Prep Areas
“Counter space is always at a premium,” Owens says, referring to the “universal reach range”—the area 18- to 48-inches off the floor that’s most easily reached by people of all abilities. “The key is to provide enough storage in this prime real estate while still having enough counter space.” In addition to having enough work area, Owens offers these considerations:
- Pay attention to the dominant hand/side of the primary user in the kitchen. Give at least 24 inches of prep space on the dominant side of the sink, and 15 inches on the non-dominant side.
- Talk about how varied heights can help all the users in the house, whether grandma needs a lower work area to make cookies with the grandkids, or mom and dad want an area at seating or desk-height to pay bills or help the kids with homework.
- Add a pull-out surface that can be used as an auxiliary prep or serving area, or a workspace that a wheelchair user could roll up to.
Photo: Owens Construction. This project shows varied-height countertops, as well as plenty of space on either side of the kitchen sink.
