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Jun 06, 2014

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and even more so when you have kids around. If you are looking to create a family-friendly kitchen, it’s less about the latest trends and more about creating a kitchen that will be functional and practical as your kids grow. Designing a place that can handle everything from homework and arts and crafts to the kids helping with family dinner takes some creative planning.

Here are a few things to consider to create the perfect space for your family to gather, eat and live.

1)    Create an open space

The kitchen and family room tend to be the places where you’ll spend most of your time, so why not create an open flow between these spaces. This will allow you to watch small children while you cook or in close proximity to converse with older children and friends in the nearby room.

2)    Incorporate island or breakfast nook

Features like an island will serve multiple purposes in a family-friendly kitchen, serving as a snack bar, dining table, or a place for your kids to do their homework or read a book while mom or dad cooks dinner.

3)    Homework Supply Nook

With the kids in the kitchen doing their homework, create a dedicated spot to store schoolwork/art supplies. Consider shelving for books or drawers for school supplies, pens, pencils, markers, paper, etc. You will also keep things tidy by providing a place to store these things when they are finished.

4)    Other Dedicated drawers or cabinets

Kid friendly drawer: Little ones love to help in the kitchen. Fill a kitchen drawer or cabinet with plastic spatulas, measuring cups, wooden spoons, and other unbreakable kitchen ware. Even if they’re not actually helping, it will keep them occupied while you make dinner and they’ll be within view. If you don’t have a spare drawer, store these items in a brightly colored plastic container that your children can easily access.

Snack Drawer: Dedicate one drawer as a place to store snacks and fill it with healthy snacks.

Create personal cubbies: If you don’t have space in your kitchen, mudrooms can be perfect for setting up little compartments or cubbies. This can be a great way to have the kids keep tabs on their own tools, toys and other personal belongings.

5)    Create a household news hub

The kitchen is the perfect central location for a family bulletin board to keep track of upcoming appointments and events, phone numbers of friends and family, doctors, shopping list, etc. You can also display kids’ artwork, family photos and party invitations. Chalkboard paint has also gained in popularity where you can create your very own chalkboard that everyone in the family can use to jot notes. It can also serve as a great place for a child’s creative outlet.

6)    Multi-level work spaces

If possible, add a 24″ – 30″ section of countertop at a 28″-30″ height instead of the usual 32″ countertop height to give children their own work space or the chance to participate in food prep. You might choose a pullout countertop or build it right into the counter. When the kids are grown your lowered countertop will make a perfect baker’s height counter.

7)    Helping stool

All kitchens with kids should have a helping stool — you can either build it into a base cabinet or keep a freestanding one nearby. A standalone stool is probably the most versatile as it allows the child to move it around depending on his/her needs (e.g., to access the sink  or to help make cookie dough on the island).

8)    Minimize Sharp Corners

Choose a rounded edge for your countertops, but if you don’t have the luxury to choose your corners, add corner bumpers to lessen the blows of any bumps.

9)    Easy to Clean/Maintain Surfaces

Appliances: Shop for refrigerators, stoves, ovens and dishwashers that do not leave little fingerprints. A good option is a brushed stainless steel material, which has a nice look, and fingerprints tend to be less of an issue.

Countertops: You may love granite or marble, but you may not love the maintenance or upkeep. Quartz countertop surfaces, are worth considering for their ease of cleaning and other benefits. It is a man-made product offering the benefits of durability, stain- and heat-resistance and low-maintenance, and is available in styles that mimic natural stone.

10)  Kid Friendly Appliances

Consider appliances that offer features that are safe for children. For example, induction cooktops make a good choice because the surface will heat up only pans — not little hands. Guards can also be added to the front of an oven to block access to the temperature controls.

Raven Homes is here to begin discussing your family-friendly kitchen remodel. When your little family members feel comfortable and at home, you’ll be glad you incorporated these ideas into your plans.

Give us a call today at 508-393-4511 or contact us to get started.