DESIGNING A FAMILY FRIENDLY KITCHEN

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and when you have a busy family, it is often the centre of all activity. The kitchen is not just a family hub; it is a versatile space where you come together for meals, activities, and daily organisation.

In today’s busy world, having a kitchen that works well and feels like a welcoming spot for both parents and kids is super important. It’s about creating a space where everyone can hang out, do their thing, and still feel at home. 

Designing a safe and functional kitchen for the whole family

When it comes to family friendly kitchen design, smart, functional design choices are key. As a hub of activity in the home, the kitchen should be a space that is not only stylish but also practical for the whole family to enjoy.

Functional kitchen island

The kitchen island is often the focal point of the room and can serve as a multifunctional space for the whole family to gather and engage in various activities. When designing a family friendly kitchen island, it’s important to consider its layout, multipurpose use, and integration of appliances.

Choose a kitchen island design that allows for easy movement and offers generous space for food preparation and family activities. A larger island can provide additional storage, while a split-level design creates extra areas for dining or children’s activities.

Enhance the island’s functionality by incorporating seating for casual meals, a designated homework area for kids, and extra storage. Consider integrating appliances, like a microwave or an additional drinks fridge into the island to streamline food preparation and maintain a clutter-free kitchen environment.

To read more: Tips For Designing Your Kitchen Island

Open plan design

An open plan layout encourages interaction and connectivity among family members, allowing for seamless transitions between the kitchen and living spaces. This design feature is particularly beneficial for families with children, as it allows parents to keep an eye on their kids while preparing meals and facilitates a sense of togetherness during family gatherings.

Incorporating a breakfast bar or a spacious island with seating offers a casual dining space where family members can gather, chat, and enjoy meals together.

Additionally, installing a servery window between the kitchen and outdoor entertaining areas streamlines serving food and drinks during social events and family gatherings, merging indoor luxury with outdoor convenience.

Smart technology

Modern technology and smart appliances can add convenience and efficiency to a family friendly kitchen. From handleless touch catch doors to family charging stations, these features can streamline daily routines and cater to the needs of a big family.

For a sleek and clutter-free kitchen aesthetic that’s also child-friendly, opt for handleless cabinetry equipped with touch catch doors, ensuring easy access to storage. Streamline food preparation and cooking with smart appliances; double stack ovens are ideal for large family meals, while integrated combi microwave ovens efficiently handle smaller dishes. 

Enhance family time in the kitchen by designing a charging station with built-in outlets, allowing family members to keep their electronic devices charged and organised.

Creating a homework and activity zone

With many families using the kitchen as a central gathering space, it’s beneficial to create designated areas for homework, play, and creative activities. This can help keep the kitchen organised and provide a space for children to engage in various tasks while remaining in the heart of the home. 

Designate a specific area in the kitchen with a desk or built-in countertop for children to complete their homework or school projects, allowing them to have their own space to focus. You can also allocate a corner of the kitchen for a play area, complete with toy storage and a small table for activities, allowing children to stay entertained while parents are preparing meals. 

You can also choose to include storage solutions for art supplies and board games to foster creativity and family bonding.

Organising your kitchen space

An organised kitchen is essential for a family friendly environment. Maximising storage for kid-friendly items and making sure the kitchen is accessible is crucial for keeping the kitchen clutter-free and functional for the whole family.

Maximising storage for kid-friendly items

Storage is essential for busy families, and integrated waste bins like the Hafele Euro Cargo can greatly simplify daily life. The Hafele Le Mans Corner Units are designed to maximise cabinetry space and improve accessibility to items. Additionally, we highly recommend incorporating plenty of deep drawers to ensure ample storage capacity.

Children often come with a lot of stuff, from sippy cups and plastic plates to lunchboxes and snacks. Smart integrated storage solutions and accessible cupboards and drawers can help keep these items organised and within reach for little ones.

• Integrated storage: Choose integrated custom cabinetry design to incorporate pull-out racks, adjustable shelves, and hidden compartments for storing items.
• Wide cutlery drawers: Opt for wide drawers to store children’s cutlery, plates, and bowls, making it easy for them to access their own tableware.
• Accessible cupboards and drawers: Design lower cabinets and drawers that are easily accessible to children, allowing them to help themselves to snacks and drinks without needing assistance.

To read more: Maximising Storage In Your Kitchen

Choosing family friendly materials and finishes

When it comes to family friendly kitchen design, durable and easy-to-clean materials are essential. From countertops to flooring, selecting surfaces that can withstand the wear and tear of family life is crucial for maintaining a functional and stylish kitchen.

Family-friendly kitchens require surfaces that can handle spills, stains, and heavy use. Choosing the right materials for countertops, flooring, and cabinet finishes can make a significant difference in the kitchen’s maintenance and longevity.

Consider selecting stain-resistant countertops that are easy to clean and ideal for high-traffic areas. Opt for durable, water-resistant flooring options like tile that are simple to maintain, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. Additionally, choose smudge-proof cabinet finishes that minimise the appearance of fingerprints and smudges, especially in a bustling household with little ones. 

How to childproof your kitchen

One of the first steps in creating a family friendly kitchen is to ensure that it is a safe environment for children. This can involve installing cabinet locks and latches to keep hazardous items out of reach, securing electrical outlets to prevent accidents, and choosing kid-friendly appliances that are easy to use and pose minimal risks.

• Installing cabinet locks and latches: Prevent access to sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and other potentially dangerous items by installing locks and latches on cabinets and drawers.
• Securing electrical outlets: Use outlet covers or consider installing tamper-resistant outlets to prevent children from inserting objects into the sockets.

Choosing kid-friendly appliances: Opt for appliances with safety features such as automatic shut-off functions and cool-touch surfaces to minimise the risk of accidents.

Make your kitchen work better for your family

By prioritising the needs of all family members, from young children to parents, a functional and stylish kitchen can become the heart of the home where memories are made, meals are prepared, and the family gathers. 

Through a custom kitchen renovation with The Maker Designer Kitchens, you can create a space that is both practical and stylish, catering to the unique needs of your family while enhancing the overall enjoyment of your home.

No matter what your preferred kitchen style, our experienced team of designers can create a highly functional kitchen that is designed to grow with you and your family. 

Wanting to upgrade your kitchen to adapt seamlessly with your family’s changing needs? Get in touch with our friendly team today to schedule your consultation, or book a visit to our showroom.