Universal Ease Kitchen in Bemidji, MN
The main objective in designing this cozy universal kitchen was to maximize function and storage between 15” and 48” AFF, while not drawing any attention to it. The wheelchair-bound client built this custom home to live in for life, so he wanted a kitchen that was perfectly fit for him.
Countertop heights are kept at 34” with knee space at the sink, cook-top and island. The island provides the perfect prep space including a secondary sink with built-in chopping block and plenty of knee space. Turned posts and wainscot panels enhance the furniture look. An additional 30” high eating area offers pull-up space and interactive entertaining.
The focal point- a built-out, stone enhanced, curved hearth area- conceals the fact that there are no upper cabinets. A curved recessed niche creates layered curves within the space, as does the ventilation hood, with controls below the client’s 68” high reach. Easy access pullout spice racks to the right and left of the cook-top provide attractive storage, with attached furniture-style posts and wainscot panels. The same scenario is mirrored onto the sink wall with a curved, stone framed window, cleaning supply pullouts and knee space.
To the left of the sink, a single dishwasher drawer is raised to an easy reach height. From one position, the client can empty the dishwasher into dish drawers, silverware drawers and lift-up countertop cabinets—made especially for glassware and mugs. Cabinet interiors are kept white to contrast the objects within.
The raised built-in oven at the right side of the sink allows for full function and balances out the countertop cabinets to the left. The microwave drawer sits at the perfect height adjacent to the refrigerator. Display shelving, all at 54” high, carries the eye around the room, holding pottery and art to fill the free space.
Knotty Alder cabinetry gives the warm “lake home” look he desired. Commercial grade flooring is used to avoid scuffs from his wheelchair, but imitates the look of wood beautifully. Three different countertop surfaces add interest.
Each design element was critical in creating function, warmth and universal ease in this lake home style kitchen.
Countertop heights are kept at 34” with knee space at the sink, cook-top and island. The island provides the perfect prep space including a secondary sink with built-in chopping block and plenty of knee space. Turned posts and wainscot panels enhance the furniture look. An additional 30” high eating area offers pull-up space and interactive entertaining.
The focal point- a built-out, stone enhanced, curved hearth area- conceals the fact that there are no upper cabinets. A curved recessed niche creates layered curves within the space, as does the ventilation hood, with controls below the client’s 68” high reach. Easy access pullout spice racks to the right and left of the cook-top provide attractive storage, with attached furniture-style posts and wainscot panels. The same scenario is mirrored onto the sink wall with a curved, stone framed window, cleaning supply pullouts and knee space.
To the left of the sink, a single dishwasher drawer is raised to an easy reach height. From one position, the client can empty the dishwasher into dish drawers, silverware drawers and lift-up countertop cabinets—made especially for glassware and mugs. Cabinet interiors are kept white to contrast the objects within.
The raised built-in oven at the right side of the sink allows for full function and balances out the countertop cabinets to the left. The microwave drawer sits at the perfect height adjacent to the refrigerator. Display shelving, all at 54” high, carries the eye around the room, holding pottery and art to fill the free space.
Knotty Alder cabinetry gives the warm “lake home” look he desired. Commercial grade flooring is used to avoid scuffs from his wheelchair, but imitates the look of wood beautifully. Three different countertop surfaces add interest.
Each design element was critical in creating function, warmth and universal ease in this lake home style kitchen.
Country: United States
