- Consider good lighting to brighten up the kitchen space.
- Invest in durable flooring that is easy to clean and slip-resistant.
- Design with child safety in mind by avoiding sharp corners and installing baby gates.
- Add a multi-functional island for extra counter space and storage.
- Invest in a high-quality range hood to remove heat, steam, and cooking smells.
The kitchen is considered the pulse of any home, and this holds for families. It is where you make homemade meals, do homework, gather to share meals, and enjoy quality family time. You want your kitchen’s design to align with your family’s needs and ensure it is family-friendly.
Whether you are building a new home with your family or looking to renovate your kitchen, this blog post is for you! Here are six essential design tips to help design a family-friendly kitchen that suits all your needs.
Good Lighting
When designing a family-friendly kitchen, always consider the lighting. A well-lit kitchen ensures you can quickly locate what you need while cooking and promotes a safe environment. Choose fixtures that provide ample illumination to brighten up the entire kitchen space.
In addition, letting natural light in is a great way to brighten up the atmosphere of any room. If you are lucky enough to have access to natural light, buy an electric or manually-operated skylight that can be opened and closed according to your needs. This will not only save energy but will also allow plenty of natural light into your kitchen.
Durable Flooring
The kitchen is a high-traffic area, so your flooring must withstand this traffic. Look for options that are durable and easy to clean. You may also want to consider slip-resistant flooring to prevent falls, especially if young children are running around the kitchen.
Child-Friendly Design
As much as possible, design the kitchen with child safety in mind. Place the refrigerator and pantry shelves within the child’s reach so your children can independently access their snacks and drinks. For younger children, consider lower countertops for easier access. Avoid sharp corners and invest in baby gates or barriers to prevent them from entering the kitchen when it’s unsafe.
Multi-functional Island
An island can offer a place for your children to eat their meals or do their homework while you prepare a meal. An island can also serve as an additional workspace for large families to prepare food and expand the counter space. Consider investing in one that includes extra storage and built-in appliances like a small refrigerator or a microwave oven.
Invest in a High-quality Range of Hood
Invest in a high-quality range hood that can efficiently and quietly remove heat, steam, and cooking smells from the kitchen. This addition will ensure your kitchen is fresh, clean, and odor-free and will enhance your family’s comfort while cooking and eating in the kitchen.
Plan for Enough Storage
It is no secret that the kitchen can be one of the most challenging areas to keep organized, particularly regarding storage. If you struggle to keep your kitchen organized, you are not alone. Lucky for you, you can use a few tips and tricks to maximize your kitchen’s storage capacity.
Take Inventory of Your Kitchen
The first step in planning for more storage in your kitchen is to take inventory of what you already have. Go through your kitchen and make a list of all the items that need to be stored, including dishes, pots, pans, and appliances. Once you have a list of everything that needs to be stored, you can evaluate how much storage space you currently have and how much more you need.
Think Vertically
When planning for more storage space in your kitchen, it’s essential to remember to think vertically. Use your walls to your advantage by installing shelves and hooks to store items that typically take up valuable counter space. Utilize the space above your cabinets for storage, and consider adding a tall pantry cupboard that offers more shelf space without taking up too much floor space.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Drawer Organizers
Messy drawers are one of the most significant sources of disorganization in the kitchen. Investing in drawer organizers can take your drawers from chaos to order. There are many different types of drawer organizers on the market, from cutlery trays to spice racks. These small investments can help keep your drawers organized and ensure everything has its designated spot.
Plan for Hidden Storage
Last but not least, plan for hidden storage when designing your kitchen. Hidden storage spaces can make a big difference in the overall functionality of your kitchen. Consider adding a toe-kick drawer under your cabinets, a storage bench that doubles as seating, or a pull-out corner cabinet that uses every inch of space.
The Bottom Line
A successful home renovation or construction project needs in-depth planning and consideration. With these design tips, you can build a functional and inviting kitchen that caters to your family’s needs. Say goodbye to kitchen clutter and hello to an organized, safe, and comfortable family-friendly kitchen.
