Designing Kitchens for a Healthy Lifestyle

As we approach the second anniversary of Covid-19 entering our lives, it feels appropriate to reflect on how we can become the best, healthiest version of ourselves. Since the start of the pandemic, the focus on our wellness has been more prevalent than ever. Most of the general healthy living advice is simple: eat mostly whole & nutritious foods, exercise regularly, sleep well, and manage stress.

In recent years, Americans have stopped cooking at home and it is costing us. Obesity has been labeled an epidemic in the United States since the 1990’s. It is a multifaceted issue with many contributing factors, but the most important ones include lack of activity, a shift in dietary patterns (including larger portion sizes and unprecedented food marketing), and overall busier family lives than ever before. This combination of factors has made healthy, homemade meals feel out of reach for most families. To make matters worse, only 10% of American enjoy cooking!

Sometimes, the most daunting part of cooking a meal includes the preparation and cleanup. Luckily, there are many products available to simplify the process. The goal is to make your kitchen work for you, instead of fighting it! Here are a few examples of how you can accomplish just that:

●      Ensure your countertops stay free of clutter to allow you to start preparing food right away.

●      Keep spices close by! You can keep them organized in a drawer, a cabinet, or inside of a door to easily add flavor to every meal. Balanced, healthy meals do not have to be boring or bland!

●      Designate about an hour of your time for preparing produce once a week. This allows your family to have washed, sliced, and ready-to-eat snacks.

●      Put knives, utensils, and cutting boards in the same spot with this handy organizer.

●      Take another step out of the preparation process with this cutting board drawer. There is a stopper that can be removed to allow you to dispose of the produce scraps directly into the trash bin below.

●      Keep pots and pans organized so you can always access exactly what you need without needing to rearrange your entire cabinet.

●      Finally, restore some order to your kitchen by organizing your food storage containers! Having accessible bases and lids means no more rummaging around for a place to keep your leftovers.

These products will all help simplify the food preparation process, from start to finish. Some other helpful tips: maximize storage space and visibility with clear plastic containers in your refrigerator and pantry, plan out your weekly meals to simplify grocery shopping, and (most importantly) be realistic. If you eat out for most meals right now, then gradually scale that number back each week. Remember, perfect inconsistency is better than inconsistent perfection when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. The foundation of these good habits begins in the kitchen.

What are your favorite tips for healthy eating? Do you have any must-have products for preparing meals at home?

Design Trends for 2022

Over the years, we have witnessed some really great design trends that lasted many years, and some that couldn’t go out of style fast enough. 2022 is quickly approaching, and with that, let's look at some of the anticipated trends for kitchen design.  

Minimalism has been a popular trend for the last few years, and it looks like it's going to be here to stay for a while. In the kitchen, this looks like: 

• Clean, clutter-free counter spaces. We are going to see more “appliance garages” to hide small appliances like the toaster and air fryer.  

• For heavy appliances you don’t reach for often, consider Rev-A-Shelf's Heavy Duty Mixer Lift to maximize counter space 

• A really interesting trend that takes minimalism one step further: hidden kitchens 

• Additionally, disguising major appliances as cabinets will continue to gain popularity.  

• In more modern kitchens, hardware will be phased out. Push-to-open cabinets may start to replace the need for traditional cabinet pulls. 

• Large, organized pantries are in high demand, for both new builds and home renovations.  

• In a true pursuit of minimalism, open shelves are starting to replace traditional upper cabinets in the kitchen. They give the kitchen a more light and airy appearance, as opposed to the closed-off feeling cabinets can give in a small space. These shelves can be a way to decorate functionally, displaying dishes, cookware, or ingredients, or recipe books. 

Colors + Finishes for the Kitchen 

Everyone has their own unique taste when it comes to the finishing touches of their kitchens, but here are some of the popular trends for 2022: 

• White cabinets will continue to be a timeless choice, but natural wood finishes and neutral colors will increase in popularity 

• Sage green and midnight blue will be in high demand 

• Matte finishes are preferred for their clean look 

• Wood floors (especially low maintenance options such as luxury vinyl plank) and large tiles will continue to be consumers’ top picks  

• Two tone cabinets! Typically white or a light neutral on upper cabinets, and a darker or bolder color on the lower ones 

• Darker finishes for faucets + cabinet pulls 

• Contrasting colors throughout the room to avoid the “sterile” appearance of one color 

Trends That Apply to the Whole House:  

• Open concept floor plans have been around for a while now, but many homes are taking it a step further to create a seamless flow from room to room. Many homeowners are phasing out their L-shaped kitchen in favor of a more linear layout,  further blurring the boundaries of each “room”.  

• Smart home technology is continuing to integrate into every room of the house, and the kitchen is no exception. Smart refrigerators, Wi-Fi-enabled coffee machines, app-controlled meat thermometers, toothbrushes that let you know how well you brush, the list goes on and on!   

• Sustainable sourcing/eco-friendly products and materials will be more important than ever for many consumers.  

• Biophilic design- According to Metropolis Magazine, “Biophilic design seeks to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature in the modern built environment. An extension of the theory of biophilia, biophilic design recognizes that our species has evolved for more than 99% of its history in adaptive response to the natural world and not to human created or artificial forces. We became biologically encoded to associate with natural features and processes. Rather than being vestigial – or relevant to a world that no longer exists – this need is thought to remain instrumental to people’s physical and mental health, fitness, and wellbeing”. This can easily be achieved through houseplants, natural lighting, and good ventilation indoors.  

Designing with Living In Place in Mind

We recently hosted a KB Tribe Chat discussing the topic of Designing with Living in Place in Mind. We are huge proponents of the Living In Place Institute's mission: providing professional education to make all homes safe, healthy and comfortable for everyone. In fact, a few of our offerings have become Certified Living In Place Products!

This Twitter discussion was so rich with important information, we wanted to share what we and other industry professionals had to say.

01. How would you define Living In Place? Do you know that it differs from other principles like Universal Design and Aging In Place?

So often do people lump all of these principles together, but Living in Place differs in that it takes away the focus on aging by striving to enable people of all ages and abilities to live their best lives in their home.

Photo Courtesy of @KBIS, design by Kendall Ansell Interiors

Pic: Kohler/Tiller Press

"A place where you can be yourself, ensuring the homeowner has a safe, comfortable, and stylish space that fits their needs and lifestyle at any age."

- @KBIS

“Living in place is not yet a well-known term for creating inclusive living spaces, but it ties in w/my Five Facets of Wellness Design, which include #Accessibility, safety & functionality for all. Handheld shower heads are an example.” - @JGWellnessDesgn, CKD; CAPS; MCCWC

02. Do any of you work with Occupational Therapists when designing a Living In Place space?

There will be a round table discussion during #KBIS2021 hosted by Living In Place on this topic! K&B Ergonomics From An Occupational Therapist and Designer Perspective - Mary Fisher & Monika Lukasiewicz | Register here: http://bit.ly/2YjnW5Z

Courtesy of Homes for Our Troops

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"Having a husband with a 3 level spinal fusion among other issues, we've received good tips from his Drs and PTs." - @SusanSerraCKD

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03. SAFE | Do you have any go-to products for clients who want to ease strain, limit reach and reduce dangerous clutter?

We offer a number of Certified Living In Place Products including our 5PD/5UPD, 582 ‘TheCurve’ BC Optimizer and Pullout Waste Containers that keep hazardous cans out of walkways and in the cabinet.

"Pull-downs, pull-outs, u-drawers & corner swing-outs are vital in cabinetry, plus handheld shower heads near seats. Floating vanities & wall-mount toilets are also really helpful. Reducing clutter means clear walk aisles/lower fall risk." - @JGWellnessDesgn, CKD; CAPS; MCCWC

"Pull-out cabinets are wonderful for ergonomic design in the kitchen. They reduce strain, reach, and clutter to a marvelous degree." - @2020spaces

"We remodeled our kitchen and kept a space for a wheelchair to left of drawers for plates within reach with @REVASHELF peg board system." - @pillow_goddess

04. HEALTHY | Ample lighting has a huge impact on not only safety, but also health. Do you take into consideration the effects of certain lighting on health when creating your design?

Ample lighting is important to ease eye strain when performing tasks, safely guiding homeowners in the dark and majorly affects our Circadian Rhythm.

"As we age, it's harder to see so you can never have too much lighting! Under-cabinet lights are a must on a dark countertop" - @Stacy_Garcia

"Ample lighting in this office space prevents eye strain when working or crafting." - @WellbornCabinets

"#Lighting in the bathroom is important, especially when it refers to personal #health. The combination of natural light during the day & colored lighting, or chromatherapy in the evening can have a significant impact on our #mood & #wellness." - @AstonBath

05. COMFORT | How can you add comfort for all to a design without sacrificing aesthetic? (i.e. handrails, no threshold doors, door knobs)

There are plenty of stylish options that are also Living In Place friendly! Beautiful no threshold showers and multi-use grab bars are becoming a norm.

Have you considered how hardware choices can affect those with arthritis? The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice chic designs for comfort, just simply think a little deeper when weighing your options.

“Lever handles for passage doors work better than knobs for arthritic hands and weak grips." - @Stacy_Garcia

Here is what to avoid:

• Narrow Pulls (less than 3”) // Thick hands either won’t fit or can get stuck

• Thin Pull Handles // Sore hands need thicker pulls to grab onto comfortably

• Harsh Angles // Pulls with 90-degree angles can pinch sore hands

• Cup Pulls // Cup pulls typically don’t have an adequate surface area to grab onto safely

• T-Pulls // pulls with a bar that sticks out farther than the end screw mounts can snag clothes or be painful to pump into

• T-Knobs // Knobs shaped like a “T” put too much stress on arthritic fingers

• Small Knobs // Grasping a small knob is painful for large, sore hands

"Incorporate these additions to match the style of the home. Sometimes people need assistance, but that doesn’t mean it has to clash with the design. Handrails can have character, too." - @2020spaces

"No threshold showers don't just offer a safer use of the space... we think they look cleaner and much cooler!" - @VilgHomeStores

06. Where do you get your inspiration for Living In Place Designs?

Interiors by Design's LaDonna Eriksen | via NEBRASKA-BASED FIRM COMPLETES A LIVING IN PLACE CONCEPT HOME

"The best place, aside from contemporary and historic design, is the clients themselves. Living in Place is part of a modern movement in design focusing on individual needs and wellness." - @2020spaces

"We get a lot of inspiration right here, on this chat. There's always great ideas for new products and ways of looking at design and function." - @WindowWorksUSA

"Working with different professionals give you great ideas on what is needed in the real world. I love to learn!" - @NancyYoungDsign, CKBD; CLIPP

Customizing Storage for Each Kitchen Work Zone

by Linda Fennessy of Kitchen Magic

A kitchen zone is mainly defined by the appliances that are dispersed in the space: the fridge, stove/oven and sink areas. Moreover, these three zones are what make up everything we do in the kitchen, whether it be cooking/baking, cleaning up, washing, or eating. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s segment the 3 zones of kitchen storage.   

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The Fridge // Kitchen Zone 1

The refrigerator sees a lot of activity, becoming a prime zone for these 3 purposes:

• Storing leftovers

• Eating + snacking

• Accessing food + ingredients for meal prep

+ Air tight leftovers keep food fresh for tomorrow’s school or work lunches. A storage container organizer will ease the pain or hunting down matching lids and containers.

+ Food storage wraps stored in an organized roll out keep them organized.

+ Placing glassware storage adjacent to the fridge will provide easy access to casserole dishes and lids custom made for leftovers, providing ease or reheating and serving leftovers. An accessible lazy susan puts these dishes at your finger tips.

Storing the staples used most near the fridge makes it easy to incorporate them as you get in and out of the fridge to prepare meals and snacks.

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The Sink // Kitchen zone 2

The sink is a highly used zone, seeing the most traffic over other areas of the kitchen. An uncluttered kitchen is always a goal, but sinks should be the most uncluttered of all since its uses include soap detergents and food preparation. 

Discarding trash or recyclables can be a quick task when it’s adjacent to the sink. The best option is a pull-out version, integrated by matching cabinet doors.  

+ Creating spaces for sponges, steel and other utensil cleaning items makes washing dishes and meal clean up a breeze. The Tip-Out Tray at your finger tips, keeps your countertops clean and clear.

+ Organized drawers dedicated to flatware, as well as cabinets designed to house dishware and cups, creating access between the dishwasher and everyday dishes will make putting away dishes less of a chore. The dish-peg drawer system keeps your dishes organized.

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The stove // kitchen zone 3

Last but not least, the super busy range + oven area. If you have an open floor plan or a doorway from the kitchen to the dining room, it makes sense to locate the range/ovens nearby.

+ The Pot/Pan Organizer basically eliminates you having to crawl into the cabinet to find a pot. Imagine a world with no clanging pots at the start of dinner prep!

+ The Cloud allows for smooth flowing glide out feature for small appliances. Place warming appliances like Crockpots, mixers and blenders in the ‘cooking zone’ zone.

+ Stowing away ‘flat items’ like muffin trays can take up precious real estate. Having these items together on their sides can double your storage space. These tray dividers are designed to do just that.

“Most kitchen consultants and designers will tell you, it’s not the space you have but how you use that space. Having quick access to your kitchen tools and storing them properly may make all the difference in how your perform in the kitchen.”

— Linda Fennessy, Marketing Manager with Kitchen Magic.

Getting Your Kitchen Ready For The Holiday Season

The holiday season is meant to be spent relaxing and enjoying quality time with family and friends. Unfortunately, for many of us this time of year means our schedules are kicked into high-gear, leaving what is most important during the holiday season to the wayside.

While cooking, shopping and travel may still fill your schedule, we’ve compiled a few kitchen tips to help you stay on top of the holiday game, reduce stress and hopefully free up a little time to spend it with those you love.

Stock Up, Plan It Out

If there was ever a time to be a leader and strategize a game plan, it’s now. Holiday cooking is stressful enough, so take out the guess work and plan ahead of time with friends or family members if they are bringing a dish. As much as we all love mac and cheese, having three show up unexpectedly isn’t ideal.

Many grocery stores have caught on that sometimes schedules are too packed to even shop for groceries. Stores like Kroger, Meijer and Target now offer grocery pick-up or delivery to help free up your time.

After all of the planning and pick-ups, store your ingredients and holiday goodies in our 5343 Series Solid Bottom Tall Pullout Pantry with Soft-Close.

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Spice It Up

Now that you have everything stocked up, it’s time to ensure you have every spice you need ready to go and at reach. Staying on top of cooking a holiday dish, especially multiple, is crucial to ensuring things run smoothly and on schedule.

Keep herbs and spices conveniently stored away in a drawer with our 4SDI Series trim-to-fit Spice Organizer Insert.

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Clear The Way

When hosting a holiday get together, you need all the counter space you can get for prepping and serving, so it is essential to hide away countertop appliances. Making use of hard to organize spaces like blind corners opens up so much storage space in a crowded kitchen.

Blind corner organizers like our 5370 Series Contemporary Organizer, a.k.a. The Cloud, allows you to fulfill your storage needs above and beyond what you thought that forgotten corner could ever do.

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Check Your Tools

So, maybe you found a new, risky recipe from Pinterest that’s sure to be a showstopper at your holiday event. Unfortunately it’s going to require a few new kitchen doodads and thingamabobs. Make sure you clear out cluttered drawers to make room for your essentials and new gadgets.

Our 4WDKB Series Cut-To-Size Insert Wood Double Knife Block for Drawers is a great complete drawer system to safely store away knives and other kitchen tools.

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Toss It Out

Without a doubt the holiday season usually comes with a big mess, which means you’re going to need big time help with clean up.

Proactive cleaning is without a doubt the easiest way to go. Cleaning as the preparation and party goes is a huge relief at the end of the night.

Some feel cleaning as you go distracts from the time you could be enjoying your event and the company of family and friends. In this case, enlist some volunteers to help out after dinner. This time can be spent chatting and sipping coffee while getting the job done.

Prep for the mess and madness with our 53TM Series Quad Top Mount Waste Containers. This unit includes two 35qt. waste containers, one 8qt. container for compost and one 8qt. container for recycling.

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