You can always do a recessed pull

We do German/ Italian handless fronts for Ikea and non IKEA In a variety of options. Here's an example of one using IKEA and one custom. From the outside they can pretty much look the same.

How well do these work for people with arthritis in their hands? It seems like a step away from universal design, which surprises me since the northern Europeans usually lead on that front.

jdesign_gw, that's very similar to what I'm looking for. Are you a designer or cabinet maker?

Custom cabinets as well as custom fronts for Ikea.

As for arthritis I think a lot will depend on how much swelling you have in your fingers integrated pulls are sometimes quite small and might give you some trouble.

I prefer some kind of handle - I worry about the constant cleaning of those finger pull back bevels and the wear and tear. If you are doing a laminate or thermofoil that would be ok but what about a painted cabinet?

Just cusrious

Isaac, why should manufacturers only design things that are ideal for people who have some physical limitation? Clearly, if I was older and had arthritis, I prolly wouldn't choose integrated handles but surely, I should'nt be deprived of them, just because others don't want them..?.

I do think they will likely accumulate grime within the depression so I think I will go with the type of finger pulls that are attached over the top of the drawers / doors and are barely visible either. The plus is, they are screwed into the back of the drawer, so we'll be able to change them out, should we ever feel we'd like a new look, without worrying about covering up screw holes.

I didn't say they should. Companies are free to make, and consumers are free to buy, a range of products.

Part of the appeal of universal design is that it is universal - it makes things easier for people with disabilities, but also for the able bodied. For example, I like the wide, flat light switches in our house because they are easy to operate with an elbow if my hands are full. They are also easier for my arthritic father in law.

Isaac, I hear you. I'm all for universal design, starting with the godawful door knobs that are still being put into houses. Those darn things won't let you open a door at all if you carry something with both your hands... So yeah. European style door handles would be a boon for everybody.

On the other hand, those little pushopener jigs can easily and cheaply be added to any kitchen door or drawer with integrated handles and anyone who can reach them, should be able to open and close them. Theyre very popular in Europe too.

This is probably what you would need - although you've probably resolved the problem by now.

These are designed for IKEA kitchens with Maximera drawers:

https://youtu.be/ACmLeBkIBaA

If you're interested then drop me a line at pushopendrawer@gmail.com

These are high end push to open / soft close mechanisms used in high end euro kitchens that i've modified to work with the IKEA system.

We do! We're a custom cabinetry manufacturer based in New England, with a focus specifically on modern, European inspired cabinetry with integrated handles for that clean, minimalist look. We've got a variety of handle-free cabinet designs you'll love.

Take a look at:

https://purekitchen.com/