Hi Angie,

I have similar issues with my parents….a 70/80’s kitchen that is no longer as practical for them in their 90’s but very reluctant to get a new one.

They have got around the undercounter oven by having two microwave ovens, one used mostly as an oven and the other a microwave when needed at the same time. Does take up a fair bit of workspace but they love them.

I had a play with your dimensions……i wondered if you could deepen the worktop on the left in line with the boiler front you could have a low shelf for everyday things.

if you could forfeit some light from the right window you could perhaps have taller units along the right wall…a larder cupboard with a pull out shelf at the narrowest end…..perhaps incorporating a microwave oven?

Could the door to the conservatory open into the conservatory to allow a corner dishwasher

Thanks katlucy, hadn’t thought of bringing the line of cabinets forward to match the wall behind the boiler. I like where you’ve put the dishwasher, as the currently proposed place creates a trip hazard. Problem is, it means the draining board to the left of the sink in and awkward corner, but it may have to be that way. Sadly the door can’t be changed. We only recently had it changed to a low threshold door, and even so, there is a big step down into the conservatory which could be hazardous with the door opening out. The whole place is hazardous one way or another! We had wondered about a combi microwave but learning new things can be a challenge so it might not work. Do think an induction hob would be a good idea though, although it will necessitate new saucepans. I have wondered whether a bifold door on the angled wall might be an idea to save space in the room. There is so much stuff in the kitchen atm, much of which needs to go but when one is hoping to entertain in due course, it’s hard to persuade to dispose of things. We may put the old units in the garage for things less often used, to keep the kitchen clear for essentials. Thanks again for your ideas. Angie

Angie, I wonder if using Karen at One Plan would be of use to you? She does amazing plans and lots of Houzzers have used her. Look on her page under Professionals for more info. One little thing is make sure the microwave is not up high. I see that in some kitchens and they look like an accident waiting to happen. I have pan drawers and they are so easy to access so a good choice. You can check whether her current pans are suitable for an induction hob by using a magnet. If the magnet sticks then they will be fine.

Thanks Sonia. Yes, Karen is on my mental list of people to use at some point in my future! Not sure mother in law would want to pay! She still thinks in 1970s prices, which made ordering food on holiday interesting! Good point about the magnet, will check her pans next time we visit. She wants the microwave above the oven, but I think that’s too high, as you say, an accident waiting to happen. We’re planning to do the bare minimum as we’re not sure how much longer she can manage on her own, but want her to be happy while she is still in the bungalow. It’s been her dream for so long now that we want to try and make it happen for her. Angie

If it’s not easy to access wall cabinets consider making the counter space and the lower cabinets deeper.

Pull outs make it easier to access things, good quality lighting is essential, and an induction hob and boiling water tap are safer than alternatives.

Thanks Jonathan, and a really good point about boiling water taps. Currently a kettle tipper is in use so a boiling water tap could be really helpful. We reckon much of the contents of existing cupboards is, er, surplus to requirements. It’ll be safe in the garage, and will most likely soon be forgotten. Angie