Kitchen renovation ideas for retirement

Planning for retirement generally revolves around financial security, but it’s also important to prepare your home for accessibility purposes. Our checklist on kitchen renovation designs for retirement may help your peace of mind.

1. The right kitchen renovation at the right time

Planning a kitchen renovation in your thirties is usually based on family needs and entertaining, whereas planning for retirement is more focused on ease of use. Considering the average life of a kitchen is around 15 years, planning in your forties and fifties is realistic.

2. Retirement-friendly kitchen designs

There's plenty to consider in the design of a retirement-friendly kitchen. Heights of work areas and easy access to storage are important. Height-adjustable kitchen bench tops, side-opening ovens and raised dishwashers are a good idea, as is pull-down shelving. Drawers are easier to access than cupboards and lever handles offer better manoeuvrability for arthritic hands.

3. Maximise the kitchen space

Extra space in doorways and between benchtops will allow access for walking frames and wheelchairs if required in the future. Non-slip, soft flooring is preferable. Tiles can be cold and harsh on your back, while rubber and timber floors provide warmth and cause less strain. Under-bench appliances will also strain your back, so are best avoided.

4. Use vibrant kitchen colours

Our ability to distinguish colours deteriorates as we age - stronger colours are more appealing and help separate kitchen zones and can assist with daily kitchen tasks. Electric cooktops (especially induction) are a safer option than gas, as it's more difficult to see if a gas flame is still burning.

5. Set a renovation budget

Careful planning and budgeting is important. Simple things like correct work heights and walkways shouldn't incur any further costs. However, you may need to compromise on some of the dressy items to compensate for something that makes your life easier. For example, choosing laminate doors instead of vinyl wrap may make the difference between affording drawers instead of cupboards.

6. Find a suitably skilled kitchen renovator

If you're thinking about renovating your kitchen for retirement, search the net and look for a kitchen designer who has experience in designing for elderly and/or disabled people. Discuss their experiences and your design aims and you'll be on your way to cooking up a storm in retirement.

Contact an expert in kitchen renovations to discuss your retirement options: