There’s a new buzzword in the world of interiors and furniture design – transgenerational.
The term, coined by James J. Pirkl, claims that as the world’s population grows rapidly older, it’s important to create new products that are easily used by people throughout their lifetimes – whatever their ability.
Kitchen makeover specialist Dream Doors gives the lowdown on what this means and how to embrace the trend.
Fast forward 5-10 years and picture your life. Now ask yourself some honest questions. What will your social life be like? Will you be retired or approaching retirement, or perhaps you’ll be working part time. Maybe you’re planning to travel more or perhaps you’ll entertain more often. How do you think your health will be? Do you think you’ll spend more or less time cooking in the kitchen? Are there any niggling issues now that might impact you in some way? Answering these questions honestly is the first step in futureproofing your kitchen.
Now ask yourself how practical your kitchen is for someone less agile than you. Is there ample storage? Does the layout work well? How can you streamline the clutter? Is there enough storage space if you need to bulk buy? Can the lower level cupboards easily hold your heavier items? How easy are the doors to open? Does the lighting work? Or maybe you’ll have more time for entertaining which means you might need a bigger table or more space for guests.
With a busier lifestyle and as you progress towards older age, you might choose to bulk buy so kitchen space will need to be more organised. If at any point you become less steady on your feet, you’ll want to consider cabinets with pull out drawers, and storing heavier items lower down.
Top tips for futureproofing your kitchen:
1. Consider curved doors and rounded cornices to avoid catching clothes or limbs. Opt for taps with easy to turn handles – think lever style rather than traditional style.
2. Think carefully about lighting – opt for LED lighting in places where you might prepare food or need more concentrated task lighting; for example in units, under units and in plinths. Select easy-to-clean surfaces and splashbacks to minimise cleaning
time.
3. Make sure your kitchen storage works for you and ensure lower-level cupboards are easily accessible and can hold heavier items. Consider innovative storage solutions such as carousels and corner optimisers that pull out smoothly and easily and can store more items at lower levels.
4. Think about pull-out drawers as these are easier to access if your limbs weaken. Choose wide handles which are easy to grab from any angle.
5. If you think you might sell your home or rent it out at some point, think carefully about the colour of doors. Make it more marketable by opting for white or cream – something understated and stylish, with sleek fixtures and fittings such as the Dream Doors York range in Satin White.
