ABC's of Kitchen Design

Versatility makes a good kitchen great- and universal design is all about versatility! Kitchens do not have to be large to be versatile; in fact, when they are too large, they can become unwieldy. In a universal design kitchen, allocation of space is more important than size.

A U-shaped kitchen, or an L-shaped design with an island bridging the sides, can do a nice job of distributing the main work zones- cooking, cleanup, refrigerator, food preparation-around the room, giving each zone elbow room yet keeping the areas close enough for convenient meal preparation. Another advantage of these configurations is that they are incorporate lots of counter-top area, and in any kitchen, the more counters the better. Counters with rounded edges, blunted corners and even molded grips are best.

For the most convenience, include generous counter space on both sides of the sink, cook-top and oven, and by the open side of the refrigerator, Making the counters in the cooking areas the same height as the cook-top and as the middle rack of the oven enables the use to transfer heavy pots with little or no lifting. Likewise, the counter between cooking areas and sink should be one height, so that cooks can slide pots between them. A heat-resistant counter-top material such as granite or quartz is the best choice in these areas.

Elsewhere around the kitchen, variety in counter-top heights adds flexibility. Low counters with legroom beneath work well as food preparation stations for seated users, as well as desks, homework spots, eating areas, and places to knead dough. Tall standing users welcome high counters for slicing vegetables and other close work.

To conserve open space, install pullout cutting boards and counters. Secured on drawer gliders, they make sturdy work surfaces at a comfortable height for seated users. Pullout shelves under the oven and microwave provide convenient landing places for pots. For the ultimate in instant counter-top customization, include a rolling cabinet in the plan or mount the kitchen island on casters.


CONVENIENT COOKING
Instead of a one-piece range, opt for a separate cook-top and wall oven, which offer more flexibility in installation. Choose a cook-top with a smooth surface, to facilitate sliding pots on and off; staggered front and back burners, for clear access; and easy-to-see front-mounted controls. Place it in a counter with clear space beneath for a seated user, and position the oven- or the lower one if two are stacked- above floor level and no higher than shoulder height for a seated cook. Side-hinged oven doors are fine if they are easy to open and rest above lap level in the open position.

Plan the cleanup areas, like the cooking zone, with different users in mind. Raise the dishwasher several inches above floor level so that the top rack aligns with the counter and users-seated or standing- can reach both racks without a lot of blending. Provide legroom under the sink for a seated person, even if nobody needs to sit at the kitchen sink now, either by creating an open area with a protective panel or insulation over the rear-mounted pipes or installing a removable cabinet unit. To save money and hassle, be sure to run the kitchen flooring into the opening, evenin if it will be covered for now by cabinetry.