Saturday, Sep 11, 2010

An intelligently remodeled kitchen is both functional and beautiful. However what may seem functional to you now, may not be so functional in years to come, or for those who have special needs.

Whether you plan to stay in your home forever, or plan on selling it; when you begin to make plans to remodel you kitchen, it is imperative that you have the foresight to understand how you needs and the needs of others may change. One fact of life that is unavoidable is that we will all grow older. Features that may seem like a luxury now such as high cabinets and stacked appliances, may in fact become a burden as we age, or for those with special needs such as handicapped access.

When planning your new kitchen, try an imagine yourself executing normal kitchen functions as an elderly individual, or better yet invite an elderly family member or friend over to assist you. It may be hard to accept that we too will someday be unable to operate in the physical capacity we do now, but this is a reality of life that should not be overlooked.

Once you have an idea of what limitations may exist as you age, you can try to incorporate elements in your kitchen remodel that eliminate obstacles and provide the highest possible ease of use. Incorporating elements such as lower counter tops, non slip flooring and open access routes will make a kitchen much easier to clean and function in as we age.

So remember, whether you plan to sell your home or stay in it for a long period of time, you will be spending a lot of time in your kitchen. By planning ahead you can ensure that your remodeled kitchen will suite your needs not only now, but for many years to come.