Kitchen Design for Aging in Place
Last week, we explored design strategies that make bathrooms safer and more functional for aging in place. This week, we’re shifting to the kitchen—a space that sees daily use and presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for aging-friendly design.
Joining us again is Laurel Trahan, CMC and President of Age at Home NH in Concord, who brings more than 15 years of hands-on experience helping adults stay in the comfort of their homes. Her insights highlight how even small changes in the kitchen can support independence and reduce everyday risks.
Countertops at Varied Heights
Standing at one fixed height doesn’t work for everyone. Laurel notes that when clients are planning a kitchen remodel, “having a little station where you can pull up a seat to do any kind of prep work makes a huge difference.” Lowering a section of the countertop allows for seated use, which helps those with limited endurance or balance.
And for clients who use mobility aids—or should be—Laurel points out that “the countertops often become the surfacing station, something to grab onto to help with mobility.” So it’s important that counter height works with how someone moves through their space, not just how it looks.
Keep Everyday Items Within Reach
One of the biggest hazards in the kitchen?
Climbing. “Anytime you leave your feet from the floor, especially as you age, you’re increasing fall risk,” Laurel emphasizes. That means minimizing the need for step stools and high shelves.
Store frequently used items at arm’s reach—this might involve rethinking your cabinet layout or choosing deeper drawers over traditional uppers. Open shelving is a bonus: it’s trendy, and it can make accessing dishes and cookware safer and easier.
Lever and Touchless Fixtures
Dexterity loss can sneak up with age, especially with arthritis.
“My mom really struggles with arthritis in her hands,” Laurel shared, “and finding fixtures that don’t require a lot of grip strength has been so important.”
Lever-style handles and touchless faucets reduce strain and simplify everyday tasks like washing hands or rinsing produce. These features offer comfort now—and ease later.
Smarter, Softer Lighting 
Good lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s a safety feature. Laurel recommends motion-activated night lights at knee height, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. “Those little automatic lights are amazing,” she said. “They’re really helpful for people who get up in the middle of the night.”
Layered lighting—like under-cabinet strips and toe-kick LEDs—can reduce shadows on prep surfaces and make movement around the kitchen easier and more secure, day or night.
One of Laurel’s favorite recommendations is surprisingly simple—motion-activated nightlights placed low to the ground throughout the home.
“I love the automatic nightlights that come on and are knee-high or lower,” she said. “They’re especially helpful in the kitchen and bathroom, since that’s usually where people go if they’re up in the middle of the night.”
These small lights reduce trip hazards in dark spaces and make it easier to navigate without turning on bright overhead fixtures. When placed in hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens, they offer quiet, consistent support—especially for nighttime routines.
Final Touches: What to Prioritize
Aging in place isn’t just about function—it’s about dignity, comfort, and staying connected to the home you love. As you adapt a kitchen for long-term independence, consider:
- Reducing the need to reach or climb
- Designing surfaces for both seated and standing use
- Choosing fixtures that are easy on hands and joints
- Using lighting to support safety and visibility
- Embracing a layout that makes daily tasks feel easy—not exhausting
Where Rumford Stone Can Help
While cabinetry and fixtures play a big role in kitchen safety, stonework can support aging in place in ways that are often overlooked:
- Custom countertops at functional heights
- Durable, low-maintenance materials that hold up beautifully over time
- Seamless backsplashes and easy-to-clean surfaces that simplify daily care
For homeowners planning a kitchen renovation—or making simple upgrades now that prepare them for later—Rumford Stone offers fabrication expertise and custom design support to help create a kitchen that’s as smart as it is stylish.
For more information on Age at Home, please visit: https://www.ageathomenh.com/
