A family friendly kitchen has very different requirements than that of a kitchen suitable for a single person or a couple. What once started as the perfect kitchen for you and your significant other may no longer fit the bill.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home. It tends to be the room where the most activity takes place and, once you have kids, they will be joining you in that space.
So, how can you transform the space, making it work for you and your family? Here are several tips you can use to bring your vision to life.
Get Organized and Make Sure Everything Has a Place
This first tip is simple enough, but it’s shocking how much of an impact it can have. Organizing the kitchen and making sure everything has a designated space will do wonders.
It will make the kitchen appear larger, less cluttered and can free up all-important counter space.
During this process, you may need to get rid of items you don’t use, invest in additional storage, and just do a better job of organizing. There are plenty of creative space-saving kitchen organizers available that can be used in the cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, drawers, and shelves.
Get Rid of the Table and Opt for an Island for a Family Friendly Kitchen
If you are trying to save on space, while creating more room for food preparation, it may be time to get rid of the traditional kitchen table. Families are embracing the versatility that islands offer.
A large island with seating around it can be used for eating, socializing, and of course, preparing meals. Just be sure to choose an island top that is durable and easy to clean, as any parent knows that kids are prone to spills and messes.
Make It Possible for Kids to Help with Meal Preparation
There is something really special about being able to cook with the kids, teaching them the basics of the kitchen and letting them get their hands dirty and take an active role. For this to happen, you need to create the kind of space where they can comfortably help.
Some people choose to use various counter heights, giving kids a space to work, or you may want to have stepstools that the kids can place at the counter or island.
Ensure That It’s Easy to Move Around the Space
Another tip is to clear any clutter that restricts movement in the kitchen. You want to be able to make your way around the room with ease and without obstacles. Having kids around will be challenging enough, so you don’t need any tripping hazards.
Install Additional Lighting
Here’s a tip that isn’t just meant for family-friendly kitchens but can also apply to any kitchen renovation. Consider installing additional lighting that ensures there are no dark spots in the kitchen. You want to take advantage of every square inch of space, so having enough lighting is essential.
Additional lighting options can include:
- Track lighting
- Pendant lighting
- Under-cabinet lighting
- In-cabinet lighting
Create a Kid-Friendly Snack Bar
Parents can often feel as though the kitchen is like a restaurant in that the kids constantly want meals and snacks prepared. You can make life a lot easier by setting up a snack bar. This can be a designated spot in the kitchen where kid-friendly ready-to-eat snacks are kept. They can then help themselves to these snacks if they are old enough, otherwise, you can easily access them.
Is It Time for a Gut Job?
If you’ve taken all the DIY steps possible, made little changes and tried your best to work with the space you have and it’s still not a family-friendly kitchen, then it may be time for a gut job. This is especially true for older homes that may have worked for you at one point, but you have now outgrown the space and your needs have changed as you had kids.
A complete kitchen remodel is a big undertaking, which can be costly, stressful and time-consuming. Not only that, but you need the proper skills, equipment and materials to pull off this kind of project. This is exactly why so many homeowners end up hiring a professional to guide them through the process.
Remodeling kitchen services by beattiedev ensures you never feel in over-your-head and that you end up with a design that works for your budget and your needs. It’s all about taking your vision and making it a reality thanks to the remodeling design-build process that is used. You’ll stay involved throughout the entire remodel, which ensures that you’re happy with the results.
By hiring a professional, you’ll be getting professional results, which means a space that is family-friendly, stylish, modern and functional.
Using all these tips will help you to re-think and redesign your kitchen layout, allowing it to become the perfect family-friendly space.
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