Tricky galley kitchen design for elderly person

last year

My mother-in-law is very keen to have her kitchen redone, and it is in a terrible state to be fair, basically worn out. She's been wanting this for some time, but my late father-in-law couldn't face the upheaval. Now Mum's on her own, she'd like it done, and my husband has said he will fit it, but we're struggling to fit everything she's asking for into the available space, keeping it safe for her. She's 91, not always stable on her feet, and not very tall, so can't reach up too high. Currently she has two rows of wall cupboards, and she can no longer use the steps to reach the top ones (phew!) so we'll keep it simple with fewer wall cupboards and a big sort out. She'd like drawer units under the worktop. The biggest challenge (beyond the sorting out) is that the kitchen is the route to the conservatory which impacts options, plus there's an awkward bit of wall jutting out behind the boiler cupboard. Floorplan as it is now with measurements is attached for reference and if anyone has any inspiration to help we'd be very grateful.

We're thinking we'll move the washing machine into the conservatory, just the other side of the wall to where it is now, which will buy some space in the kitchen. If she has the eye level oven, that will take a lot of workspace given how small the kitchen is.

We think we need to include:

Hob (possibly 2 ring induction)

High level oven

Microwave (currently has a counter top one, new in 2022)

Freestanding fridge/freezer (current one not that old)

Slimline dishwasher

Pan drawers wherever possible

Sink and drainer (we think single sink will do to save space)

Extractor hood

Cutlery/utensil/tea towel drawers

Broom cupboard (currently under the boiler, in the same cupboard)

The Howden's design that was done a few years back had plate racks above the sink, which we may have to include if Mum asked for those!

Many thanks in advance, Angie

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Comments (7)

katlucy
last year
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
katlucy
last year
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Thank you so much Jonathan for taking time to draw something out. Your alternative is close to a path we did consider, but the cooker is dual fuel and moving the gas to the r/h side now is a no-no. Moreover, the external wall is on the left side (as you look at the picture) and this is where the extractor must go given the way the beams run. Practical considerations eh! Re Independent help. I agree, and we have gone down this path (with independent shops), but all the designs presented so far have been...uninspired. Just to be absolutely clear, as I think my sketch is a little confusing, in my own example there are no units proposed down the right hand side; just a f/f at the nearest end. In this respect, I'm not quite sure where the space saving would be between your own and mine, but I'm likely just being a bit dense? (Do ignore the circle on the end of the "G"; that was a draft suggestion from my wife which I didn't erase from my sketch!) Many thanks again.
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Angie
Original Author
last year
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
Sonia
last year
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.
Angie
Original Author
last year
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
Jonathan
last year
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.
Angie
Original Author
last year
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

Tricky galley kitchen design for elderly person

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