A homeowners kitchen renovation project helped to make the space more accessible for her husband, who is wheelchair-bound.Virginia Leezy, 78, told Bnd.com that the redesign was partly carried out to improve manoeuvrability for her husband, Jack. This involved opening up the space by shortening a counter between the kitchen and eating area.Ms Leezy said that many family members helped in the extensive renovation, which involved replacing every item apart from a stainless steel oven.New cabinets and countertops were installed while a mosaic tile backsplash was added behind the kitchen sink. Meanwhile, Ms Leezys granddaughter Rhonda helped to lay ceramic tiles and, after running out of materials, decided to create an innovative pattern.We didnt have enough of the light colour and didnt have enough of the dark colour, so I made a design. It looks like an area rug, she said.Marvin Daniel, president of US renovation firm Kitchen Designworks, recently told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the challenging economic climate had prompted homeowners to seek comfort in traditional designs.