The Inclusive Kitchen: Universal Home Design Improves Quality of Life
INTERIOR DESIGN BY SARAH BARNARD. PHOTOS BY STEVEN DEWALL. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN LADESIGN QUARTERLY, BY THE LOS ANGELES CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS.
Universal home design is intended to improve the quality of life for all users, regardless of age or ability. When applied to the kitchen, these principles should ensure safety, efficiency, and comfort. The term was first coined in the 1970s by architect and disability rights advocate Ronald Mace. Since then, universal home design practices have been rising steadily due to its inclusion in formal design education and support from professional associations like ASID, who provide research and case studies for universal design and aging in place.
In my practice, as a WELL and LEED accredited designer specializing in healthy, sustainable interiors, I often find that planning for the future can be intimidating for clients, but doing so ensures they will be happy spending a lifetime in their homes.
I recently completed a home remodel for a retiree, who wanted the kitchen to function well when cooking for one. However, she often hosts friends and family, so it also had to be designed with entertaining in mind.
Knowing the kitchen would be widely used, we considered universal home design principles to increase its functionality. The aesthetic was inspired by the cool, collected nature of the home's coastal locale and the utility and simplicity of Scandinavian design.
I specified a U-shape layout to provide unobstructed traffic flow and ample counter space. The kitchen is open to the dining area, and there are no barriers, such as steps or a doorway, to separate them. It's a confined space, which reduces the amount of back and forth travel.
I find that most clients are unwilling to plan for a mobility challenge they may never have. While we can't always get them to agree to a design that accommodates a wheelchair, clients are often comfortable with a clearance of 54 inches for mobility aids such as a walker or cane. If designing for wheelchair mobility, knee to toe clearance allows for easy access.
I used both upper and lower cabinets to give the homeowner plenty of storage. Keeping countertops clear, in turn, mitigates safety risks. The slide-out drawers are gentler on the back — she doesn't have to bend over or reach up high to access what she needs.
A large window provides views of the outdoors and welcomes natural light. Connecting with nature, even through a window, positively impacts our wellbeing by reducing blood pressure, slowing down our heart rate, and alleviating stress. Natural light, combined with the recessed lighting and oversized pendants, relieves eye strain and helps the homeowner safely perform tasks like chopping or peeling.
For the hardware, I chose large, integrated pulls instead of knobs because they're easier for stiff or shaky fingers to grasp. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 54.4 million Americans are affected by arthritis, the majority of whom are 65 and older. While a knob requires the user to bend their fingers to latch onto it, a cabinet with a pull can be opened with limited dexterity using only one or two fingers.
The homeowner preferred a single-lever faucet; however, if increased accessibility is the primary concern, touch-less faucets can be an excellent alternative. Clients may be hesitant to select this high-tech feature if their experience has been limited to unreliable public restrooms. Fortunately, more and more stylish options for residential spaces are becoming available.
If the homeowner were to change her mind, the electrical components could be concealed in a base cabinet or behind an access panel. It's essential to consider your surroundings when installing a touch-less model as some products will not operate correctly if they are in proximity to other metals, like a copper sink or stainless-steel backsplash.
The French door refrigerator can be opened without much exertion thanks to its oversized pulls, and the efficient design means everyday ingredients are displayed for easy access. It has a well-lit interior to aid those with vision loss.
The kitchen countertop is white engineered quartz with subtle gray veining. This human-made material is durable and stain-resistant, requiring less maintenance on behalf of the homeowner. People with impaired vision will be better able to identify the kitchen tools and ingredients in front of them, as the brilliant white creates high contrast. I sourced a cream-colored matte glass tile backsplash to prevent surface glare.
Natural French oak flooring was used throughout the open-concept space, eliminating any unsafe transitions. The material has a matte finish and was designed to be slip-resistant — an absolute must in the kitchen where spills are common. It also feels comfortable underfoot and has more spring to it than other flooring types, which is easier on the joints.
Open shelving on the back of the peninsula adds a pop of color to the space. This bookshelf created an opportunity to display some of her most treasured collectibles, which spark joy each and every time she sees them.
The antique rosewood dining table, sourced from Thailand by the homeowner, is located within close reach of the kitchen, so heavy platters of food needn't be carried far. The open floor plan makes it easy to converse with guests who are seated at the table while she's whipping up hors d' oeuvres in the kitchen. The built-in server provides an additional surface to set down dishes and clears up the dining table to prevent any accidents.
Universal home design can and should be both stylish and seamless. Reexamine the products, materials, and finishes you already use, and consider how they might be implemented in a way that supports people of all abilities. With this project, the homeowner was conscious of her potential future needs and entrusted us with creating a healthy, natural, and minimalist space that would suit her well in the long-term.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP, and LEED AP designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that connect deeply to nature and art. Empathy and mindfulness are the foundation of her practice creating healing, supportive environments that enhance life.
Remodeling Your Kitchen to Last Forever
As many people move towards preparing their meals, and as open-plan homes embrace nature and health, the modern kitchen is more important than ever. A kitchen must provide high-quality performance and functionality to cater to your specific needs and to add to the value of your home. Many homeowners know a remodeled kitchen would benefit their lifestyle, but do not want to commit to the expense and disruption of a remodel. The best way to approach a kitchen-remodeling project is to create a plan that focuses on your family’s specific needs to balance form and function and make your kitchen the ideal space for cooking and entertaining while being comfortable for everyone.
It is best to start by establishing what areas in the kitchen are most frequently in use. Take into consideration how many people might use it at once, and if there are children involved, make sure your kitchen accommodates their safety. Typically it is best to have the main functions of the kitchen–your stove, sink, and fridge–no more than six feet apart from each other. This calculation will help create a working triangle that benefits you by allowing easy maneuvering throughout the space. Identify areas that need extra storage for food, snacks, or dishes for display. Some particular functions require more space than others.
It is also essential to make your kitchen a space that you cannot only use, but enjoy. Make a list of what is important to you, and consult a designer if you can. She or he will help you decide what is realistic, possible and practical for your home, and determine what areas are the areas as focal points in the room. If you love to have people around while you are cooking, add seating at the counter. If many people use the kitchen together, consider implementing various food preparation areas. By considering using universal design methods, such as lower countertops, two-tiered kitchen islands, and under counter storage for food and appliances, homeowners and guests can access all areas of the kitchen with ease.
Often overlooked, lighting is hugely important to a kitchen. Determine what lighting options are best suitable for different kitchen zones. Interior designers can be especially useful in this area and will help define what lighting would be best for tasks and overall aesthetic value for the different spaces in your kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is a great technique to display a favorite kitchen item or to find kitchen products quickly. Recessed lighting and pendant lights can help create an even ambient light throughout the space.
Finally, when redesigning a kitchen, there should be a focus on making it a beautiful and pleasing place to be, as well as providing functionality. If the kitchen connects to the dining room or living areas, consider how it can relate visually to people entering the space. There should be a visual connection from the kitchen between its connecting rooms. If the kitchen has barriers from other areas, consider opening up those spaces so the rooms can connect visually and practically. Finally, consider storing appliances to look like they belong in the kitchen without standing out. To accomplish this, use panel-ready appliances or incorporating under counter microwaves or oven drawers to create extra counter space in a kitchen island.
A remodeled kitchen should work with the needs of the homeowners in a way that creates a space that can be used by everyone. Also, a kitchen should support the needs of your entire family’s lifestyle and still be a place of beauty and comfort. By implementing smart technology and planning, a kitchen can save time and energy. By focusing on functionality and durability, your kitchen can be a space that can be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.
Sarah Barnard is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and is recognized by the International WELL Building Institute as a WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP), the International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology as a Building Biology Practitioner (BBP) and by the United States Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). She has served on the Santa Monica Conservancy's board of directors and specializes in sustainable interior design, health and wellness and historic preservation.
Undertaking a broad range of projects, all of which are grounded in smart design and mindful of healthy living, Sarah’s diverse body of work includes upscale private residences, chic restaurants, luxurious spas and impressive corporate headquarters. Her projects have been featured in local and national publications, and have placed prominently in several noted design competitions. Sarah holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University as well as undergraduate degrees in Art and Interior Architectural Design. Her interior design practice is the culmination of education and interests in art, architecture, textiles and the environment and she has written several articles for important publications including the USGBC, United States Green Building Council.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP and LEED AP, designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that connect deeply to nature and art. Empathy and mindfulness are the foundation of her practice creating healing, supportive environments that enhance life.
Photos by Chas Metivier, Scott Van Dyke, Brad Nichol
Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.
To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
Elle Decor: Designers Reveal Their Favorite Kitchen Paint
Sarah shares one of her favorite paint colors for kitchens.
FARROW & BALL CABBAGE WHITE 269
"It's a delightful, versatile neutral that pairs brilliantly with blues, greens, and grays. The hint of green elicits thoughts of the first days of spring and the taste of fresh garden vegetables."
Kloss, Kesley. Designers Reveal Their Favorite Kitchen Paint Colors. Elle Décor. April 2016
http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/tips/g3027/best-kitchen-paint-colors/
Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.
To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
Accents of Black: Dramatic Home Design
Black clarifies. Place a table, seat, or artwork lacquered dark as ebony in a room awash in neutral tones and see the darkness snap to attention. It adds a crisp and bold touch to the room. Add an ornamental grass with obsidian-tone leaves to a pastel garden, and the same thing happens—that smokiness allures the eye into looking closer while making the surrounding seem even more brilliantly tinted. Think of how a classic little black dress stands out amid a crowd gowned in fondant froth. Black—the absence of color, the consumer of light—seasons our polychrome world with a note of mystery.
Above the mantle, the cool black frames balance the warm colors in the room.
The mirror above this bed fills the empty white wall with its modern design.
The taupe legs on these ottomans neutralize the bright neutral fabrics
in this living room.
These coffee table legs juxtapose the neutral carpet and furniture.
There can be multiple accents of black as shown above. The black backsplash tile,
drapery over the sink, and black stool compose a luxurious, modern kitchen.
The warm grey sofa pops due to the black outlining of the room and elements within.
The black countertops create a stark comparison between the green tiles
and white cabinetry to accentuate the brightness of this kitchen.
To add a subtle touch of black, you can incorporate artworks such as this
painting or a piece of furniture with a black build.
In this beachfront getaway, this black customized tv is paired with a black throw and starfish to bring the room together.
This bedroom was designed with a black platform bed, night stand, and drawer
to enhance the intimacy of this environment.
The light cabinetry juxtaposes the black and turquoise countertops offering a modern design.
Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.
To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
Small Kitchen Design : Interior Strategies for Petite Spaces
Small kitchens have a terrible reputation for being cramped and undesirable. By improving your kitchen’s layout, you can maximize its performance and visual appeal. You can further enhance the function of your small kitchen by making smart design decisions when selecting appliances, surface materials, and architectural details.
Combining your appliances will optimize the total function of your kitchen when working with limited space. Take into consideration the Work Triangle of the refrigerator, sink, and stove. Make sure there are no obstructions, such as an island, and separate the household traffic from intersecting the triangle. Use your backsplash as storage with a stainless rod to hang kitchen utensils. Use appliances such as over range microwaves with built-in ventilation to save space. Reducing the number of required devices help your kitchen look less cramped.
Surface features along with architectural details add character and depth to your small space. When using the color white, whether it be on cabinetry or walls, it will reflect light giving the illusion of a larger area. Incorporating earth tones or low contrast color schemes on cabinets, backsplashes and flooring gives a textured look for added depth. Large windows can provide more natural light, which can allow your room to feel more spacious. A tip when choosing textures is always keeping in mind their aesthetic purpose. Consider using reflective materials as in stainless steel to expand the space visually.
Small kitchens can rise above their reputation of being cramped and cluttered when considering a few key elements. Optimizing the functionality to maximize your space will improve the layout as well as give it a starting point from which to work. Choosing the correct appliances to incorporate in the Work Triangle for your kitchen will help the layout take shape. Small kitchens can be impeccably designed making you almost forget the desire for a larger kitchen.
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Working out of her Los Angeles based studio, Barnard works on interior design projects big and small, from sprawling corporate headquarters to cozy beachfront cottages. With a contemporary approach that employs traditional vocabulary, she defines her range of style as “innovative yet time-honored.” Sarah is intrigued by clients who have unusual requests and lives for a challenge and has yet to meet a client she doesn't like. Sarah loves designing for anyone with pets! She adores people who are avid collectors of anything they fancy.
Sarah is often retained by clients who have never worked with an interior designer because they thought designers weren’t for them (until now). She is known for delivering, on time, all the time. Sarah is incredibly down to earth, and people love her for her frankness. Sarah and her staff will go above and beyond for a client: build a custom sunroom for the kitties, organize and alphabetize boxes in the garage, take the kids out shopping for their bathroom tiles…etc.
Sarah Barnard Design undertakes residential interior design projects, commercial spaces and, even single rooms. She can assist you with space planning, color counseling, kitchen and bath remodeling, historic preservation, and all aspects of green design and healthy living: organic, non-toxic, sustainable and fair trade materials, energy and resource conservation, air and water purification, natural furnishings and fabrics and much more!
Story by: Claudia Casas Interiors by: Sarah Barnard
Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.
To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
References:
Small Kitchens by Jeffrey Holloway in Residential Design & Build Volume 77, Issue 5, 2012
ASID Design Research Database: http://www.asid.org/content/research-resources