of this section of cabinetry into the wall (not into the base cabinets). If the need arises, all you have to do is remove the cabinet (no tearing up the kitchen), for a customized, comfortable, and functional workspace.

A perfect chair for meal prep at the sink or countertop is a perching stool. Look for one with side arms, a comfy padded backrest, and an adjustable-height, slightly slanted seat that makes getting on and off easier and safer. If the best place to sit doesn’t allow you to tuck in your legs, see if you can remove an under-the-counter cupboard door.

Materials

You can make all kitchen countertops function better by selecting the proper surface material. Fortunately, with today’s choices, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality. When shopping for countertops, look for durable, even surface materials.

Avoid options, such as tile, that may be pleasing to the eye but aren’t completely level. And keep in mind that, with the exception of stainless steel or stone, most surfaces can’t withstand the heat of pots taken directly from the oven or the burner. But don’t worry. You can avoid damaging your countertop by using an array of trivets or metal grills. If you choose a laminate countertop, specify a “no-drip” edge. This 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) lip around all or part of the countertop will reduce spills and floor cleanup jobs.

A clever universal design idea is to choose a countertop that’s a different color from the cabinets, and use a colorful border on the edges. This arrangement makes the countertop pop visually, which is especially important for those with visual impairments. Choosing a relatively light shade for your countertop means it’ll be easier to see food and utensils.

420_line
'Revitalizing Your Home' by Rosemary Bakker (book cover)

Rosemary Bakker is the author of the AARP Guide to Revitalizing Your Home, which is available through Barnes & Noble. Ms. Bakker holds a master of science degree in gerontology and is a certified interior designer.