People come in all sizes, shapes and varieties, and so do their kitchens. However, this space should do more than just reflect personal tastes in regard to color and style. The kitchen must be functional, and it must be designed to suit the needs of all users throughout their life cycles. This is the basis of universal design.

"When planning a new kitchen, it is just as important to consider who will use the space and how they will use it as it is to choose colors, appliances and styles," explains Mary Jo Peterson, a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD) from Brookfield, Conn.

For example, the kitchen is no longer the sole domain of the female of the household. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), men, women and children are sharing in kitchen activities like cooking, doing homework, paying bills, entertaining, etc., and this has an effect on how the space is designed.

Another aspect to consider when conducting a kitchen project is aging. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), by the year 2020, more than 20 percent of the population will be over 65 years old. A survey completed by the AARP shows that a majority of these people wish to stay in their homes and age in place.

"In order to achieve this, it is essential to plan kitchens that allow for independent living," Peterson says. "Although you may not currently need special features, it is a strong possibility that you will someday. So, why not plan for it now?"

Planning a universally designed kitchen requires special consideration of every aspect of the space: countertops, cabinets, appliances, etc.

Countertops and Cabinets

Countertops, for example, must be designed within easy reach of the user. Therefore, countertop height must be carefully considered.

A standard countertop is 36 inches high, but this height is often uncomfortable for children or adults who are shorter or taller than average or for those who prefer to work while seated. For a universally designed kitchen, NKBA recommends including some countertops that are 28 inches to 32 inches high. This height is appropriate for seated or shorter users and for use as a chopping or baking center. For taller users, countertops that are 42 inches to 45 inches high are suitable. This height will work well as a snack bar also. The space also should include some countertops at 36 inches high for general use by standing users.

NKBA also offers the following suggestions for cabinets:

Lowering wall cabinets via motorized or mechanical system

Interior storage systems, like divider drawers, roll-out shelves and try dividers, to provide clear accessibility and easy retrieval of items

Open shelves for quick detection of items and to eliminate the hazard of open doors

Drawers, instead of doors, to eliminate the need to get around the open door

Lever handles, as opposed to knobs, to allow easier opening of doors

Appliances

As more and more manufacturers become aware of universal design, more appliance options become available. This allows universally designed appliances to be incorporated into the space without sacrificing aesthetics.

Consider the following items when planning a universal kitchen:

Side-by-side refrigerators or bottom freezer models provide ideal access for all users - young and old

Separate cooktop and oven accommodate height differences

Controls on appliances placed at the front allow easy access

Easy-to-read numbers and touch-pad controls, rather than knobs, are easier to see and use

Microwave placement should be within reach and sight of the individuals who will use it

By including these items in the kitchen and considering carefully their placement in the design, you ensure that the space can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities or stage of life.

One other suggestion to think about, consider hiring a Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) specialist to work with you on your ideas for adding universal design elements to your home. Peterson cautions that the above suggestions are just that - suggestions - and they only scratch the surface. "Each kitchen is unique - a reflection of the person who uses it," she says. "Your new kitchen should last a lifetime," Peterson says.

Reprinted with permission from the National Kitchen and Bath Association