Replacement Kitchen Doors Are Central To Creating A Sensory Kitchen

For neurodiverse people, home is a sanctuary that provides an escape from the outside world. However, there are certain spaces within our homes that can very easily feel overwhelming when we aren’t intentional about the interior design choices we’re making. Kitchens are a prime example of this, as everything from loud noises to stacks of dirty plates can trigger sensory issues and disrupt a calming atmosphere. 

If you want to create a sensory kitchen in which you can truly relax and feel at ease, here are some of our top tips.

How to Create a Sensory Kitchen with Happy Doors

Select a kitchen layout that works for you 

Here in the UK, many kitchens are designed in line with a 1940s theory which suggests your cooker, fridge and sink should be positioned in a triangle shape. However, the kitchen work triangle theory simply doesn’t work for everyone. 

When designing your kitchen layout, position each key area in a location that feels most logical for you. For example, you may want to position all your storage towards the back of your kitchen to allow a central island to be the star of the show. Or you may prefer to place your dishwasher and washing machine together in a separate utility room to minimise sounds in your main cooking space.

Balance is key 

Patterns and textures provide interest and stimulation, however they can also very quickly start to feel overstimulating for neurodiverse people. Achieving a sense of balance is key, and this can be achieved simply through the incorporation of clean lines and neutral tones.

The panelling on Shaker style replacement kitchen doors provides plenty of clean lines to establish a sense of equilibrium in your kitchen, and each of the styles in our range comes in a variety of gentle neutral tones, including antique white, ivory and dove grey.

Smart storage is vital 

Clutter can be extremely overstimulating, however simply tidying things away into cupboards may mean that items get forgotten about, particularly if your cupboards are deep and you can’t easily see to the back. 

You may find that a larder or pantry is an ideal solution to help you organise your space, especially if you can create something bespoke which features shallow drawers and pull-out shelves that enable you to easily see everything that’s in there. 

Pro Tip: Finish your pantry or larder with the same replacement kitchen doors you’ve chosen for the rest of your cabinets. This will create a sense of cohesion and avoid visual overwhelm every time you walk into your kitchen.

Incorporate natural materials 

Establishing a strong connection with nature can be highly positive in a kitchen space, especially if yours leads out into a garden or patio area. Nature can be incredibly soothing and relaxing, so incorporating natural materials into your design is a great way to create a restful and calming atmosphere in your home.

A natural wood finish can really shine on slab style replacement kitchen doors, such as the Bella Venice or the Bella Knebworth. Both styles are available in a variety of wood finishes, including Halifax Natural Oak, which will give your kitchen a sense of warmth with its golden undertones. 

Pro Tip: Wood finishes interact with natural light, creating elements of light and shadow that can engage the senses in a very positive and soothing way as the light changes throughout the day.

Choose layered, adjustable lighting solutions 

Overhead kitchen lighting can be incredibly bright and overstimulating, especially if you can’t control it with a dimmer switch. Layering your lighting, which involves incorporating a combination of mood and task lighting, can help you to create a softer overall atmosphere in your kitchen that’s also highly functional and conducive to preparing food and drink safely.

Choosing bulbs that enable you to control the colour temperature of the light can also be a great option, as this can significantly change the atmosphere of a room and offer plenty of versatility.

Complete your sensory kitchen with Happy Doors replacement kitchen doors 

Whether you’re looking for sleek handleless or characterful doors with panelling and tactile handles, why not explore the complete Happy Doors collection on our website today?

If you’re looking for any help or advice, including how to measure your cabinets or choose the right finish for your design, you can email us anytime at hello@happy-doors.co.uk or give us a call on 01256 845 816 between 8:30am and 5pm Monday-Friday.