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Real Life Design really is about design for real life.
It can be appreciated by everybody because it makes so much sense in everybody's life. It takes into account that most people don't fit the stereotypical norm. Baby boomers in huge numbers are finding out that they aren't as spry or sure-sighted as they used to be. Along with the usual problems faced by an aging population, Real Life Design also acknowledges a wide range of physical and mental abilities and impairments. It even acknowledges that a great many of our most worthy citizens are children!
Real Life Design says, for example, that a woman in a wheel chair should be able to peel potatoes comfortably at a sink that is height adjustable. But so should her husband who stands over 6-feet tall. A grandmother using a walker should literally be able to pull the shelves of a wall cabinet down toward her with one hand. But this kind of access is equally convenient for her 9-year-old granddaughter.
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Real Life Design
Center.
Design adapting to people rather than people adapting to design. GE
is pleased to be in the vanguard of this important movement with the
products and information that help builders and consumers sort out
their options in the kitchen.
GE's Real Life Design Kitchen features GE Profile appliances and Kraftmaid
Cabinetry. Its design puts people first and meets the kitchen design
guidelines of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. We invite
you to consider designing your next home or remodeling project for
Real Life.
Real Life Design presents an opportunity.
An opportunity to create a home and a kitchen that appeals to more
people. For builders and remodelers this could be the key to even
greater success, creating a kitchen and a home that better meets present
and future family needs.
We don't live in a "Peter Pan World," where no one grows old or is
different. We are all quite different--different heights, ages, abilities,
strengths, weaknesses and preferences. Yet, most of our homes are
designed for a "standard" person.
At GE Appliances, we think the time has come for Real Life Design.
We are committed to fostering the growth of home and kitchen designs
that reflect the real needs of real people--people whose needs will
change with time and circumstances.
Real Life Design is a natural, logical, people-first approach to design.
As shown in this kitchen, Real Life Design creates living spaces that
are simply beautiful, and that can be easily used and enjoyed by the
largest possible population.
The rolling table is conveniently placed beneath the GE Profile Built-In
Convection Microwave, giving a seated cook plenty of work space. An
additional rolling cart fits neatly beneath the rolling table and
is easily moved around the kitchen to assist in food preparation,
serving or clean up.
The mechanized sink is so innovative that one might easily overlook
its other outstanding features, like the high-contrast faucet, single-lever
control, pull-out spray nozzle, soap dispenser and pop-up drain.
The GE Profile 30 Built-In Convection Oven has many features that
make it an example of Real Life Design. It is easy to use with touch
pad controls, an easy-to-read time and temperature display, and an
audible preheat signal.
The Oven itself has a very generous interior size, excellent lighting
and seven rack positions for flexibility. It is self-cleaning and
has a control lockout to prevent unwanted operation.
To accomodate almost any need, the oven offers four ways to cool:
convection roasting, convection baking, radiant baking and radiant
broiling.
Real Life Design can be viewed as a new way of approaching the design
process. It puts people first as it creates kitchen and home designs
that adapt to people, rather than requiring people to adapt to design.
Although this design approach is simple, its applications novel. GE
Appliances has found that many builders, remodelers and consumers
are interested in the concept of Real Life Design, and have practical
questions, many of which are answered here. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the minimum size kitchen that can accommodate Real Life Design ideas?
A. Virtually any size kitchen can have Real Life Design features. Plan on allowing a 30" x 48" minimum clear floor space at appliances (based on ANSI A117.1, 1992).
Q. Does the law say that single family homes have to be made more accessible?
A. In most cases, no. GE's Real Life Design project was not inspired by any laws, but by the real needs of real people--people who are making home buying decisions.
Q. How can Real Life Design be accomplished for a first-time home buyer on a budget?
A. Budgets are part of Real Life. The kitchen we feature in this brochure is a treasure trove of ideas. Many of the ideas can be done with no additional expense, like selecting appliances that are thoughtfully designed, specifying handles rather than knobs, specifying a faucet with a lever and a shallow sink and selecting a smooth flooring. Other ideas can be integrated in your design with little additional cost, like variable height counters, knee space near appliances, heat-proof countertop surfaces and additional lighting.
Q. As a builder, what are some of the questions I should ask my customers to see if Real Life Design will appeal to them?
A. Keep in mind that Real Life Design is design that appeals to many people. We think you'll find that your customers will appreciate the following:
- Who in your family likes to, or needs to, sit down while preparing food?
- Does more than one person in the family cook or prepare their own snacks? What ages?
- Who in your family is tall or short?
- Who in your family needs or would appreciate extra lighting?
- What special safety concerns do you have?
- Do you find that some items in traditional kitchens are out of your reach?
Q. What counter heights should be included in a kitchen?
A. We recommend incorporating three counter heights in most kitchens: 42" to 45" for cooks who are standing; 36", the standard height; and 30" for seated cooks and children.
Other countertop suggestions:
- Provide some heat-proof surfaces (especially near cooking appliances).
- Consider a raised-edge detail to prevent spills and give a visual and tactile reminder of the countertop edge.
- Provide both dark and light counter surfaces for visual contrast. It is easier to see light-colored ingredients on a dark surface, and vice versa.
- Eliminate sharp edges and corners on countertops.
Q.What features should I look for in appliances?
A. When planning for the Real Life kitchen, select appliances that are easy to open, easy to use, and that have easy to read graphics and other features that give added convenience and flexibility. GE Appliances has a wide range of products that apply, all in various price ranges.
Refrigerators
Side-by-side is generally preferred by people who are short or seated. Some top-mount refrigerators have freezer storage within the universal reach range of 15-44".
Ranges
Controls located on the front of the range are preferred so the cook does not have to reach across hot burners. Self-cleaning ovens are appreciated by most people. Knee space adjacent to the range will increase accessibility to the oven.
Cooktops
Generally preferred for people who are mobility impaired, because cooktops can be installed at varied heights, with a knee space beneath. Consider smooth cooktops, with burners as flush as possible, for easy sliding of pots and pans.
Wall Ovens
Generally preferred because they may be installed so that one rack is at the level of an adjacent countertop, reducing the need to bend. Features to look for: self-cleaning, easy-to-read graphics, easy-grip handle, control lock-out and generous interior lighting.
Microwave Ovens
Many touch control microwave ovens, if placed at counter height, meet Real Life Design recommendations. Some other features to look for: sensor cooking, "cooking complete" reminder, word prompting and automatic cooking functions.
Washers/Dryers
Look for models that can easily be loaded and unloaded by people who are mobility impaired. Controls should be within easy reach.
Dishwashers
Features to look for: automatic cycle selection, control lock-out, flexibility in loading, easy-to-read display and problem indicators.
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Real Life Design Center