When you’re ready to remodel the kitchen in your forever home, Future Design Builds Home Remodeling is here to ensure that you and your family can enjoy the remodel for years to come. Mitch Speck, a NARI Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), is experienced in universal design and ADA-compliant residential remodeling. As we age, it’s important to consider design choices that prioritize safety and accessibility in the kitchen while still maintaining style and functionality. Our team will assist you in designing a kitchen that is optimized for your current and future needs. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in the near future, here are some features to consider:

1. Install a pullout pantry: Pullout pantries provide convenience by allowing you to see all the items at once without having to shuffle things around. They also reduce strain on your knees and back. These pantries can also serve as storage spaces for portable appliances like blenders, Instant Pots, and slow cookers.
2. Place the microwave at or below counter height: Positioning the microwave at or below counter height is easier on your back and shoulders. If you don’t want to sacrifice counter space, create a dedicated space for the microwave in a base cabinet. Removing hot food from a microwave at counter height or below reduces the likelihood of spills.
3. Ensure accessibility for corner cabinets: While corner cabinets offer ample storage, accessing them can be challenging. Consider options that minimize the need to bend, reach, and dig. Traditional Lazy Susans are a good choice, but drawers or sliding shelves can also be beneficial.
4. Opt for drawers instead of doors: Drawers eliminate the need to get on your knees and search the back of cabinets. They provide a clear view of all your kitchen items at once, eliminating the need to empty cabinets to find specific pots or pans. If full drawers are not possible, cabinets with slide-outs are a better alternative, though they may result in some loss of cabinet space and an additional step to retrieve items.
5. Keep the sink close to the stove: When planning the layout of your kitchen, it’s advisable to position the sink near the stove. Carrying heavy pots of water back and forth between the sink and cooktop can be straining on your arms and back. Additionally, spills during transportation pose slipping hazards. Having the sink close to the stove, with a workspace in between, can alleviate these challenges.

At Future Design Builds, we prioritize creating a kitchen that combines functionality, accessibility, and style to meet your unique needs.