Your kitchen is the heart of your home and should be designed to fit your lifestyle. So when planning a new kitchen or redesigning an existing one, always consider the requirements of anyone using the space, especially those doing the cooking. For instance, you could build an island with a durable granite countertop and think of appliance safety.
If you want a kitchen to suit your household, read these tips to turn the area into everyone’s favourite gathering place.
5 Ways to Build a Family-Friendly Kitchen
Follow these tips to create a space your entire family will enjoy.
1. Plan a Suitable Layout
The right layout is necessary for any kitchen but even more so when you have young children, especially toddlers. The design should depend on the type of environment you want to create. For instance, if you want a child-free zone, a U-shaped or peninsula kitchen is best. This design closes off access to one end and keeps children away. By limiting access, you can make the area safer for them when prepping and cooking food.
Or if you want to create a family-centred kitchen that is bustling with activity, choose an open plan arrangement with an island or L-shaped layout. This can flow into a living room or informal dining area that is accessible to everyone.
2. Use a Suitable Countertop Material
Whether you have teens or toddlers, they’re bound to make their mark on your kitchen’s countertop. Think spilled foods and liquids, along with crayon markings and scratches from toys. So when choosing a countertop material, think about its durability and ease of maintenance.
A granite countertop is a suitable option for such homes as it resists chipping and scratching. Indeed, it’s one of the hardest natural stones. When installed and maintained properly, you will enjoy it for many years.
It’s also stain and heat resistant. That means you don’t have to worry about frequent spills or hot pots or pans ruining its beauty. Just make sure it’s sealed properly to protect it against staining and etching by the acids and alkaline substances found in citric drinks, coffee, and wine.
3. Include an Island with Seating
Building a kitchen island or peninsula is one of the best ways to achieve a livable and family-friendly space. It also adds extra storage and counter space, and allows children to spread out while doing crafts or homework and hanging out while dinner is prepared. An island also houses added storage which is a must-have in kitchens.
If your floor plan allows it, consider building two islands for added food prep space while allowing the other island to be used by others. It can house an additional sink, burner, or appliances such as dishwashers and microwaves. You can also add a small beverage refrigerator to make the area more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
Also, consider adding granite countertops at multiple heights for everyone. Higher worktops can be used as a prep area while lower ones are suitable for children to perform tasks and enjoy meals.
By adding seating to your kitchen island, you create a space where your family can gather and spend time with each other. It can also be used for entertaining. Make everyday meals like snacks, breakfast, and casual dinners more convenient by adding some chairs or barstools.
4. Consider Appliance Safety
Safety is a vital issue in kitchens used by the whole family, which is why parents should take care when designing the space to accommodate both appliances and children. Some appliances, after all, are safer to use than others.
For instance, consider installing an induction cooktop instead of a gas hob as there are no flames and the surface remains cool to the touch. They also come with safety locks. Similarly, you may want to think about investing in cabinet doors and wine fridges that can be locked, with secured sink cupboards to prevent cleaning fluid spillage.
Choose appliances that are convenient for everyone. For instance, you could purchase a dishwasher that heats to 90° C to eliminate the need for a separate baby bottle sterilizer. Likewise, fast-cook ovens and boiling water taps will save time.
5. Build a Knife Drawer
When children are living in the house, it’s important to keep knives and other sharp objects out of sight and stored properly. Consider building a drawer to store sharp objects such as knives, electric knives, apple cutters, cheese graters, and other sharp objects. This solution also offers more counter space and makes the area look clutter-free.
Are you remodelling your kitchen or designing one equipped to meet your family’s requirements? Follow these tips and plan ahead to ensure the space is utilized to its fullest by everyone. Whether you’re working with a big or small budget, these ideas will help you get started. It’s up to you to create a kitchen space that’s warm and welcoming.