5. Senior-friendly kitchen: Be careful of the countertop height!
Generally speaking, most countertops are around 36 inches high, and if you choose to have some spaces that require bar stool seating, those countertops can end up being around 42 inches tall! While this may be great for you now, it could end up not being good for a senior kitchen. The recommendation from experts is to aim for counters that are anywhere between 28 and 30 inches high so that even if you have a wheelchair user in your home, they can easily reach them.
Keep in mind that you should also consider your and your partner’s height when designing your cabinets and the rest of your kitchen furniture, along with any mobility issues you think could arise as time goes by!
Moreover, you should also make your cabinets easily accessible, regardless of your height and mobility. This is why you should consider investing in pull-down shelves. Likewise, for your pantry, look at all options, which also include the likes of spin-out and pull-out shelves, corner and pull-out drawers and pantries, and many more!
When we talk about buying furniture as you get older, things get a little tricky. In order to help you not have to invest more after you retire, make sure your furniture is senior-appropriate so you can hold onto it for longer! Read all about the best tips for buying senior-appropriate furniture here!