Universal Design Under $80,001

After Tenhulzen Residential completed a main floor primary suite addition for this family, the homeowners returned to them for help updating their primary living spaces for aging in place. Adhering to universal design requirements, Tenhulzen relocated the island cooktop, removed the massive brick oven wall and created a kitchen and family room conducive for future walker or wheelchair access.

Demolishing the solid brick oven wall and chimney was a challenge. Moving the heavy debris from the backyard scaffold to the dump truck in the driveway took a full week. The result was worth it: Barrier-free stained cherry kitchen cabinets with wider passageways, more light, better functionality and ample storage for all the items that once cluttered the ceiling and counterspace. 

The Tenhulzens then raised the sunken living room floor flush with the kitchen and installed an efficient gas fireplace to replace the drafty wood-burning fireplace there before.

Double ovens were a must for seasonal events that required a lot of baking (7).  And instead of installing the microwave in the island, the family chose to dedicate that space to storage drawers. Full-extension soft close doors and drawers conceal a lot of custom storage solutions.  One of the designated island drawers houses a spice organizer, to ensure there is always enough thyme. 

Instead of a range, the homeowners chose a cooktop designed to accommodate future flipper doors for seated access.  A simple hood with remote switch ensures proper lighting and ventilation over a decorative backsplash. Upper cabinet doors were lengthened to cover the light valence and produce a more visually finished look.