Designing Cabinets for Aging in Place: How Liberty Hill Cabinets Helps Create Accessible, Beautiful Kitchens and Bathrooms

Introduction

As more homeowners choose to age in place rather than move into assisted living, accessibility and functionality have become top priorities in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. But that doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or custom design. At Liberty Hill Cabinets, we specialize in cabinetry that blends thoughtful functionality with timeless style—ensuring your home evolves with your needs.

Whether you’re remodeling for yourself, a parent, or a future-proof investment, accessible cabinet design is one of the smartest and most empowering choices you can make. In this blog, we’ll explore how to design custom cabinets for aging in place, covering ergonomic layouts, ADA-compliant features, innovative storage, and real-world design solutions that make life easier—without compromising on aesthetics.

Why Aging in Place Is Shaping Cabinet Design

According to AARP, nearly 80% of adults over 50 want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. This growing trend is transforming the way designers and remodelers think about kitchens and bathrooms.

For cabinets, this means:

• Lowered countertop and cabinet heights

• Easier-to-reach storage

• Fewer high shelves or deep bends

• Soft-close hardware

• ADA-accessible configurations

With Liberty Hill Cabinets, you can choose beautiful, functional options tailored to mobility needs while still enjoying luxury finishes and custom layouts.

Kitchen Cabinet Considerations for Aging in Place

1. Lowered Wall Cabinets

As we age, reaching high cabinet shelves becomes more difficult and even dangerous. We recommend:

• Lowering upper cabinets by 3–5 inches for better reach

• Using pull-down shelving systems inside upper cabinets

• Installing glass doors to improve visibility of contents

These small adjustments can make a major difference in day-to-day kitchen use without changing the overall aesthetic.

2. Base Cabinets with Drawers Instead of Doors

Traditional cabinets with doors often require users to bend or kneel to access items in the back. Instead, we design deep, full-extension drawers for lower cabinets.

Benefits:

• Easier access to pots, pans, and dishes

• Better organization and visibility

• Soft-close systems reduce strain on hands and wrists

3. Pull-Out Storage Solutions

Liberty Hill Cabinets offers dozens of custom pull-out options, including:

• Spice racks

• Trash and recycling pull-outs

• Pull-out pantries

• Corner cabinet swing-outs

• Roll-out trays under sinks

These solutions reduce the need for bending and reaching, creating a kitchen that’s both modern and mobility-friendly.

4. Countertop and Work Surface Adjustments

Depending on the client’s mobility needs, we can:

• Lower countertop heights to 32″ or 34″

• Leave knee clearance under counters for wheelchair access

• Install slide-out cutting boards or work surfaces at convenient heights

Bathroom Cabinet Design for Accessibility

Bathrooms are one of the most important (and most hazardous) areas to address when aging in place.

1. Floating or Open-Space Vanities

Floating vanities provide:

• Room for wheelchair users or seated grooming

• Easy cleaning underneath

• A modern, airy aesthetic

We can customize vanity depth and height to your exact specifications for long-term comfort.

2. Drawer-Focused Storage

Just like in the kitchen, drawer storage in bathrooms makes accessing toiletries, towels, and personal items easier. Full-extension drawers with soft-close hardware are ideal for reduced mobility and grip strength.

3. Built-In Grab Bars and Towel Bars

Stylish safety features are a must. We design vanities that:

• Include integrated towel bars that double as grab bars

• Provide reinforced cabinets for additional support

• Hide grab bar hardware in elegant trim

Safety doesn’t have to look institutional. Our custom designs make support features seamless and subtle.

Smart Cabinet Features That Enhance Aging in Place

Cabinet technology continues to evolve, and many new features benefit homeowners who want more comfort and convenience in daily living.

Popular Smart and Ergonomic Features:

• Push-to-open drawers and doors for users with arthritis or limited grip

• LED lighting inside cabinets and under counters for better visibility

• Touchless or easy-lever faucet integration with cabinet design

• Voice-controlled lighting or appliance setups

• Lazy Susans or pull-down racks for overhead cabinets

At Liberty Hill Cabinets, we stay ahead of the curve—designing cabinets that match your lifestyle today and tomorrow.

ADA Guidelines and Universal Design Principles

If you’re remodeling for someone who uses a wheelchair or has specific mobility needs, we follow ADA guidelines to ensure the layout is truly accessible.

Key ADA Cabinet Considerations:

• Clear floor space (30″ x 48″) in front of all cabinets

• Max reach range: 15″ to 48″ above floor level

• Cabinet hardware that’s operable with one hand and requires minimal force

• Toe kicks and open space under counters for seated access

Whether you need full ADA compliance or just want a more accessible design, our team can help you find the right balance between function and beauty.

Cabinet Hardware Matters, Too

Don’t overlook the importance of handles and knobs in an aging-in-place kitchen or bath.

Best Choices for Accessibility:

• D-shaped pulls or bar handles (easier to grab than knobs)

• Larger hardware sizes for easier handling

• Soft-close or assisted-close hinges

• Motion-sensor cabinet lighting for nighttime safety

Our design consultants help clients choose hardware that enhances grip and visibility while complementing the overall style of the space.

Aging in Place vs. Forever Home Remodeling: What’s the Difference?

While aging-in-place design often overlaps with luxury remodeling, the two can differ in intent.

Many of our clients want both—a home that looks beautiful today and supports them for decades to come.

Real Project Spotlight: Liberty Hill, TX

Client: Retired couple preparing their home for long-term use
Location: Liberty Hill, Texas
Scope: Full kitchen and primary bathroom cabinet remodel
Key Features:

• 36″ tall base cabinets with large drawers

• Pull-out spice rack and swing-out corner storage

• Roll-out trays for lower shelves

• Floating vanity in the bathroom with LED toe-kick lighting

• ADA-compliant hardware and under-sink knee clearance

Outcome: A home that doesn’t just look better—it works better for their future needs.

Why Choose Liberty Hill Cabinets?

We don’t just build cabinets—we build solutions for the life you want to live.

Here’s What Sets Us Apart:

• 🛠 Custom builds for kitchens, bathrooms, closets & more

• 💡 Expert knowledge in universal design & ADA best practices

• 🧱 Premium finishes that blend style and accessibility

• 🧍 Personalized, in-home design consultations

• 🏆 Trusted by Central Texas families for over 20 years

Our local showroom in Liberty Hill, Texas, is open to the public—so you can explore finishes, try different hardware styles, and see examples of accessible cabinetry in person.

Ready to Build for the Future?

If you’re thinking about remodeling to age in place—or you simply want to make your home more functional and beautiful—Liberty Hill Cabinets is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or visit our showroom in Liberty Hill to explore accessible cabinetry options designed just for you.