Main Line Kitchen Design President Paul McAlary speaks to The Ardmore Pennsylvania Rotary Club. His topic . . . MURDER! By Kitchen Design. Paul discusses the most dangerous kitchen designs and explains why they are so common and how they can prove deadly.
In his speech, Paul McAlary discussed the common mistakes in kitchen design that can lead to dangerous situations, emphasizing the importance of professional expertise. He highlighted issues such as improper placement of light switches, inadequate ventilation, and unsafe stove locations. Specific examples included a $14,000 Wolf range and a $10,000 custom hood posing fire risks. McAlary also addressed the dangers of inset ovens, which can cause fires due to faulty seals, and the importance of proper cabinet design to prevent injuries. He concluded by advising on finding reliable contractors and the benefits of induction stoves for safety and efficiency.
Action Items
- [ ] Review the design of your own kitchen for any potential safety hazards.
- [ ] Consult with a professional kitchen designer when planning a kitchen remodel to ensure the design is safe and functional.
- [ ] Research regulations and building codes related to kitchen design to understand the requirements.
Outline
Introduction and Ethical Standards in Kitchen Design
- Paul McAlary begins by expressing surprise at the number of Rotary Clubs in the area and praises the organization’s ethical standards.
- He emphasizes the importance of the Hippocratic Oath in his field of kitchen design, noting that many mistakes are made due to lack of professional knowledge.
- Paul explains that non-professionals, such as architects and interior designers, often design kitchens, leading to common mistakes.
- He introduces the concept of “murder by kitchen design,” highlighting the dangers that can arise from poorly designed kitchens.
Examples of Dangerous Kitchen Designs
- Paul shows a kitchen with expensive appliances and discusses how simple mistakes, like placing the light switch in an inconvenient location, can lead to accidents.
- He describes a kitchen where the hood is too close to the stove, posing a fire hazard, and explains how professional ranges can cause fires if not properly positioned.
- Paul discusses another kitchen with a poorly designed stove area, highlighting the lack of functionality and potential for burn injuries.
- He shares an example of a kitchen designed by a professional kitchen designer, but still poses risks due to the powerful cooktop and custom hood.
Building Code Violations and Fire Hazards
- Paul points out a kitchen where the range is too close to a window, violating building codes and posing a fire risk.
- He shares a story about a customer who had a fire in their kitchen and needed a new design, emphasizing the importance of safe kitchen layouts.
- Paul discusses the dangers of placing blinds near a stove, as they can catch fire and spread the fire throughout the house.
- He explains how insulated glass windows can break when exposed to high temperatures, leading to condensation and reduced visibility.
Historical and Modern Kitchen Design Mistakes
- Paul shows a kitchen from a TV show, “I Love Lucy,” and explains how the design, with a stove under a window, is dangerous.
- He discusses another kitchen with a narrow return next to the stove, creating a hazardous area for hot pans.
- Paul shares an example of an expensive kitchen with a Viking Range next to a doorway, posing a dangerous kitchen design risk due to loose clothing and handles of pots and pans.
- He describes a kitchen with all the worst design mistakes combined, including curtains near the stove, a professional range, and no countertop space.
Common Sitcom Kitchen Design Issues
- Paul discusses how many sitcoms feature poorly designed kitchens, such as stoves on islands next to refrigerators.
- He mentions specific shows like “The Cosby Show” and “The Partridge Family” that have dangerous kitchen designs.
- Paul shares a floor plan from “The Brady Bunch,” highlighting the dangers of placing a cooktop on the end of an island.
- He discusses how these designs, while common in TV shows, are also found in real kitchens and pose significant risks.
Cabinet Design and Safety Concerns
- Paul points out a kitchen with cabinets blocking a window and handles on the wrong side, making them difficult to open.
- He describes a kitchen with a cabinet extending past the countertop, posing a risk of injury to people standing or sitting nearby.
- Paul shares a story about a contractor who fractured his skull due to a similar design mistake.
- He discusses another kitchen with a coffered ceiling, creating areas for dust and allergens to accumulate.
Modern Kitchen Design Trends and Risks
- Paul introduces the concept of inset cabinets, where the doors are flush with the face of the cabinet, and the dangers of placing ovens inside.
- He explains how the seal on the oven can fail, allowing hot air to escape and potentially cause a fire.
- Paul discusses the historical issue of powerful hoods pulling air into chimneys and hot water heater vents, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- He mentions how the federal government created building codes to address these issues, but not for ovens.
Aging in Place and Kitchen Design
- Paul discusses the importance of designing kitchens for aging in place, emphasizing the need for clear spaces for people in wheelchairs or walkers.
- He suggests having places to sit in the kitchen for people who want to age in place, such as lower countertops or well-designed stools.
- Paul explains that following proper kitchen design principles automatically creates a kitchen that is suitable for aging in place.
- He shares his approach to being blunt but helpful with clients, ensuring they understand the importance of safe and functional kitchen design.
Finding a Good Contractor
- Paul explains that his company, Mainline Kitchen Design, designs kitchens and sells the cabinets, helping contractors understand the design.
- He mentions that they follow the job through with the contractor to ensure the design is implemented correctly.
- Paul advises on finding a good contractor, suggesting reading reviews and looking for companies with positive feedback.
- He shares that his company has a high rating on Google and that bad reviews often come from people who were given tough advice.
Final Thoughts and Audience Questions
- Paul answers questions from the audience about induction stoves and their benefits, comparing them to gas stoves.
- He discusses the potential long-term health effects of induction stoves and the importance of using the right pots and pans.
- Paul addresses questions about aging in place and kitchen design, emphasizing the need for clear spaces and functional design.
- He concludes by answering questions about finding a good contractor and the importance of reading reviews, sharing his company’s approach to customer service and design.
