Topics:
- Designing a Kitchen
- Universial Design and Universal Features
- Assessing Your Needs
- Kitchen Design Guidelines
- Materials and Surfaces
Designing a Kitchen
Universal Design
Universal Design is "design for all people." Universal design is also known as life span design and seeks to create environments and products that are usable by children, young adults, and older people. They can be used by people with normal abilities and those with disabilities. Universal design defines ways of thinking about design environments and products that work for the greatest number of people possible, regardless their range of ability, body size or age.
Universal Design Features
| Exterior | Interior |
|---|---|
| Level walks | 32 in. minimum door width and wide circulation path |
| Entrance without steps | 24 in. space on latch side of doors |
| Wide doorway | 5' x 5' turning radius in activity areas |
| Covered stoop | Non-slip floor surface |
| Security wiring systems | Lever handles on doors |
| Full length sidelight panel beside the door | Rocker or touch switches |
| 1/2 in. maximum vertical edge at threshold | Light switches 38 in. above the floor |
| Electric outlets 18 in. above the floor | |
| Thermostat controls 44 in. above the floor |
| Kitchen | |
|---|---|
| L or U shaped kitchen | Ample clear floor space |
| Eat-at counter with knee space | Variable or multi-level counter heights, including sink and countertops |
| Adjustable height countertop and sink | Removable sink cabinet or removable cook top cabinet for knee space |
| Variable intensity task lighting on counter surface | Accessible storage |
| Full extension drawer | "D" handle on cabinets |
| Lever handle faucet | Shallow sink (e.g., 4in.) |
| Shower spray at sink | Anti-scald valve |
| Elevate dishwasher 6-18 inches | |
| Bathroom | |
|---|---|
| Ample clear floor space | Shower seat and grab bars |
| Reinforced walls to accommodate grab bars | Lever handle faucets |
| Laundry and Utility | |
|---|---|
| Accessible storage | Broom and mop rack |
| Front loading washer | Elevate dryer height by 12 in. |
| Universal Design Features in the Center | |
|---|---|
| Ample clear floor space | Adequate and adjustable lighting |
| Side-by-side refrigerator | Elevated dishwasher |
| Recycling bin | Low-glare finishes |
| Sink Area | |
|---|---|
| Adjustable height sink | Single lever control |
| Pull-out spray nozzle | High contrast faucet |
| Knee space below sink | Large window |
| Cook Top Area | |
|---|---|
| Knee space under cook top | Range with front controls |
| Glass ceramic cook top |
Assessing Your Needs
National Kitchen and Bath Association
Printable Kitchen Checklist - Includes the guidelines for kitchen design and the industry graphic standards.
| Countertops | |
|---|---|
| Concrete | Laminate |
| Solid Surface | Stainless Steel |
| Granite | Marble |
| Limestone | Slate |
| Soapstone | Engineered Stone |
| Cultured Marble | Engineered Marble |
| Wood |
| Floors | |
|---|---|
| Bamboo | Cork |
| Laminate | Linoleum |
| Tile | Vinyl |
| Wood | Engineered Wood |
| Large Kitchen Appliances | |
|---|---|
| Compactor | Dishwasher |
| Disposer | Cook tops |
| Microwaves | Ovens |
| Ranges | Refrigerators |
| Range Hoods | Freezers |
| Speed Cooking | General Information |