When you’re planning a new kitchen, you need to consider the requirements of everyone who will use it. For family homes, this means having a space that meets your needs and the needs of your children, both while they’re young and as they grow up. This is important for anyone who plans to have kids in the future too.
A kitchen is not just for cooking and eating. It can be for socializing, homeworking, and spending time together too. Keep that in mind when considering these design tips for the perfect family kitchen.
Choose The Right Layout
The right layout is important for any kitchen, but the best layout will depend on whether you have or intend to have, children.
The ideal layout will also depend on what sort of kitchen you want. If you want to keep the kids out of the kitchen, then a peninsula or U-shape kitchen that closes off access at one end works well. This keeps the kids out of the cooking space and out from under your feet. In a busy house, restricting access through the kitchen can be much safer while you’re cooking.
If you prefer a family-centered kitchen, an open-plan layout with an L-shaped or island layout that flows into a living area is the best option. With a layout like this, the family can access the kitchen freely, for a welcoming feel.
However, choosing the right layout also means considering various factors, and with so many options, it may feel daunting. Therefore, it’s wise to work with professionals. You can find one in your area using Google. For example, if you are a Red Deer resident, you can type “Top kitchen remodeling companies in Red Deer” for the closest options. You should look for professionals who offer both design help and renovation services to reduce the hassle of working with multiple people. A one-stop solution can be a great option for a smoother experience.
Create A Safe Prep and Cook Area
Most families like a more open, sociable kitchen. If you do, let your designer know. Tell them how many people live in the house, how old your kids are, your preferred cooking style, and who usually cooks. These details will help them to plan a safe and comfortable kitchen that suits the whole family.
For example, if you want your teenagers to be able to easily get the fridge and the microwave, it would be better to have these appliances on the outside edge of the kitchen, so they’re within easy reach, without getting in the way of the cooking zone.
A kitchen island with seating at the far end will let you keep a close eye on younger children while you cook, while also keeping them safely away from the hazards of where you’re preparing and cooking food.
Decide How You’ll Use An Island
If you have room for a kitchen island, think about how you might want to use it. An island that has seating makes the kitchen more multi-purpose. The island can be used to eat, study, do homework, or for you to have a glass of wine after the children are in bed.
An induction hob also makes the island more sociable and will let your children safely watch and learn while you’re cooking. You can also keep an eye on any children doing homework at the island while you’re cooking dinner.
Having your Elkay sinks set in the kitchen island itself will also allow for easier clean-up of any splashes or spills. If you have room, a kitchen island is a great addition.
Include Work Surfaces At Different Heights
In the areas where you will be preparing food, it is best to choose a work surface at a height that is best for the person who will be doing most of the cooking. However, it’s also a good idea, if you have the room, to include work surfaces at different heights too.
For example, an island worktop would be too low to tuck a baby’s high chair under, whereas a breakfast bar could be the ideal height. A breakfast bar can also be used by older children on stools for doing homework. If you have the room, an adjoining part of the island could be made lower to accommodate a family dining area.
Consider Appliance Safety
Safety is very important in a family kitchen and you need to take care when children and appliances will be sharing a space.
Some kinds of appliances are safer than others. Induction hobs are perfect for family homes, as, unlike a gas hob, there’s no flame and the surface of the hob stays cool during cooking. These hobs also have safety locks.
Boiling water taps are safer than a kettle, because the twist and hold tap is harder for little hands to turn on, and it can’t be knocked over. Wine fridges and cupboards doors can be locked. Sink cupboards need to be secure, so kids can’t get at dangerous cleaning fluids. Or you can keep them in a nearby utility room in a locking cabinet or closet.
Think about where your cooking surface is located – you don’t want it in the main traffic area. Look at where the knobs and controls are. Along the front can be a disaster waiting to happen if you have (or will have) little ones. Conversely, they are easier to reach for shorter or older adults. Keep ovens at eye level, so they’re out of reach of young kids, and to save the adults bending down.
Choose materials and surfaces that fit your use
Beautiful counter surfaces are one of the features of a new kitchen. Think about how that surface will be used and select something that fits the purpose. If the counter is near the stove or oven, look for something that is more heatproof. For the surface around your sink think integrated or undermount sink for easy cleanup. Durability, easy to clean and maintain (marble, granite, and butcherblock all have special maintenance requirements), and rounded edges are all things to consider.
Counters aren’t the only surfaces and materials to choose when designing a family kitchen. Stainless steel appliances look great and go with nearly any style, but they can be non-magnetic and hard to keep clean (fingerprints!). White painted cabinets can add brightness and warmth, but a thermofoil finish might be easier to clean.
The flooring options are endless. Durability for the high traffic area, easy to clean because there will be spills, and even noise if the room is large with little so soften the sound. Keep in mind that dropped glass or dishes aren’t likely to survive a fall onto a ceramic or porcelain tiled floor.
When the space is comfortable, welcoming, and easy to use and maintain, you will spend more time making memories. And meals. The meals will feel endless at times. With a growing family, you will spend a lot of time in the kitchen, make sure it fits your family.