When you have limited mobility, it can be frustrating to try to work in a kitchen that’s not designed to accommodate your needs. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle when it comes to the design of your space. If you start with an accessible kitchen from the beginning, you can ensure that it has everything you need and more, so you can accomplish all your cooking and baking tasks with ease. With the right planning and an expert eye, your wheelchair-friendly kitchen will become both functional and stylish, too. Here are some tips for a kitchen design for wheelchair users for maximum efficiency and accessibility.
1) MAP OUT YOUR SPACE.
Simply because you can’t go to a specific area doesn’t mean you can’t use it. What you need is an understanding of how the kitchen will function and how you’ll use all the available space so that you can create a design using all of your needs in mind. Talk to your designer about the best ways to make use of a wheelchair-friendly kitchen, and take pictures of all the important features in your current home so that you’ll be ready for your next one.
2) MAKE SURE THERE’S ENOUGH ROOM FOR A WHEELCHAIR TO TURN AROUND.
This may seem obvious, but it’s easier said than done when you’re trying to work with a tiny, older kitchen. If you have space constraints, you should look for cabinets that are designed to open up as far as possible and other features that will maximize open space, such as corner pantry towers or base cabinets.
3) DESIGN A KITCHEN THAT IS EASY TO CLEAN.
When you’re in a wheelchair, the last thing you want to do is spend extra time scrubbing your kitchen when it could be used for something else. That’s where design comes into play. With more space and less clutter, your kitchen will be much easier to navigate and keep clean, ensuring that you’ll maintain your momentum.
4) DESIGN A KITCHEN THAT CAN EASILY CHANGE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS.
Whatever the reason for moving out of one apartment into another or from one home into the next one (like downsizing or relocating because of disability), being able to adapt items on a regular basis can be helpful.
5) MAKE SURE EVERY APPLIANCE IS ACCESSIBLE.
Accessible appliances will make your life much easier and provide you with a new sense of freedom. These include devices like mixers, food processors, or glass containers. The devices needed to operate them should be easy to reach and operate, even if they’re not at eye level. Talk with the manufacturer about how you can get the most out of your special kitchen tools – don’t overlook anything.
6) CONSIDER COLOR PALETTES FOR A WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY KITCHEN.
Color can play a big role in the design process when it comes to accessibility and style all at once. An accessible kitchen can benefit from darker colors that are easy to clean, and very light colors don’t work nearly as well. With a color scheme of earthy neutrals or shades of white, you can rest assured that the area will be both practical and stylish.
7) USE MODERN DESIGN ELEMENTS TO INCORPORATE MINDFULNESS INTO YOUR KITCHEN.
Use finishes like stainless steel, which is easy to keep clean and won’t attract dirt, like wood or marble. Consider using glassware instead of plastic, which is ideal for storing foods that are sensitive to heat, as well as helping you keep an eye on contents without fumbling with a container lid.
CONCLUSION:
Designing a kitchen for those affected by a disability can be daunting, especially if you have limited movement. However, there are specific strategies that you and your designer can implement to ensure the layout is wheelchair-accessible. Be sure to consider all features of your room and factor in the safest way to use them while still keeping the design appealing. A wheelchair-friendly kitchen will benefit you in more than just one way, and it has everything you need to keep cooking and baking with ease.