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As homeowners plan for the future, designing a kitchen that supports aging in place has (and should) become a top priority. We specialize in creating accessible kitchen designs and more so you can enjoy your space throughout all seasons of life. You want your custom home to be one you can enjoy for decades to come, and with a few helpful adjustments, it can be!  

Top Features for Accessibility

While there are a lot of ways you can make your home (and specifically your kitchen space)  more accessible, we’d recommend starting with a few important features. Adjustable shelves and height counters are a standout feature for aging in place. The counters accommodate both seated and standing users, making food preparation and other tasks easier for everyone! Pairing this with pull-out and pull-down shelving helps maintain autonomy by minimizing bending, reaching, or the need for a step stool.

Small changes, such as installing lever handles on faucets and doors or opting for D-shaped cabinet pulls, can also make a huge difference if your goal is to age in place. Additionally, layered lighting—including task and under-cabinet lights—helps with visibility (and looks great)!

Designing the Perfect Layout

The layout of your kitchen plays a significant role in accessibility and requires thoughtful planning. Open floor plans with wide, clear pathways—at least 36 to 42 inches wide—will help everyone get around more easily but are essential for individuals using mobility aids.

U- and L-shaped kitchen layouts are particularly effective, offering efficient work triangles while keeping all essential areas within easy reach. We also highly recommend single-level living if at all possible!

Looking for a home you can age in place in? Check out this project– currently for sale!

Storage Solutions for Kitchen Accessibility

In order to remain in your custom home throughout the years, you’ll need to easily be able to get to the things you need! This means that finding creative storage solutions is critical. Features like pull-out shelves in base cabinets are great, while Lazy Susans make use of corner spaces effectively. Additionally, toe-kick drawers utilize the often-overlooked space beneath lower cabinets for less frequently used items.

Material Choices for Accessible Design

Safety is an aging-in-place priority, and materials play an important role in that! Non-slip, matte finishes for flooring and countertops are essential for preventing accidents or falls. Another helpful feature is opting for contrasting colors to help differentiate edges, handles, and work zones.

We recommend choosing low-maintenance materials, such as smudge-resistant finishes for appliances and stain-resistant countertops, to reduce the physical effort required for cleaning and upkeep. Glossy and reflective surfaces should be avoided, as they can create glare and make tasks more challenging now and for decades to come! 

Budgeting for an Accessible Kitchen Design

Costs for this type of remodel typically range from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the size and level of customization. Features like custom cabinetry, adjustable-height countertops, and smart home technologies—including voice-controlled lighting and motorized shelves—will need a larger upfront investment (but offer significant long-term benefits)!

Embracing Accessible Kitchen Design

At Lake Country Builders, we believe that your home should serve you at every stage. What starts as a minor inconvenience can end up being a part of the reason you have to leave your home before you’re ready, which is why we recommend always keeping aging in place top of mind! By integrating thoughtful design elements, innovative storage solutions, and high-quality materials, we create kitchens that adapt to your changing needs in every season.

If you’re ready to explore how we can help you design an accessible kitchen for aging in place, contact us today to bring your vision to life.