Performance for All  

To describe performance in a sustainable and modern way, it needs to embrace wellness alongside aesthetics, products, and codes. The Oxford Dictionary defines wellness as “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.” Making wellness a goal for residential design and construction means considering how to best enhance the health, comfort, productivity, and efficiency of occupants. Especially for high-use areas like the kitchen, setting wellness as a standard means rethinking materials, features, and layouts.

All Photos courtesy of BLANCO

The most sustainable kitchen design will accommodate wellness for all, regardless of age or ability level.

Selecting Materials for Wellness Goals

Today’s kitchens face multiple demands from diverse user groups. The kitchen may be placed in a universal design, requiring open accommodation of users aged infant through elderly; it may be serving multiple duties in a tiny home; or it may simply be trying to keep up with a young and growing family.

At the center of the kitchen space is the sink. Since a significant part of all kitchen work happens at the sink, having a sink that is properly designed and easy to use becomes very important. Paying attention to the unique combination of space and user requirements helps guide the selection of the best sink size, style, and material. The selected material will have an impact on the entire kitchen’s design and aesthetic, as well as how healthy and usable the sink will be. To promote wellness across all user groups, each material should be carefully considered for its cleanability, hygienic properties, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Sink Material Types

Stainless Steel

Today, the most popular material for kitchen sinks remains stainless steel. As a flexible material, stainless steel sinks are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and types. Stainless steel is heat, stain, and chip resistant.

Stainless steel sinks create a nonporous, hygienic, durable product. Leading manufacturers are introducing nontraditional stainless steel sink designs, including apron-front farmhouse styles.

Stainless steel is classified in terms of gauge. A lower gauge number means slightly thicker steel was used in the sink’s construction, while a higher gauge number means thinner steel was used. Most sinks fall within the 16-gauge to 24-gauge range, with the majority of residential sinks falling between 18 gauge and 22 gauge. However, it is important to note that the actual difference between gauges is small. For example, the difference in thickness between a 16-gauge and 18-gauge sink is only ¹⁄₁₆ inch.

To add extra aesthetic appeal to the stainless steel, manufacturers may offer a variety of different finishes, from satin to glossy.

A superior stainless steel sink is made of 304 series alloy stainless steel, featuring the highest-quality 18/10 chrome-nickel formulation. These two numbers are the ultimate factor in deciding stainless steel sink quality. Type 304 stainless steel contains 18–20 percent chromium and 8–10.5 percent nickel. Type 304 therefore contains more chrome and nickel and has a higher corrosion resistance than types 201, 202, 301, and 302. This formulation creates a nonporous material, providing a hygienic, rust free, and extremely durable product. Certain manufacturer finishes, such as a satin polished finish, help to create an enduring, easy-to-clean luster that is impervious to water stains and calcium deposits.

However, stainless steel sinks do have drawbacks. As a material, stainless steel easily conveys noise, so sound-deadening pads or a spray coating should be incorporated to reduce sink noise from running water and the garbage disposal. Stainless steel also can scratch more easily than other sink materials and is liable to show water spots. Low-quality stainless steel sinks with uneven finishes can quickly discolor and may allow bacteria to grow in finish flaws.

Luckily, leading manufacturers have created a unique material innovation to address these issues: specially finished stainless steel with a velvet-matte aesthetic and homogenous structure. This finish makes the stainless steel more than twice as hard in comparison to traditional stainless steel, highly resistant to scratches, and almost impervious to fingerprints. While prices are dependent upon the gauge, chrome/nickel content, series quality of material, size, and mounting type, stainless steel offers an affordable and durable material choice for the kitchen sink.

The highest-quality composite sinks offer unique material advantages, including scratch-, heat-, and stain-resistant features, along with a nonporous surface with antibacterial properties.

Composite Sinks

An emerging sink material over the past decade, composite sinks are usually made from either a granite or quartz composite. The crushed stone is mixed with a resin filler. These sinks vary in quality and composition, and quality can be discerned by how the sinks are certified. While quartz and plastic composite sinks tend to have stone content below 70 percent and are regulated under “plastic plumbing fixtures,” the leading granite composite sinks feature an average ratio of up to 80 percent stone to 20 percent resin. This combination produces a material that shares the aesthetic qualities of real granite or quartz, without the maintenance and durability issues associated with solid stone sinks. True granite composite sinks featuring an 80 percent stone ratio are certified under “terrazzo, concrete, composite stone, and natural stone plumbing fixtures.” It also allows for a range of color options, depending on the manufacturer. The variable color palette allows it to pair well with a variety of natural stone and granite countertops.

Granite composite sinks are tough and highly resistant to stains and scratching, but, as a general rule, true granite composites have a higher durability than quartz composites due to the actual material formula. The leading granite composite sinks also boasts heat resistance up to 536 degrees Fahrenheit, exceptional cleanability with hydrophobic finishes, and resistance to household acids and alkali solutions. Harsh chemicals are not required for cleaning; a clean, soft cloth is appropriate for everyday use, while baking soda works well on tough stains. Entry-level composite sinks have a price point comparable to cast iron and can increase from there, depending on material and color.

There often is confusion about 100 percent natural stone versus man-made materials like granite composite. For example, stone, while natural, is a porous material, so it can be less hygienic and require more maintenance and harsher cleaners. Durability is also a factor with natural versus man-made materials. The best composite sinks are not a coating, but rather the material is consistent throughout the sink.

The highest-quality composite sinks are very easy to clean, scratch proof, and stain resistant, and leading manufacturers have developed nonporous surfaces with antibacterial properties. All of this means a sink that lasts and performs, all while being easy to maintain.

Cast Iron

One of the oldest materials used for sinks, cast iron remains a popular design choice. To manufacture the sink, a glossy porcelain enamel finish is fused over a cast iron base. Because the outer finish is an enamel, cast iron sinks come in a range of colors that offer good resistance to fading. The durable, glossy enamel also resists stains and scratching.

Cast iron sinks do have several drawbacks; principle among these are their weight. Cast iron sinks can easily weight in at more than 100 pounds, up to three times more than a stainless steel sink, meaning difficulty in installation and sometimes the need for additional supports. The weight of cast iron also impacts cabinet choices; selected cabinets must be structurally sound to provide adequate support for the sink over time. Additionally, if the sink’s enamel coating does chip, the cast iron beneath is highly susceptible to rust, necessitating repair.

Cast iron also is more expensive than stainless steel, with designer color selections carrying a premium price tag.

Fireclay

Fireclay sinks are manufactured by molding ceramic clay into the desired shape, allowing the clay to dry, and then applying porcelain enamel at extremely high temperatures. This process effectively fuses enamel to the clay, helping to enhance the sink’s strength. Because the clay base determines the shape, fireclay sinks are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and can suit any installation method. Fireclay sinks are highly resistant to scratches, staining, and chipping, and they are easy to clean. Fireclay sinks are most commonly associated with farmhouse or apron-style sinks. Both the shape and material bring a rustic countryside aesthetic to any classic or contemporary kitchen design.

However, fireclay can be more prone to chipping than other sink materials, requiring proper installation and care to minimize this risk. The enamel coating can also chip under impact from dropped pots and pans.

Fireclay kitchen sinks do command a price premium and tend to be one of the more expensive material options.

Natural Stone

Designers are experimenting with natural stone sinks to match or complement natural stone countertops in kitchens. While some materials, like soapstone, resist stains well, many natural stone sinks easily stain and will need proper maintenance and sealing to remain hygienic. Stone surfaces are often porous, leading to development of bacteria.

Sink size, depth, drain location, and maintenance are all factors that contribute to ergonomics and wellness in the kitchen.

Using Sink Specifications to Promote Wellness

Ergonomics and functionality are key virtues for any kitchen and any kitchen sink. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines ergonomics as fitting a job to a person. Creating a best fit for anticipated users and their needs helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity, and reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

These same principles of ergonomics are at work in residential design. Thinking about potential user groups in the kitchen and adapting design usability means crafting a best fit and selecting a sink to improve productivity and alleviate potential stressors and irritants during the course of everyday use. The size, depth, drain location, ease of maintenance, and mounting type of a sink all impact its potential “fit” profile. These considerations then develop a project’s sink specifications.

Sink Size

A sink is one of the hardest-working fixtures in the kitchen, and the bottom of the sink is the surface where the homeowner conducts most of the work, like prepping and cleaning. Maximizing the size of any sink at its base is critical to a sink’s functionality. Verifying that a sink has the same width at both top and bottom means exploiting every inch of the sink’s utility, especially at the base.

Single-basin sinks are usually available in compact sizes, making them ideal for situations where overall space is at a premium. The basin of a single-bowl sink will offer more usable space than that of a double-bowl sink designed to fit into the same opening. A larger basin makes cleaning large dishes and pans much easier.

Double-bowl sinks remain the standard in a majority of existing kitchens. The double-basin design offers flexibility to the user, effectively creating two workstations. However, double-basin designs should still be able to comfortably accommodate large dishes and pans to maintain their functionality, and this may require more space. To maximize ergonomics, certain manufacturers offer a double sink with a low divide. This allows for divided work zones while avoiding the stress of shifting heavy pots up and over a full divide.

Sink Depth

Ergonomics and sink depth are vitally linked. As most work takes place at the base of a sink basin, that basin should never be so deep as to force the user to bend over, placing stress on one’s back, shoulders, and arms. The ideal sink depth should be based on the individual needs and physicality the client.

While there is no perfect formula for identifying an ideal sink depth, sinks are typically mounted 36 inches from the floor and can span anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in depth. Specific calculations may be made in correlation to a user’s height.

Designers and architects need to consider not only the sink’s basin depth but also the planned method of installation. For undermount sinks, the countertop may add up to 2 inches to the final sink basin depth.

Mounting Type

Sinks may be installed or mounted to surrounding surfaces using several different methods: inset (drop-in), flush mount, or undermount. While the choice of mounting type is often driven by aesthetics, the ease of maintenance, functionality, and sink type should also be considered. Before specifying a sink, it is essential to consider how the sink will be integrated into the overall design and what other materials will be used to complement its installation.

Drain Location

Sinks today not only feature center or center-rear drains, but also offer rear-corner or offset drains. To determine the best location for a drain, the main functions of the sink and the preferences of the client should be considered. Avid home chefs stacking multiple large dishes in a single-basin sink may become frustrated over a blocked central drain, and prefer an offset drain located to the side. Rear or offset drains can also save space underneath the sink. Regardless of the drain’s location, the basin should provide an uninterrupted path for draining and not allow for pooling of water.

Ease of Maintenance

As the workhorse of the kitchen, the sink is the revolving door for heavy objects, food, and potential bacteria, meaning the best sink must be durable and easy to clean. Sinks with rough, uneven, or brushed finishes can become breeding grounds for bacteria. A rough finish introduces food and food protein into the grooves and crevasses, providing a perfect environment for bacterial growth. These bacteria can form a biofilm, making it extremely difficult for bleach and other cleaning products to actively wash it away. A smooth and even finish is easier to maintain.

Kitchen sinks crafted with smooth, easy-to-clean corners that are either precisely square or perfectly curved allow for a simple and quick clean, eliminating dirt buildup and the potential for bacterial growth. Running a finger along the corner of a sink’s basin should reveal whether it is smooth and seamless, or disclose any welds or faults in the design.

For clients with an extra concern about cleanliness or ease of maintenance, maintaining a single-bowl kitchen sink is typically slightly faster and easier, due to reduced corners and edges.

Leading manufacturers also have introduced new sensor technology featuring a sophisticated start-stop interface. This creates instant, effortless water control, as water can be turned on or off without touching the faucet.

Faucets

High-quality, long-lasting materials and discerning design provide the ultimate visual and tactile experience for the kitchen faucet. Selecting faucets that undergo strict quality checks and certifications, from the ceramic cartridge to the hose, ensures longevity and ease of maintenance. Choose a faucet with high-quality fittings that prevent dirt from settling into hard-to-reach spaces. Hoses encased with easy-to-clean stainless steel offer maximum flexibility, durability, and simple maintenance. Magnetic holders simplify the removal and replacement of the spray head. Multiple sprayer settings create better control over water flow and help prevent waste.

As smart technology continues its ascension in the home, it is also changing the way home kitchens operate. While technology is not typically a term associated sinks and faucets, it highlights the groundbreaking ideas flourishing among manufacturers. Hands-free or lever-handled faucets with pullout sprayers are now available to promote ease of use. Ergonomic controls adjust and set water temperature and strength. Anti-scald devices may be added to prevent burns. Leading manufacturers also have introduced new sensor technology featuring a sophisticated start-stop interface, creating instant, effortless water control. Water can be turned on or off without touching the faucet. Innovative sensor technology is initiated with a simple wave of the hand, allowing users more freedom to operate in a high-use area, and preventing soiled hands from adding things such as meat juices to the surface of the faucet. Certain sensors also offer automatic stops, halting water flow after 90 seconds. This prevents overflowing and leaves the occupant free to concentrate on other tasks.

Custom sink accessories, designed by sink manufacturers, add functionality and maximize utility, while offering a precise way to personalize kitchens for user preference.

Accessories

More accessories are finding their way into the sink marketplace, adding functionality and maximizing utility. Accessories offer a path to truly personalize sinks for individual use. Not only do they create convenience, but quality accessories also offer beauty, durability, and functionality. Custom accessories offered by leading sink manufacturers include colanders, grids, soap dispensers, strainers, drain covers, cutting boards, caddies, compost systems, and even customized workstations, which organize utensils and knives and offer an added sink level for resting pots or rinsing fruits and vegetables. Sink accessories enhance comfort, productivity, and efficiency with their ergonomic design features; they also should be extraordinarily durable and easy to clean.

Multifunctioning accessories such as built-in cutting boards and colanders can save space—a huge concern for homeowners. Today’s sinks may come with built-in cutting boards, colanders, and magnetic caddies for cleaning tools. Accessories are available in compact sizes and are custom fit to increase sink use. Basin grids supplied by sink manufacturers help to maintain the bottom of the sink and keep dishes and other items from damaging the surface.

“When you break it down, the sink is the most-used area in the kitchen by everyone in the household,” says Tim Maicher, director/head of product management for BLANCO. “By offering optional accessories with design details that include the low divide and apron front, we created a system that not only accommodates all users but also enhances the workflow.”

Using Industry Standards to Verify Wellness and Performance

Industry codes and standards offer an independent, third-party analysis of both sink and faucet performance. These bolster confidence in the long-term performance potential of a design professional’s choice of material.

Standards for Sinks

There are several important standards for sinks. For composite sinks, IAPMO Z124-2017/CSA B45.5 covers physical requirements and test methods to assess the minimum performance requirements of materials, workmanship, and finish. Not only are composition, supporting structure, and dimensions and tolerances evaluated, but a sink under IAPMO Z124-2017/CSA B45.5 is also analyzed for its workmanship and finish, drain-fitting connection, colorfastness and aging, stain resistance, and wear and cleanability. Other tests under IAPMO Z124-2017/CSA B45.5 include a warpage tolerance test, surface examination test, subsurface examination test, water absorption, load test, defection test, impact test, knife drop, skillet drop, vibration test, ignitability, cigarette burn, chemical resistance, heated pan, hot wax, and thermal shock.

Beginning in 2018, the industry-leading composite sink became the only granite composite sink listed under standard CSA B45.8-18/IAPMO Z403-2018 Terrazzo, Concrete, Composite Stone, and Natural Stone plumbing fixtures. All other composite and quartz sinks are approved in the IAPMO Z124-2017/CSA B45.5: Plastic Plumbing Fixtures standard. Sinks that are certified under IAPMO Z403-2018/CSA B45.8-18 signify a major compositional difference between composite and true granite composite materials.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has been protecting the public’s health and safety for 93 years by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world. For sinks and faucets, manufacturers may apply for listing under the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). The main goals of the UPC are: to ensure that planners, administrators, and plumbers develop the required competency to ensure that the codes are applied and upheld; that standards are set to ensure that plumbing assemblies, materials, and technologies are safe and effective; to ensure that plumbing installations meet these standards; and to ensure safety and effectiveness continuously through the proper maintenance of these installations.

While ASME A112.18.1-2018/CSA B125.1-18 delineates kitchen faucet requirements, other standards, including AB1953 and CALGreen, offer valuable performance knowledge when comparing products.

Standards for Faucets

ASME A112.18.1-2018/CSA B125.1-18 covers plumbing supply fittings and accessories located between the supply stop and the terminal fitting, including kitchen, sink, and lavatory supply fittings. The standard includes coverage of low-pressure water dispensers, seal tests and flow rate tests for low-pressure water dispensers, a spray force test with minimum performance requirement, life-cycle testing, backflow prevention, and verification of high-efficiency flow ratings. (Note: These changes were in the last edition of the standard.)

Leading manufacturers will also demonstrate faucet compliance with the California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953), or Lead Reduction Law, which was signed into law in September 2006. This legislation requires lead reduction in products to a weighted average of no more than 0.25 percent in pipes, fixtures, and fittings.

Specifically, the Lead Reduction Law states, “No person shall introduce into commerce, for use in California, any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting, or fixture intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking water or cooking that is not lead free. This includes kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and any other end-use devices intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking.”

Only plumbing products and piping used to convey drinking water that meet this criteria can be sold in California after January 1, 2010. Currently, the AB1953 Lead Free Law is in effect for California (AB1953) and Vermont (S152).

Lead-free was added as a performance requirement in the ASME A112.18.1-2018/ASME A112.18.1-2011/CSA B125.1-11 standard. AB1953 does not replace NSF Standard 61. AB1953 specifically addresses the lead content used in the manufacturing of the products, while NSF Standard 61 is a standard that “establishes minimum health-effect requirements for the chemical contaminants and impurities that are indirectly imparted to drinking water products, components, and materials used in drinking water systems.”

Additionally, faucets may also comply with the CALGreen Residential Faucet Efficiency flow rates. The 2019 CALGreen Residential Mandatory Measures for Lavatory faucets requires a “maximum flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute (gpm) at 60 pounds per square inch (psi) and a minimum flow rate of 0.8 gpm at 20 psi.” The CALGreen Residential Voluntary Measures for kitchen faucet water efficiency and conservation requires a “maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at 60 pounds per square inch (psi).”

Under the ADA, there are five important requirements for accessible kitchen design, including accessibility requirements for the sink. An accessible sink is one located 28–34 inches above the finished floor, unobstructed for knee and toe clearance in a forward approach.

ADA and the Kitchen

The kitchen is a place for socializing with family and friends. Making changes in the kitchen space that accommodate both those with disabilities and the elderly can greatly increase usability and safety. There are specific code requirements for residences serving people with disabilities. These Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements are also gaining ground as benchmarks for aging in place and universal design.

Under ADA, there are five important requirements for accessible kitchen design as follows.

1. Clearance requirement: A 40-inch clear width is required in a pass-through kitchen, and a 60-inch clear width is required in a U-shaped kitchen, as measured from the furthest projection points.
2. Work space: While countertops may be positioned as high as 36 inches above the finished floor, to allow for knee and toe clearance, a 30-inch-wide section of counter space, 28–34 inches above the finished floor and unobstructed by base cabinets, must be provided
3. Sink: An accessible sink is one located 28–34 inches above the finished floor, unobstructed for knee and toe clearance in a forward approach.
4. Cabinets: Fifty percent of all shelf space within cabinets must be accessible, falling within one of the two reach ranges specified in ANSI Section 308.
5. Appliances: All appliances must have a clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches positioned for forward approach on the appliance.

For more information on requirements, visit www.accessibility-services.com/accessible-kitchen-design.

Specific to kitchen sinks, under the ADA requirements, the sink should be 5–5¹⁄₂ inches deep to allow space for a wheelchair to go underneath and not be so deep as to make it difficult for a seated person to reach to the bottom of the sink. This depth is derived from the ADA maximum counter surface height of 34 inches, an average counter thickness of 1¹⁄₂ inches, and the ADA minimum distance between the floor and bottom of sink, set at 27 inches.

Since a significant part of the work in a kitchen happens at the sink, having an ADA-compliant sink that is easy to use is also very important. Hands-free or lever-handled faucets with pullout sprayers can be considered for ease of use. These also may be best mounted to the side rather than at the back of the sink. Anti-scald devices may be added to prevent burns. Certain manufacturers are also incorporating ergonomic levers and smart sensor controls to further ease of use. Levers easily set an occupant’s desired water temperature and strength settings. Faucets that integrate sensors use a start-stop feature to turn the water on and off, ensuring water waste prevention. Kitchen chores are made frustration free thanks to sensor technology.

The architect and designer must proceed with caution when pursuing an ADA kitchen. While many individual products, such as cabinet units and sinks, may advertise ADA compliance, it is the kitchen as a whole—the sum of the parts—that will earn certification. The design of an accessible kitchen is one that involves all the elements in the space.

While not required under universal design or aging-in-place designs, ADA-compliant kitchens help ensure suitability and adaptability for a range of users over their lifetimes. Developed by Ronald Mace, AIA, universal design refers to design that works to ensure products and buildings can be used by virtually everyone, regardless of their level of ability or disability. Likewise, the movement to incorporate aging in place into design means to create the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

Emphasizing wellness in the kitchen results in creating a healthier living space and allowing occupants to live at their best.

Wellness in the Kitchen

What is wellness? “Health” and “home” are two words that are not traditionally used together—but this is rapidly changing. As of August 2019, there were 848 million Google searches for “wellness design,” reports Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, author of the book Wellness by Design. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness real estate is the third-fastest growing wellness market (Fast Company). Gold defines wellness design as the practice of creating spaces that support the physical and emotional health of their occupants. Wellness design can cover all kinds of built environments.

According to Gold, occupants are more interested than ever in exploring the vital links between where and how well they live. Gold’s professional focus is directly on “wellness design,” the term for creating healthier living spaces and unlocking benefits in the place that matters the most to you: your home.

When it comes to the kitchen, wellness incorporates a broad spectrum of topics encompassing safety, healthy eating, aging, and more, according to Gloria Graham Sollecito, AKBD. “There is artfulness in every aspect of crafting a kitchen,” she says. “It is not just in the aesthetics but also being mindful about wellness and function.” This philosophy directs the decisions at Sollecito’s firm, Artful Kitchens.

Sollecito outlines several key strategies to embrace wellness in a kitchen design: mindful materials, natural light, fresh food, ventilation, and elder considerations.

“Using our resources efficiently includes selecting renewable resources whenever possible and doing the research to make sure you are using responsibly grown and harvested woods,” Sollecito notes. Brands that offer responsibly and sustainably sourced materials will display their certifications prominently on company websites and literature, making these products easy to identify.

“People are also more aware than ever of chemical sensitivities, so it pays to educate yourself on subjects such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” explains Sollecito. She notes that while formaldehyde is a frequently cited concern, the potential for mold growth is another vital issue to address. “It is important to use materials that do not promote bacterial and mold growth, especially on work surfaces. Quartz, because it is nonporous, does not trap bacteria or mold,” she adds. Smart material choice ensures not only initial wellness but also that occupant health and well-being will be maintained and preserved over time.

“You do not want materials that create safety issues,” Gold agrees, “whether it is off-gassing cabinets or flooring, for example.”

For Sollecito, anchoring the kitchen around natural light is another key wellness design strategy. “Light does not only fill an obviously functional purpose, but it also has a significant effect on mood,” she says. “The correct lighting can transform a space.” For redesign projects, Sollecito advises considering whether the space allows for a new or larger window. Natural light also can be enhanced by selecting lighter-toned and more reflective finishes.

A kitchen designed with wellness in mind embraces high design, functionality, performance, indoor air quality, and the most hygienic and maintainable materials.

The move toward eating natural, fresh, farm-to-table cuisine is gaining in popularity. This shift has changed our storage needs in the kitchen, according to Sollecito. “If possible, I love to customize the refrigeration and locate it where you need it. For example, a set of under-counter refrigerator drawers in the food-prep zone works well as a supplement to the main fridge. Also, designate open shelving for produce that should not be refrigerated.”

Lack of ventilation will sabotage even the most mindful material palette and design. “When I am designing a new kitchen, I always try to educate my clients on the importance of good ventilation, especially if you are using gas,” Sollecito stresses. A recent kitchen study claimed that almost half of people do not use ventilation when cooking because they do not consider it necessary. Lack of or poorly designed ventilation endangers health through the buildup of contaminants, particulates, and dust and grease film on surfaces. To preserve indoor air quality, both the right type and correct ventilation flow are necessary.

Cheryl Kees Clendenon, DGD, In Detail Interiors, Pensacola, Florida, emphasizes Sollecito’s points on ventilation, saying, “Ventilation in the kitchen, though often not a big consideration, is still the air you breathe. Keeping that air clean is so important.” Clendenon recommends the best ventilation strategy as a vent to the outside with an updraft, followed by a design using down draft to the outside, and lastly using a recirculating vent. “Recirculating venting may not be an adequate strategy, depending on the cooking you do,” cautions Clendenon. “And you must be diligent to clean the filters, regardless of the type of ventilation you have.”

Clendenon additionally emphasized the often-overlooked role that hygiene and maintenance play in kitchen wellness. “Antimicrobial surfaces like countertops are a big deal to me. We prefer antimicrobial countertops and sinks in most applications,” she says. Clendenon prefers sinks that naturally prevent bacteria, like leading composite granite and quartz models. Hygienic composition is a huge benefit. “The fact that leading composite sinks prevent 98 percent of bacteria is one of the top three selling points to me,” she says. “The icing on the cake is that the sinks are affordable for all and do not show water spots.”

Clendenon also prefers to use faucets with the ability to both spray and stream. “The ability to toggle back and forth between modes with one hand is a great design for usability,” she notes. The development from leading manufacturers of faucets with hands-free operation will further improve wellness, according to Gold. “This has advanced tremendously since it was first introduced, and I expect to see even more innovation driven by wellness concerns and technology integration,” she notes.

Wellness considerations impact the entire kitchen, beginning with design. “When we actually start the design process, we are asking questions that dig at the right answers we need from the client,” Clendenon explains. “We need to know their expected time in the home, any family mobility limitations, etc. This is a big part of our process.”

Lever-handled faucets with a pull-out spray head are among the recommendations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Aging in Place Checklist for the Kitchen.

Living in Place

Industry research from 2019 revealed that a majority of kitchens are being designed for people older than 55, with the second-most common kitchen demographic being multigenerational/families. As modern kitchens must meet wellness demands of diverse user groups, certain design priorities rise to the top.

The heart of both these design movements, when applied to kitchen design, is about making life easier in the kitchen. Incorporating universal design or aging-in-place themes into products in an aesthetically pleasing way is growing in importance. Manufacturers are increasingly looking at how to blend great functionality in an easy-to-care-for and easy-to-use design that delivers great style.

For kitchens aimed at bolstering wellness for the elderly, or anticipating an owner’s desire to age in place, simple choices can make the performance difference. “From preventing falls through something as simple as choosing the right kind of carpet, to designing beautiful, welcoming shared spaces to help address social isolation, architects and interior designers have the chance to improve, and even extend, the lives of seniors,” notes Karen Kubey, an urbanist whose practice specializes in housing and health. New York City’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) released an Aging in Place Guide in 2016, edited by Kubey, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter’s Design for Aging Committee.

Visual perception declines from middle age onward. Creating a strong color contrast improves environmental legibility for the aging. This could look like a bold color transition between counter and sink, clearly marked transitions between flooring surfaces or heights, and brightly colored cabinet hardware.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) also offers an Aging in Place Checklist for the Kitchen. The recommendations include:

• Faucets: lever handles or pedal-controlled pullout spray faucet; levered handles
• Thermostatic or anti-scald controls
• Pressure-balanced faucets
• Cabinets: accented stripes on the edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace
• Color contrast

For Gold, the process of creating a functional, beautiful kitchen to address aging in place begins on the same path as any other project. “You start with building codes and professional design standards, whether you are employing NKBA, AIA, ASID, or another organization, and proceed from there,” she says. “You want a space that meets current needs and potential future needs.” Gold stresses that not only does it give peace of mind for future accommodation, but the resale benefits of incorporating wellness and accessibility elements are also powerful since there is growing consumer demand and limited supply.

“While no one likes the ‘a word,’ as I call aging or aging in place, any of us can have a temporary injury that limits our mobility,” Gold notes. “I evoke the other ‘a,’ as in athletics, and ask clients to contemplate how they would get into the blind corner cabinet where they keep their pots if a skiing or rock climbing accident landed them on crutches for a few weeks.”

Clendenon sees many clients thinking ahead toward accommodations for aging in place. Often, ADA requirements can generate excellent design guidelines when thinking about use through aging. “We design in zones, not in the old triangle theory,” Clendenon says. “With zone design, it is easy to add a zone for a parent who may be in a wheelchair or need to sit at a counter while doing prep work. Sink bowls from manufacturers who comply with ADA sink guidelines help too, allowing us to add a specific prep zone that requires lower access.”

Clendenon emphasizes that aging in place really is all about the product selection—from making sure flooring is slip resistant to verifying that cabinets and drawers are accessible. “For aging in place, we install fewer upper cabinets and a far greater number of well-outfitted base cabinets, with big drawers for ease of use in lifting plates and cooking ware out,” she says. “We also will design microwave drawers, as these are so much easier for the older population to lift up from, rather than lift down from, as in a traditional microwave.”

“Having elderly parents makes me very cognizant of these needs,” Sollecito says. For her, simplicity and accessibility are certainly important design elements, but even color and pattern are also crucial. “As we increasingly embrace technology, it does not help those who cannot figure it out, old or young. Look for controls that are intuitive and easy to see,” she explains. “Visit a good appliance showroom, and touch and feel.” She notes that many brands will help homeowners learn how to use new appliances.

Finally, and vital to any good kitchen design but especially for those kitchens accommodating varying abilities, is ease of maintenance. Hygiene in the kitchen plays a crucial role in wellness. Kitchen sinks are known to harbor bacteria. To promote hygiene, the sink’s finish should be easy to maintain; radius corners should be smooth to the touch and easy to wipe clean. Smooth, nonporous surfaces ensure that dirt and bacteria cannot get inside, keeping the sink hygienic.

To create a shield, and avoid harsh chemicals and strenuous maintenance, certain manufacturers have patented hygienic coatings, particularly in composite sinks. Independent tests prove patented technology can reduce bacterial growth by up to 98 percent. Composite sink materials offer an excellent platform to bolster hygiene and reduce maintenance. Composed of real stone, which is then ground into fine particles that are engineered to be small and uniform, the final material creates an even, nonporous surface. This nonporous surface reduces bacterial growth simply by design, disallowing any cracks, nooks, or holes that would promote bacterial growth.

Functionality in the kitchen is the most requested element from clients. By considering the whole concept of wellness, this is ensured for all users.

Performance for All

Wellness design means a focus on the places people live. A majority of that living is done in the kitchen. The modern kitchen is a place where everyone participates in food preparation, regardless of age or ability. Cooking can be collaborative and fun if the kitchen is designed to facilitate it.

The most requested element for kitchen design is functionality, according to a 2019 industry survey. Though clients are particular about aesthetics, all clients insist on functionality. People certainly want spaces that convey their personality, but most of all, they want their kitchen to make their lives easier.

Kitchen sinks that make prepping, cooking, and cleaning a more seamless and comfortable experience for all users meet today’s need for performance, aesthetics, functionality, and wellness. The sink and faucet, when chosen thoughtfully, elevate the area to a station, with products designed to maximize its use. Optional accessories enhance these kitchen elements by creating a system that not only accommodates all users but also enhances the workflow.

While designing for wellness is nearing the top of designer priorities, there is not a set of established wellness design standards for single-family residences, notes Gold. To facilitate wellness in designs today, Gold advocates using standards that apply overall to good design and what she calls the Five Facets of Wellness Design. She defines the five features and how they apply in the kitchen as follow.

• Health and fitness: Design elements that directly contribute to physical well-being. For the kitchen, a combi-steam oven is an excellent feature example, as it facilitates healthier cooking and nutrition.
• Safety and security: Design elements that keep occupants safe and protect their privacy. For the kitchen, a properly sized and installed vent hood is an example. Another example is a professionally installed smart home system that protects the homeowner’s network, data, and privacy.
• Accessibility: Design elements that make it possible for someone of any size or ability to use the space. For the kitchen, a corner swing-out organizer is an example.
• Functionality: Design elements that make it easier to complete chores and/or reduce maintenance tasks. A well-made granite composite or stainless steel pro-style/chef sink is an example that combines both of these benefits.
• Comfort and joy: Design elements that lift spirits when they are seen or used, whether because of the memories they evoke or the creativity and personalization they embody. A custom-colored or graphic-printed appliance is an example.

Today’s kitchen is called on to create an environment that supports wellness and aesthetics for all of users while meeting codes and functional goals. Putting wellness front and center means a kitchen and its elements should enhance the health, comfort, productivity, and efficiency for occupants. “The other wellness feature is the enhanced functionality of reduced maintenance needs and greater efficiency,” Gold concludes. “Most of us would rather be enjoying our after-dinner hours relaxing, taking an evening walk or bike ride, or visiting with our loved ones, not spending extra time addressing difficult-to-clean finishes.”

For the modern kitchen, with its sink and faucet at the center, the ability to enable any occupant to actively pursue health and wellness is the new highest goal.

Additional Learning Resources

Clendenon, Cheryl Kees. In Detail.

Sollecito, Gloria Graham. Artful Kitchens.

Gold, Jamie. “Wellness by Design.” Simon & Schuster. 1 September 2020.

Amanda Voss, MPP, is an author, editor, and policy analyst. Writing for multiple publications, she also serves as the managing editor for Energy Design Update.