Kitchen & Bath Business - November/December 2018 - 40

Universal Design

Open to Everyone

DESIGNING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY KITCHEN
THIS PAGE The soothing, blue

A mid-century modern renovation merges
with a wheelchair-friendly design
UNIVERSAL DESIGN IS NO LONGER APPLICABLE to just the disabled and
elderly; the concept can make everyone of all ages and abilities more comfortable at home. For one family, an accessible home meant not only that
their youngest child would be able to move around freely, but that the busy
household could accommodate many guests of all ages and abilities.

BENEFITS OF A MID-CENTURY HOME

Designer Christie Leu of Chevy Chase, Md.-based Christie Leu Interiors was invited to join the architectural team of Washington, D.C.-based
Hamilton Snowber Architects in the transformation of a 1950s-dated home
into a wheelchair-friendly, modern house.The homeowners are active in the
community and have two girls and one boy, who was born with spina bifida.
"He energetically maneuvers everywhere in his wheelchair," said Leu,
describing the youngest child and his physical disability. "At three years
old, this big personality went to D.C. to lobby for access to wheelchairs for
children like him. Stop in at any time - you will find this open house filled
with children and friends."
Her clients chose this particular home because it had a horizontal floor
plan, main-floor bedrooms and a fairly flat lot, plus there was no steep incline into the home - all important for wheelchair accessibility. The house
also had space to introduce an elevator without drastically changing the
floor plan. However, this home was built in the 1950s and had not been
updated since.
"This was not a 'Mad Men'stylishly maintained version of a 1950s home,"
said the designer."Navigating our way around the layout, plan and size of the
kitchen to accommodate for the clients'lifestyle was a challenge we were able
to overcome only through strategic design."

lower cabinets and tile keep
the white-slab, mid-century
modern-style doors from
looking too simple for the
family home.

"Now the clients' son can
use the kitchen with a lower
sink and workspace next to a
standard-height countertop for
his mom and dad," said Leu.
"When his sisters invite him
for a sleepover on the second
floor, he will be there! He can
roll into all three showers and
can reach the basement via
the walnut-paneled elevator."

BY ERINN LOUCKS

Hamilton Snowber Architects worked with Leu
on the floor plan strategy, which was inspired by
the home's original 1950s style.To create the characteristic great room feel, they first opened the wall
between the kitchen and dining room.
"Without walls, it is easy for a wheelchair to
move, and it adds a wonderful flow within the
house," said Leu.
Using ArchiCAD Software for construction
and 3D renderings, the team created floor and
counter space for everyone in the family plus their
guests.Instead of an island,they included a lowered,
30-in.-high peninsula with a sink; this way the
youngest child can easily wash his hands and participate in cooking activities from his wheelchair.
"The table-height peninsula gives the room seating
and an interesting variety of heights that conventional
kitchens don't have," said Leu, also adding that the
lack of an island provides more floor space for guests.
In addition to the lowered peninsula, there is a
microwave drawer for the son to use.The dual oven
also has a toaster oven feature, which keeps the
countertop clear of an extra appliance and allows
for better accessibility.
The new kitchen nods to mid-century modern
design through its slab cabinet doors and minimal cabinet pulls. For a cheery, family-friendly
palette, the white walls, ceiling, upper cabinets
and countertops are contrasted by light blue lower
cabinetry and a matching subway tile backsplash.
Two transparent globe pendants above the island
complete the light and airy space.

Kitchen & Bath Business / NOV.-DEC. 2018 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

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Kitchen & Bath Business - November/December 2018

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