Blum's idea for narrow cabinets offers a simple option for making use of even the smallest storage space in the kitchen, without compromising stability, ease of use and quality of motion.

Possible suggestions if sticking to same floor plan and hands firmly glued to the budget Leave the stove where it is. Down the side of the stove securely attach slimline fireproof panelling to the height of the oven's back control panel and the depth of the oven. Floor to ceiling if you prefer then if you wanted to you could change out the door itself, that is put the door handle to the right of the door so it swings back flush with the fireproof panelling. Put the dishwasher under the stainless steel bench top left of the sink. Take all the cabinetry out where the dishwasher is currently housed place the fridge in the centre of that wall building functional cabinetry around it. Get rid of the cupboard at the end of the stainless steel bench replace it with a wheeled butchers block the same width and depth of bench also have hinged sides so you can get extra useable bench top surfacing. You could then wheel it around include brakes on it of course so little hands don't go racing around with it.

Personally I wouldn't hang black curtains with this colour lounge suite. I would also take out everything that you don't need in the room as it is too cluttered. I actually like the wood as it matches like Bernadette said. I see that you are adding pops of red in the room. How about a picture on the wall with that colour in it, as the walls are quite bare. Are you able to remove the computer desk and chair? I love big mirrors in a lounge room too . . . The programs that I have watched in NZ, ask 'what is the hero in the room?' So I think you need to ask yourself this and work with that, going forward. . . . The only comment I can make on the skateboard is I think it is placed too high on the wall.

The kids have finally flown the coop, this is the PRIME of your Life! This is the time to choose the things you love - after all - you have earned it! It's also a time to prepare for the long term and a well functioning space, for your changing future. Personalise it to your taste and needs and buy the style you love. Whether it's the lack of being able to bend into low cabinets, overhead cabinetry simply being inaccessible, choosing materials that are suitable for failing eyesight or arthritic hands. There are many things to consider with the knowledge that our bodies won’t get any younger. Your kitchen design is important - make sure you get it right - for YOU! There are a few things to consider: Height of appliances As you head into the golden years, it's better to incorporate a wall oven tower into your kitchen design than an under bench oven as it eliminates a lot of bending down and twisting. It's much easier to pull a heavy dish out of an oven at waist height than it is nearer to the floor, and there will no doubt be plenty of that when the kids and grandkids pop around for a Sunday roast! The humble standard diswasher is an appliance that you can do away with completely. Don't get me wrong, it's not the time to pick up the dish brush and tea towels! Dish drawers at bench height are far more accessible than a standard dishwasher and because they are smaller they are more economical. If you do have a large family who regularly pop around, you could think about incorporating a double dish drawer for those occasions when there's lots to clean up - and ask the grandkids to empty the bottom drawer. They will love it! Corners and hard to reach places It's a great time to incorporate pull-out hardware in your kitchen design! Using pull-out units in your corners and kitchen cabinetry eliminates the "long lost items right at the back" that are unreachable. It also means everything is right at your fingertips and vastly increases the amount of storage space if you've got a kitchen that's on the smaller side. Drawers instead of cupboards Using drawers in your kitchen instead of cupboards eliminates much of the bending required to grab items out or put them away. Gone are the days of getting down onto your knees to reach items right at the back of your cupboard! Pull out bins It's a great idea to incorporate a pull-out bin in a separate cupboard at bench height. This makes is really easy to pop your rubbish into the bin and wipe the bench clean straight into the bin! Using a smaller bin will also mean there's less weight to handle when emptying. Colours Some colors can really help with eyesight. Use colours that offer you the best chance of finding items on the bench (usually lighter tones) and more muted colours on cabinets - this will hide the odd spill should it be forgotten to clean up straight away too. Lighting Lighting is really important in any kitchen. It's a great idea to spend the time and get a good lighting plan done. Task lighting over the benchtop will really help with meal preparation and clean up. Lighting can be really helpful in your pantry as well. If it's possible, think about bringing natural light in as well. This will ensure better quality of light during the day. Handles Our hands and skin need more protection as we get older, so using a handle without sharp edges will offer great protection for the hands (not to mention our hips as we pass!) Try and choose a handle with a large grip that will ensure arthritic hands can cope to open them. Walking and moving spaces are definitely worth considering if you need to allow for mobility access. Leave a little extra space if it's available. Even if these aren't things you're thinking about right now, having a little extra space to move in the kitchen will ensure the family can all help out when they are visiting! Your kitchen should be all about style, functionality and longevity for this next stage of life, and all the changes that may be associated with that.