After receiving the news that Patricia Olafson would be my client, I immediately called her. When I told her that she had been selected and that I would be her kitchen designer, she was speechless. I actually thought the phone had gone dead. When she finally responded, she shared that she had all but given up hope. She was thrilled to have the chance to enhance her home for her very own special needs. Not only could I hear the excitement building in her voice, but she quickly became so energized that we decided to meet that same day.
Just as I was about to sign off, Patricia commented, “My house is the one next to the house that looks like it is ready to collapse.”
I had to laugh at that one and with that ominous image in mind, I set off.
Patricia’s house is ninety-seven years old and rich with history. Unfortunately, some of that history is not very friendly to residents who want to age in place. Just to reach the porch I had to walk up twelve steps. While waiting for Patricia to answer the door, I couldn’t help but notice the intricate glass pattern that comprised the center of her front door. As I examined the multitude of tiny rectangular pieces all faceted together, I became lost in thought imagining the construction process of such an unusual door. Suddenly a female figure appeared behind the glass and snapped me out of my daydream.
The house was rich with the craftsmanship of the 1910s. Deep golden oak framed every doorway and window - even the baseboards were crafted in matching twelve inch high boards. The inlay in the woodwork itself was magnificent with intricate design – a signature of the skill of the woodworkers of that time. The overall effect was very pleasing to my eyes and not overpowering. It’s a charming and elegant home, I said to myself.
It was no real surprise that Patricia’s furnishings were from a different era than the 1910s. Antiques from that time period are not always the most comfortable to live with. Patricia’s choices flowed well together, so I knew right then and there that Patricia had an eye for comfort.
After a few moments of small talk in her cozy living room, we dug in to the health issues that Patricia faces currently and the suspected health issues she fears may be in her future. Patricia shared that she is legally blind in one eye due to macular degeneration and so she copes by relying on her memory to locate where everything is within her home. She also shared how hard it is for her to operate some of the simplest things within her own home.
I jotted a mental note to myself to be sure not to change things around too much. I don’t want Patricia lost in her own home!
After a tour of her historic home, we ended in the kitchen – the site of Patricia’s greatest concerns and challenges. She explained that she struggles daily with accessing items from her ancient cabinets.
I could see exactly why she was having trouble. The cabinets were so old they were actually constructed on the floor, so pots and pans actually sit on the kitchen floor inside the cabinets! I think I would be cursing if I had to use them on a regular basis.
Patricia confessed that not only is it painful for her to get down on her hands and knees these days, but she has nerve issues in her feet and cannot stand for any period of time. Consequently, she needs to sit while cooking.
Clearly, in order for Patricia to maintain her independence, things in that kitchen seriously need to change.
Patricia said she has almost $15,000 saved to invest into our kitchen project. She has the best attitude. As she put it, “Anything that will make life easier for me is worth paying for!”
I asked what her priorities were and she didn’t even hesitate. “A dishwasher and good lighting!”
I was already deep in thoughts about how best to design a space that would ease the strain caused by Patricia’s eyesight issues, keeping in mind that her nerve degeneration may also necessitate the help of a wheelchair in the future. I eyed the kitchen, already planning for more than adequate lighting and access for a wheelchair to move freely. Convenience and an easily functioning space facilitated by the location and type of appliances we specified for her were also my priorities. I also needed to factor in that this kitchen needs to function well for Pat’s partner (Bill) who stays with her several days out of the week and her daughter (Kristen) who visits often and lives close by.
With design ideas floating like fireflies in my mind, I ran my gaze over the worn kitchen one more time. My eyes came to rest on the old pantry door. “What’s behind there?”
“I’ll show you,” Patricia responded with a twinkle in her eyes. She led me to the family room and a closet with two swinging doors. She opened the doors and inside sat a TV on a stand. But behind it was a single door with a wooden knob. Feeling like a character in a Nancy Drew mystery, I peered into the darkness. Patricia handed me a flashlight. Shining the beam into the darkness I was amazed to see a cavernous space that housed a water heater and plenty of storage. “Wow,” I said, “Somebody could totally hide in there and no one would ever find them!”