
Age in place kitchen: 5 areas that should be considered
As you may know, I’ve been designing an age in place bungalow. I started blogging about this project and started with the master bathroom. From there, I discussed the master bedroom, and then the master closet and main floor laundry room. Today, I’m going to dive into an age in place kitchen.
Age in Place Kitchen
If you have not followed along on this journey, then you may not know that I am designing this for the Mister and myself. While we are one stop closer to retirement, we have plenty of living to do! That being said, when we do make the move to our next home, it will hopefully be for a long time. That is why age in place with this design has been at the top of mind for myself. Here is what our bungalow is starting to look like (and it is not all done yet).

As we may all have heard, the kitchen is the heart of the home. When talking about aging in place, the kitchen also happens to be one of the spaces in a home where a lot of accidents can happen.
For an age in place kitchen, here are a few of the ‘must haves’:
- Plenty of room for maneuvering. Access for a wheelchair is 42″ – 48″.
- The flooring should be a non-slip flooring and one that is easy to wipe up.
- Lighting needs to be both for tasks as well as overall lighting for a well-lite space.
- Cabinets need to be accessible.
- Counters need to be both accessible and functional.
- Appliances should be considered as well as the height they are installed.
- Sinks and the faucets also need to be accessible. The depth of the sink will be important (not too deep) as well as the faucet (hands-free).
So let’s take a look at some of the features this bungalow will have.
Room to Move
As mentioned above, a good rule to follow is having 42″ – 48″ of space to move (in case a wheelchair is ever needed). Typically, the area between an outside wall and an island is 42″ (with 36″ being the bare minimum).

For this plan, I have used 42″ of walkway space in the kitchen.
Light it Up
For the lighting, I have not completed a lighting plan as I am a bit torn. I know that I will have under cabinet lighting for task lighting. For the overhead lights, I currently have recessed lights as well as some pendants for the island planned.
My friend, Maria Killam, recently wrote a blog about recessed lighting that has my mind thinking. While I am not in favour of any ‘boob lights’ being installed, there are some really great options. Just look at the gorgeous kitchen that does not have recessed lights!
Cabinets
It is important, when aging in place, to have accessible cabinets. While I am not designing this home for a wheelchair, I am making some decisions (just in case).
As I mentioned, I’ve widened the walkway in the kitchen to 42″. For the cabinets, I have all pull-out drawers in every cabinet, along with some organizing features (like recycling, trash, etc.).

Base |Lower Cabinets
As you may be able to see, there is a small pull-out at the bottom. This is a pull-out step to reach higher areas in the kitchen.
After I had designed this kitchen, I came across another option.
This option only takes 1 1/2″ of space and may be a better option (if needed).
Upper Cabinets
You may have caught that I just mentioned, “…a better option (if needed). ” I have designed the upper cabinets to feature a pulldown mechanism.
Counters
In kitchens we are currently renovating, we are removing the tiered island. For an age in place kitchen, having a multi-level island provides many height options and can be more convenient.

I have also incorporated different material for the island. This allows for a distinct change in surfaces.
Appliances
Built-In Range and Coffee Maker
As you may see from the photo above, I have incorporated a built-in wall oven as well as a built-in coffee maker. If we are going to age in place, and everyone in my family loves coffee, that is a must (and I will admit – a nice to have).
For the cooktop, I did not go with a gas cooktop. While I love the idea of a gas cooktop, I would hate to ever leave on the gas by accident. As such, I chose an induction one. If you are not familiar with induction cooktops, I saw many at KBIS 2020. Perhaps a Fulgor Milano is in my future!
Refrigeration
I wrote about Signature Kitchen Suites refrigerator and how it can assist with healthy living. I will be looking at one of their refrigerators for this home to aid with health and wellness.

Microwave
I chose to include a microwave in our kitchen. While we really only use it to make popcorn and rice, it may come in handy. I did chose a drawer microwave so that it is easy to reach in and lift the hot items out.

Health and Wellness
For this home, I have also been incorporating Biophilic design into each space. Having a healthy home is so important – especially when one is aging in place.
For this kitchen, I have included an indoor garden. Ensuring the proper drainage, water source, and lighting source will be essential to incorporate this into the home.
In looking what is involved, I came across Live Wall. While I still have some investigating to do, I would really like to see some kind of living wall/garden feature for this home.

Part of this entire home design is having more than sufficient natural lighting. I have incorporated a large NanaWall to allow for that indoor/outdoor living is also in my plan. As with the rest of the home, automated window coverings are also a must!
Age in Place Kitchen | Final Thoughts
While I still will digest this age in place kitchen plan, I do like the way it is starting to come together.
Here are a few 3D images for you to get a better idea of what this house is starting to look like.



Do you feel like I left anything out? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Oh my goodness, I love some of these ideas you shared Sheri!! The drop down step ladder is brilliant! I’m assuming that it stays in place once pulled out. I also love the drop down option in the upper cabinet for accessing dishes. As you know, I’m short so these really appeal to me!
Hi Claire. Yes, the pullout step ladder fits in a 1 1/2″ gap. When not in use, it can go back into the base cabinets and no one would be the wiser! I thought you would love those upper pull-downs.
I have been super interested in getting an Aging In Place Certification. I would love it if they teach the course similar to the way I’m learning from you—actual products shown in a space plan.
I have seen those Revit shelves (have not had the opportunity to use in a project though) and I think they’re fantastic! I had not seen the step stool! Brilliant.
I’m loving this, Sheri! Thank you!!
You are so welcome, Kelly! I’ve enjoyed pulling together a new house plan with Aging in Place at the forefront.
Sheri,
So many great ideas and a lot of details to think and plan for a great kitchen and more for Aging In Place with health and wellness in mind. Great post.
Thank you so much, Lawrence.
omigoodness- I’ve not seen those pull out steps- they are incredible!
They truly are! And only 1 1/2″ wide.
The upper cabinets with the pull downs ate my favorite thing ever! So much better than a step stool.
I agree Christina. I do think many accidents can happen with step stools. I’m glad there are ways to make it easy to use higher shelves without compromising the design.
Such great innovations…and I LOVE that skinny pull out stepladder, and the garden wall, and the mix of materials, and the NanaWall. It’s all lovely, but I am not seeing my guest room…*ahem* LOL
Oh my friend, your room is in the walkout basement! I’ll make sure it’s set up perfectly for you!
Great ideas! Love the Live Wall and the Hideaway steps are brilliant!
When I came across that hideaway step, I was so amazed! It truly was a great find for me (and others)!
I appreciate all the thoughtful inserts and your approach to this aging in place design for kitchens.
Thank you, Lisa.
Well Sheri, not much to add here being the guru you are on your research plus your vast designing experience. I love it all from a brand new relocated downsized aging in place home myself.
When I designed my former home with aging in place concepts every where, my biggest challenge was not to have an appliance on the island. It took me forever to design my layout to accomplish this goal but using our island for a zillion purposes, this paid off. My next post will be on this topic.
Oh wonderful Mitzi! I can’t wait to read it!
Wow! So many smart features. The pull down shelves in the upper cabinets are my favorite feature. This is anyone’s dream kitchen, aging in place or not! Great job!
Thank you very much, Linda.
Sheri, I love the Biophilic design, including the live wall! I have seen this in Germany on a pillar with herbs all around it. I may have missed it, but is there a pantry? Thank you for sharing these innovative ideas, such as the build in and pull out steps.
Hi Linda,
The pantry are the two tall units (the ones that hold the coffee and wall oven). Many downsizing units do not require huge pantries that a traditional home may have. I have one 30″ tall pantry and that is more than enough for all of our things. I tried to make the pantry part of the kitchen cabinetry.
Amazing ideas! I’ll be following to see the outcome of this beautiful and functional kitchen!
Thank you, Suzi!
Boy, did this post give me some ideas!!! I can’t believe the hidden step stool!!! How perfect is that. Plus we have very tall cabinets, so I like how they can be used with pull downs. Very helpful post Sheri! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad this has given you some ideas for your ORC Kitchen project.
Hi Sherry,
I have noticed on the picture a fireplace.
Was fireplace surround made of granite or porcelain slab?
Thank you.
Lara
I have specified a zero clearance fireplace. Since this home isn’t built yet, I can see my looking for a gorgeous porcelain slab. We have used them in projects before and they are stunning!
Hi Sheri, it looks great! How exciting to be designing your next home. Something I have been thinking of doing myself when I run out of closets to clean. 🙂 The only change I would make is widening the space between the wall cabinets and the island to 48″ to allow lots of room for two cooks and future walkers or wheelchairs.
Hi Mary, great advice! Thank you for that suggestion.