Universal Appeal in Accessible Design
A remodel proves that individuality rules, even in accessible design
Allison Pileggi uses a wheelchair, so when she and her husband decided to remodel the kitchen in their suburban Pittsburgh home, accessibility was a top priority. The Pileggis consulted local designers about the project but were disappointed with the results. Either the designs submitted didn’t take into account that the kitchen’s primary user would be working from a wheelchair, or they were aesthetically bland and institutional-looking. After Allison and Bill decided to design the kitchen themselves, they hired New Hampshire-based Crown Point Cabinetry to execute their plan. The new kitchen encompasses the original galley kitchen, plus a few adjacent spaces. Moving a wall allowed the Pileggis to add a center island with a 30-in.-high countertop and at least 3 ft. on all sides. It also allowed them to create a hybrid tray and vaulted ceiling with a skylight above. Access to the laundry room was now through the kitchen, but…
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