Universal Design in the Kitchen
LH eNewsletter
Helpful Tips from Louisville HandymanNovember 2013
In This Issue
Attention to Details
Universal Design in the Kitchen

About Us


We were founded in 2002 on the belief that by delivering prompt service, professional craftsman, and guaranteed work, we will fill a market need. Eleven years and over  8,300 jobs later, we know this to be true. We enjoy a growing base of repeat customers, who also refer us to their friends and family.


502-292-2727


Greetings!

Does your family usually gather at your home for the holidays? Perhaps you will be hosting your elderly parents, a son home from college, your daughter flying in from out-of-state, and maybe even your beautiful grand baby. How well will your home meet the diverse needs of your multi-generational family? Using Universal Design principles when you remodel your kitchen can help optimize the space for everyone. See our examples below.

Joe French
President
[email protected]
Louisville Handyman, Inc.

Attention to Details

Each year, we meet with thousands of homeowners to help in the design of a project or simply to prepare a bid. I am always struck by how some homes feel tired and dated and other homes feel up-to-date and inviting. What separates the two types of homes are details. For example, a dining room that is simply four painted walls doesn't compare to one with crown molding and a decorative wainscot or chair rail. Further, having two paint colors or a combination of paint and wallpaper can make the room more interesting and appealing. Another example is a home with original builder grade fixtures versus one with new light fixtures and plumbing fixtures. Think how fun and practical it would be to have a new "one touch" kitchen faucet that operates by simply making contact with the spout or a new pocket door with art glass.

Some projects to consider include:

  • Add crown molding and wainscot/chair rail to a dining room
  • Update paint colors
  • Replace a worn out or unattractive entrance door
  • Refinish or replace the flooring in the foyer
  • Update your light fixtures
  • Upgrade interior doors or add a pocket door with art glass
  • Update your plumbing fixtures
  • Upgrade your vanity and counter top

Know that we are here to help. If you need someone to walk around the house and offer suggestions on what can be updated within your budget that would have the most impact, call us. If you need design services for paint colors, wallpaper or curtains, we can refer you to one of the designers who we work with regularly. If you need help with flooring choices or material selections, we have flooring specialists who will help you decide on the right materials in the right colors. Also know that using Louisville Handyman to assist you doesn't mean you pay more. Our relationships with flooring specialists, designers and cabinet suppliers allow us to provide you with great service without higher prices. Bottom line is that we are here to help and you don't have to go it alone.

Universal Design in the Kitchen

Universal Design (UD) is an architectural movement that seeks to create living environments that function well for everyone, regardless of age or ability. In Europe it is called "Design for All". A growing trend in this country is to use the term "Better Living Design" so people do not confuse UD with accessible design.

UD accommodates a broader spectrum of people than accessible design, which follows guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is specifically for those who are aging or those with a physical disability. The purpose of UD is to benefit a wide population that may include the elderly along with small children, pregnant women, parents with baby strollers, and homeowners carrying shopping bags into their homes. UD is particularly on target to meet the needs of the rising number of multi-generational households in the United States.

The wonderful appeal of UD includes the fact that it is transparent: accommodations are felt rather than seen. Homes designed according to UD principles feel pleasant and inviting, rather than cold and institutional.

When your home is designed using UD principles it provides a beautiful, safe, convenient, and easy-to-use environment for you and your family, as well as for anyone else who comes to visit.

Here are twenty examples of Universal Design principles that you can utilize in your next kitchen remodeling project. Most people will not realize anything is different from the norm; nevertheless, your kitchen will be comfortable for a more diverse range of people.

  1. Materials that are non-allergenic and free of VOCs
  2. 5' diameter open space for maneuverability
  3. Non-slip flooring that is water resistant and easy to maintain
  4. No throw rugs or mats, unless recessed into the floor
  5. Rocker-style light switches and lever-style door handles
  6. Three layers of light: task, ambient and accent; light for way-finding
  7. Natural light from windows, skylights or solar tubes
  8. Medium to light colored, non-glare surfaces
  9. Full extension pull-out drawers in base cabinets, rather than shelves
  10. Higher toe-kick on base cabinets
  11. Upper cabinets installed 15" above the countertop, instead of the standard 18"
  12. Glass doors in wall cabinets for good visibility of the contents
  13. Easy-to-grasp cabinet door handles
  14. Raised dishwasher with adjacent landing space
  15. Knee space under the cook-top and sink
  16. Multiple-height countertops
  17. Single lever, high arc faucets with pull-out or pull-down sprays; hands-free technology
  18. Whole-house anti-scald valve set at 120 degrees
  19. Induction cook-top for safety and energy savings
  20. Interior cabinet lighting should be a cool temperature (LED) to protect contents
Call us Today: 502-292-2727
http://www.louhandyman.com


� 2013 RT Marketing inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without prior consent is expressly prohibited.