Kitchenette area open to dining and/or lounge to encourage resident involvement in normal domestic activities

Ensure any floor material changes have transition strips matching floor colour.

Specify traditional looking domestic style kitchen units. Items such as plate racks should also be considered

Ensure sockets and light switch plates contrast with surrounding wall colour. Red switches on the outside edges are easier to see and operate

Provide traditional style toaster and kettle with clear controls for use.

Provide a glass fronted fridge to show contents. However, if this is not possible a clear label is acceptable. The handle should be contrasting and easy to grip

Avoid any dark or speckled worktops

Taps to be individual, traditional design such as pillar taps, preferably with cross head control. Taps to be labled H + C and coloured appropriately

Provide a wall light over the sink for good task lighting for washing up (600 lux) where there is no adjacent window. Light to have opal visor.

Use plain cupboards with discreet locks, and without obvious handles, to store items which are not for the use of residents.

Colours of floor surfaces, walls, skirtings and ceiling should be chosen to be sufficiently contrasting to aid wayfinding.

Provide open shelving which allows residents to easily see and use the items.

Specify handles with good contrast to kitchen units. They must be easy to grip.

Coving to ceiling to give a domestic feel to the room.

Specify low profile flourescent tubes moiunted on top of the wall units to help provide a good level of lighting. Shield tubes from view with a cornice.

Consider providing an oven and hob to allow simple cooking activities in the kitchen. Cooking smells add to the domestic feel of the home. All appliances should be simple and clear to use. Hob to have lid an cover plates. if there isn't space or they are felt to be inappropriate, a microwave would be an alternative.

Specify continuous lighting below wall units to provide good task illumination. Shield lights from view with a pelmet. 600 lux on worktop and sink is recommended

Design a trolley docking position into the kitchen layout to ensure a safe location. Operation should be via discreetly located fused spur.

Provide base and wall units with non-reflective glass fronts to show their contents to residents.

Consider providing an oven and hob to allow simple cooking activities in the kitchen. Cooking smells add to the domestic feel of the home. All appliances should be simple and clear to use. Hob to have lid an cover plates. if there isn't space or they are felt to be inappropriate, a microwave would be an alternative.

Fix labels with both text and images on solid fronted drawers ans cupboards to assist residents finding what they need withou assistance.