Whether you are looking ahead to your own future or planning a renovation to accommodate an elderly parent or a family member with limited mobility, accessible kitchen design is a specialised field that blends clever engineering with daily practicalities. The goal is to move away from the standard layout and create a space where obstacles are removed and independence is preserved.
However, designing for accessibility doesn’t mean your home has to look clinical. In fact, many of the best features of accessible kitchen design in Australia are now being adopted in high-end homes purely for their superior ergonomics. Here is a breakdown of how to think through a mobility-friendly kitchen build.
The Turning Radius: Redefining the Kitchen Layout
In a standard kitchen, the “work triangle” (the path between the fridge, sink, and stove) is the main focus. However, for a kitchen designed with enhanced mobility in mind, the most important measurement is the “turning radius.”
A wheelchair usually requires a clear floor space of about 1550mm to turn a full 360 degrees comfortably. If the aisles are too narrow, a person using a mobility aid can feel trapped or forced to move in awkward, tiring patterns. By widening the walkways and opting for a galley or U-shaped layout with open ends, the kitchen becomes significantly more navigable. It’s about creating a flow that doesn’t require a person to reverse or pivot in tight spots.
The Countertop: Rethinking Height and Reach
Standard Australian benchtops are set at roughly 900mm. For a more inclusive space, incorporating varied bench heights is a game-changer. A section set between 720mm and 800mm allows for a much more natural posture for those who prefer to prep food while seated.
Creating knee clearance—an open space under the bench—allows a chair or wheelchair to slide right under the workspace. This shift from “standard” to “custom” is what makes an accessible kitchen work for every stage of life.
For those who want to keep their layout flexible, a mobile kitchen bench is an excellent addition. These can be moved into a clearance zone to provide a workspace exactly where it’s needed and then tucked away to open up floor space later. Similarly, a high-quality mobile kitchen trolley can act as a bridge between the fridge and the stove, allowing a user to slide heavy items across the room rather than carrying them.
The Storage: Bringing the Contents to the User
The old-school kitchen cupboard is the enemy of accessibility. Having to bend down, reach into the back of a dark shelf, or climb a stool to reach the top plate is a safety hazard.
In a modern, accessible kitchen, drawers are king. Deep, full-extension drawers bring all the contents out into the light, where they can be reached without strain. For overhead storage, pull-down shelf inserts are a fantastic piece of technology. With a simple handle, the entire contents of a high shelf can be lowered to chest height. It’s these small mechanical details that make a kitchen feel truly effortless to use.
The Appliance: Emphasising Safety and Ergonomics
The choice of appliances is where the nitty-gritty of safety really comes into play. When selecting items for an accessible space, consider the following:
- Induction Cooktops: These are generally preferred because they stay cooler to the touch than the usual cooktops and provide a perfectly flat surface, allowing a cook to slide a heavy pot onto the bench without having to lift it.
- Side-Opening Ovens: A door that opens like a book (rather than dropping down) allows a person to get much closer to the oven rack, significantly reducing the risk of burns.
- Lever Taps: Twist-style taps can be difficult for those with limited grip strength or arthritis. A flick-style lever tap or even a motion-sensor tap removes that barrier entirely.
The Lighting: Choosing Lighting Fixtures for Clarity
As we get older, our eyes require significantly more light to perform the same tasks. A moody kitchen might look great in a magazine, but for an accessible space, task lighting is a must. This means installing high-output LED strips directly under the overhead cabinets to illuminate the benchtop. This removes shadows and makes it much easier to see what you are doing, which is essential for safety when using knives or hot appliances.
Making More Mindful Choices
Designing for lifelong comfort and ergonomics is about looking at the home through a different lens. It’s a process of identifying where the friction is in a daily routine and using smart design to smooth it out. Whether it’s the placement of a mobile kitchen trolley or the height of a microwave, every detail counts.
At Krauss Kitchens, we understand that a kitchen is more than just a set of cabinets—it’s the engine room of the family home. Our tagline, “Your Dream Kitchen, Expertly Crafted,” means we take the time to understand your specific lifestyle needs, ensuring that your kitchen renovation isn’t just beautiful, but a joy for everyone to use.
Are you ready to plan a kitchen that stands the test of time? Reach out to Krauss Kitchens today, and let’s discuss how to craft a space that works for every member of your household.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for general residential renovations and age-in-place design. These recommendations focus on comfort and ergonomics and are not intended to meet NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) certification standards. For NDIS-funded projects requiring formal certification, please consult a registered SDA assessor.
