3 IKEA Kitchen Designs that Solve Real Accessibility Problems

No one gets left out when IKD creates an IKEA Kitchen Design.

IKEA makes affordable kitchen products for the masses. With our IKEA knowledge and design skills, we transform those mass-produced products into custom kitchens. Often, homeowners come to us because they want a unique touch during their kitchen redesign. Sometimes, however, a homeowner needs a unique design solution.

Because we are professional designers, we understand what it takes to design for aging in place, ADA specifications, and even children. Keep reading to discover three ways we’ve made it easier for customers to navigate their kitchen.

How IKD Designs Accessible IKEA Kitchens

1. IKEA Kitchen Designs for Aging in Place

You might not be as young as you once were, but you should be able to remain in your home for as long as you want. An IKEA kitchen design that focuses on long-term accessibility makes independent living possible.

“My partner and I downsized to a one-story home when we retired, and our intention is to live out the rest of our days here. We kept this in mind when making renovations before we moved in, and IKD was extremely knowledgeable when helping us make decisions for the long-term. I could tell they’d done this kind of design work before.” – Marty, IKD customer

One important decision when designing IKEA cabinets for aging in place is to choose drawer storage in the kitchen instead of cabinets. Pairing roomy MAXIMERA drawers with SEKTION cabinet frames prevents homeowners from having to get down on their knees and search for items. Instead, the items come to them.

We also consider clearance for present or future mobility aid devices and suggest opting for lower island seating rather than the popular (but sometimes impractical) bar seating options.

Incorporating Rev-A-Shelf internal organizers helps with aging in place, as well, with items like pullout trash cans (including a motorized touch-to-open option) and pulldown shelves. These prevent homeowners from having to climb high step stools to access items.

2. IKEA Kitchen Designs for ADA Requirements

Our familiarity with ADA requirements and IKEA products makes it possible for us to design attractive, affordable kitchens that function well for those who are differently abled. Because each kitchen design package is tailor-made for our customers, we can focus on elements that will make life easier for you or your loved one.
Comment “I chose IKD for a few reasons. Their designs are cheap when you compare them to other designers in our area, and they don’t try to get you to buy expensive custom cabinets. My daughter is in a wheelchair and nonverbal, and most of our money goes towards medical bills.

IKD worked within our budget at IKEA, and they knew things I didn’t trust to the planners that you always see at IKEA. Like including a wider walkway and turnaround space in the kitchen. They even helped us with other parts of the house, like the bathroom and closets. I’m very pleased with how it all turned out.” –Liza, IKD customer

Our designers know how to hack cabinets so that the countertops come to 34” in height for wheelchair users, as the ADA requires. This height difference makes it easier for those inclined to cook to help in the kitchen and provides a comfortable and accessible eating area. Mobility is vital in ADA-compliant designs, and we know that wheelchairs need a 60” turning space or an area in which they can easily make a three-point turn.

IKD may also suggest Rev-A-Shelf accessories to make life easier for those using mobility devices, like pullout waste containers with long handles. Tip-out trays make it easier to access dishwashing items, and storing items in drawers instead of doors can also provide easy access for wheelchair users.

3. IKEA Kitchen Designs for the Family

Once upon a time, children were seen and not heard, but those days are gone. Now, the focus is on inclusivity. Parents want to teach children essential life skills by including them in daily activities. The kitchen allows this parenting philosophy to thrive, but most aren’t designed for child access.

Our designs help change that.

“One of my favorite memories growing up was making cutout cookies with my mother at Christmas. I wanted my kids to have those memories, too. IKD helped me design an island with two levels so the kids could sit across from me while I baked. I try not to force them, but most of the time when I’m filling pies or rolling out dough, they’ll ask to join in. And it’s so easy for them to hop up in a seat across from me, grab cookie cutters or rolling pins from the drawers, and pitch in.” –Lili, IKD customer

IKD can design lower-level countertops to make the kitchen work better for small children. We often plan roomy islands with plenty of seating and ensure your kitchen is divided into work zones. Organizing your kitchen into zones makes it easier to set clear boundaries. For example, you may want to let your children in areas with the island, fridge, and sink, but you may not want them near the stove or the food prep (a.k.a. food chopping) zones.

Consider products like a Whirlpool fridge with drawers, the BOLMEN step stool from IKEA, and Rev-A-Shelf’s pullout storage solutions to keep cooking supplies and ingredients accessible to children.

We support keeping children of all ages engaged in the kitchen. IKD has designed kitchens that include device charging stations, so your teen or tween won’t even have to leave their phone behind when helping you cook or wash up (likely against their will). We can design a charging station on an end cap using a cabinet hack, as we did in this article, or we can include the Rev-A-Shelf charging drawer in your design.

IKD Designs IKEA Kitchens for All

You deserve a kitchen designed to work with you instead of against you. No matter your unique needs and wants, IKD’s professional designers are here to make your kitchen more organized, beautiful, and accessible.