Recession Remodel Kitchen Team
 
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Date Created:
September 3, 2009
Category:
Lifestyle »
Home Improvement
Group Type:
Public
Owner:
jennifervds Offline
jennifervds
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Recession Remodel Kitchen Team

We are the AARP "Recession Remodel" contest design team working on the kitchen remodel in Richfield, North Carolina. This group page will have project updates and photos as we progress through this project. The designers are: Amy Baucom, Allied Member, ASID; Calvin Hefner, ASID; and Jennifer Thompson, Allied Member, ASID. Feel free to post comments and ask questions! Thanks for visiting our group!

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Older Workers: Interior Decorating/Design
By: roesch01 on September 15, 2009 | Posts: 3 | Latest Post By: jennifervds on September 16, 2009
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Entry to Dining Room.JPG
 
Judy's Kitchen.JPG
 
Kitchen Nook.JPG
 
Painting Covers Window.JPG
Original Hardwood Floors.JPG
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AARP Recession Remodel contest winner is from North Carolina
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Continuation..

 

So we left off needing a place for a refrigerator, freezer, oven, and microwave…
 
In keeping with universal design principles, we needed to ensure that these appliances would be easy for Judy to reach. That being said, we decided to go with refrigerator and freezer drawer units as opposed to an upright model. We also decided to use a wall oven instead of a range, because the oven could be placed a little higher to minimize bending while holding a potentially heavy or hot dish.
 
The refrigerator and freezer drawer units would need to be located beneath a countertop and preferably beside each other. There was adequate space for this on the wall opposite the cooktop, so we agreed on that location. Other benefits to placing the units there included the long expanse of countertops above them which provided a wonderful food preparation area, and the close proximity of the units to the sink for washing vegetables, etc.
 
In order to eliminate carrying heavy dishes from one area of the kitchen to another, we agreed that the wall oven would be located within the central kitchen area with the other appliances. If need be, Judy would be able to slide the heavy dish across the countertop and only lift it to place it into the oven. Following the same concept, we decided that the microwave would be located above the wall oven, and we’d incorporate a pull-out shelf between the two.
 
Now that the appliances had been placed, we could fill in with the cabinetry that Judy so desperately needs! One wall of the kitchen (where her refrigerator currently sits) has been left free of appliances in order to accommodate a tall cabinet that will serve as Judy’s pantry. This cabinet will have shelves and drawers that pull out so Judy won’t need to reach in. Since Judy lives alone, the single cabinet will be able to meet all of her food storage needs. Two lower drawer units and sets of upper cabinets will also be located on this wall. In addition to this cabinetry, corner base cabinets with Lazy Susans, several upper cabinets, and an appliance garage will be installed to help meet Judy’s storage needs.
 
What about eating? Although Judy does have a dining room, there are times when her guests exceed its capacity and other times when she’d just like to eat informally in her kitchen. Because Judy’s nook is so small, adding a table really isn’t an option. To help with this issue, we’ve designed an eating counter that will wrap around two of the walls of the nook. This counter will be at a lower table height instead of standard counter height, which will allow Judy to use this area for multiple functions. It will be convenient to her new laundry room, so she can use the counter space for folding clothes. Judy often uses her laptop computer, so it can be used as office space. If, for any reason, Judy requires the use of a wheelchair, the lower height will allow for food preparation from a seated position. And, of course, she can eat there!
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