KITCHEN RENOVATION IDEAS FOR AGING IN PLACE

Flooring

Slippery floors are the last thing you want to have to worry about as you get older. Falling as you get older risks more than just bruises, and can cause serious breaks. Vinyl, wood or linoleum are popular options as they are both slip-resistant and easy to clean. Cork floors are also slip-free as well as comfortable on the feet.

Install drawers instead of shelves

Rather than having to pull open heavy cabinet doors, consider installing drawers instead. Drawers are much easier to slide open and close, and easy to access over higher spaces. This also opens up the option of creating lower level storage spaces. Find more sliding drawer inspiration ideas.

Rounded counter top corners

If you are opting to replace your counter top with a new look, you may also want to consider installing one with rounded corners. Rounded corners not only create a new look, but they’ll also be child-safe for when the grandchildren come to visit.

Install a shallow sink

You don’t want to find yourself leaning far into the sink to retrieve a fork at the bottom or lifting heavy pots full of water from a deep sink. Plus, a shallower sink will make rinsing and washing dishes that much easier.

Lower switches and under-cabinet lighting

Lighting may not seem like a factor now, but as you get older, you’ll want to have both easy access to light switches as well as lots of lighting options. Installing lower switches will create easy access to the light switches, while installing dimmer switches lets you control how bright or dark the lighting is. Under-cabinet lighting will also help to illuminate what might be hard to see work spaces.