Kitchen designs should do more than just look good—they should work for everyone who uses them. When my mother needed a wheelchair during her recovery, her kitchen quickly became one of the hardest places to use in her home. That experience made it clear just how important accessibility in kitchen designs really is.
At KCBR, we focus on creating kitchens that are not only stylish but also practical for every stage of life. With the right changes, accessibility in kitchen designs can bring greater comfort, safety, and independence. Here’s how we help make that possible.
Why Accessibility Matters in Kitchen Design
A well-designed kitchen isn’t just about looks. It should also work seamlessly for everyone using it. Accessibility in kitchen design isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for many families. The good news? There are practical, affordable ways to increase functionality without sacrificing style.
Let’s walk through the changes we often recommend to improve accessibility and comfort for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
1. ADA-Appropriate Cabinet Heights
We work closely with a cabinet manufacturer that understands the importance of function. Standard cabinet height is around 36 inches—but for wheelchair users, that can be too tall. We recommend:
- Lowering cabinet height to 34 inches: This small change makes a big difference in reach and usability.
- Maintaining durable and stylish finishes: Just because it’s accessible doesn’t mean it can’t look great too.
By adjusting your cabinet height, you create more comfortable working surfaces and improve daily use for everyone.
2. Rethinking Microwave Placement
In many kitchens, the microwave is mounted above the oven or high up on a wall. That’s fine for someone standing, but it’s a challenge for someone seated. Here’s what we suggest instead:
- Install a drawer-style microwave: These sit in the base cabinet area, making them easy to reach and safe to use.
- Avoid overhead appliances whenever possible: This keeps hot food and heavy items within safe reach.
By rethinking how appliances are installed, we make the space more functional for all users—without adding extra clutter.
3. Cabinet Drawers vs. Cabinet Doors
This might sound small, but it’s a big deal when you’re trying to reach things from a wheelchair. Traditional cabinets with doors make it hard to get to the back. Here’s why drawers are a better choice:
- Drawers allow for full extension, letting you reach everything—even in the back.
- No need for separate pull-out trays, which can add cost and complication.
- Easier to organize, reducing frustration during daily cooking tasks.
Switching to more drawers throughout your kitchen can be a game-changer when it comes to accessibility.
4. Functional Kitchen Layouts with Open Space
One of our favorite ways to improve accessibility is by getting creative with kitchen island sizes. A large island can look great, but if it’s packed with cabinets all the way around, it may not be the most functional for everyone. Here’s a better approach:
- Keep one half of the island open underneath: This lets someone in a wheelchair roll right up to it and use it as a work surface.
- Make the countertop height consistent: Ensure the entire kitchen is easy to move through and use.
- Use the island as a central workspace: It becomes more than just a visual feature—it turns into a useful part of daily life.
Choosing the right kitchen island sizes and designing them with care can significantly improve usability and flow.
5. Smart Cabinet Interiors
The outside of your cabinets is just one part of the equation. What’s inside also matters. We take time to think through:
- How often-used items are stored
- What kind of storage makes things easiest to access
- Whether the layout supports independent use
Cabinet interiors with thoughtful storage options help remove daily obstacles and allow for more confident movement through the space.
In Summary
Improving accessibility in kitchen designs doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it means making smart choices that serve your needs every day. From lower cabinet heights and drawer-style microwaves to more accessible drawers and reimagined kitchen island sizes, these upgrades bring new life to your space while supporting comfort and independence.
If you’re ready to make your kitchen more functional for every stage of life, contact us. At KCBR, we’re passionate about creating spaces that work for you—and accessibility is always part of the plan.
