The kitchen is undeniably the heart of the home. It’s not just a place that is used for cooking.
It is where life happens. There may be rushed breakfasts before school starts or long family dinners. This room will always set the tone for how the household is run.
When you have a kitchen that is family friendly it balances that practical sense of warmth and gives you a space where adults and kids feel welcome.
A good kitchen will also make your guests feel at home.
The Role of the Kitchen
You need to carefully consider the role of your kitchen in the life of your family everyday. Consider whether it is a place where you are always rushing about or if it is that room where you will linger and talk.
When you have a welcoming kitchen it’s going to encourage family members to spend a lot more time together. You can add chalkboards to do scheduling, and even doodles. Meal plans can also be done on the chalkboard as well.
You should consider how the lighting will affect the mood of the kitchen. When you have warm soft lights in the evening you are going to have a very cozy atmosphere. Having natural light beaming into the windows in the morning will make everyone feel very energized when they are starting the day.
The bottom line is that your kitchen should always reflect your family’s lifestyle because it is more than just a room.
Prioritize Your Layout and Workflow
The way you lay out your kitchen can make a big difference in how functional it is. If you find yourself always bumping into other family members when you are preparing meals you might want to think about your current layout. You should always start by focusing on your work triangle.
That triangular connection between your stove, refrigerator and sink is critical. When you have a good flow between all these points it makes preparing your meals a lot less stressful. Consider the storage that you have as well.
Keeping snacks in a cupboard or lower drawer will make it easier for children to grab things for themselves. Putting Sharp utensils as well as fragile items higher makes the kitchen safe. If you’re unsure where to begin there are companies like Ramsbottom kitchen company that specialize in creating beautiful layouts that keep the necessities of real families in mind.
When you’re thinking about layout you need to consider how different people move about the kitchen. Make sure that one door doesn’t block the other. For example, your fridge door should never block the oven when it is open. Make sure the pathways in the kitchen are wide enough so that children can safely pass through it without having to walk into each other. These little details make a big difference in the comfort of the kitchen.
It’s about having a layout that will work to enhance your family’s daily life. You don’t want your kitchen to be a showroom that simply looks good.
Choose Durable and Kid Friendly Materials
When kids are an integral part of your household then it’s inevitable that sticky fingers, scratches and spills will happen. That’s why the type of materials that you choose for your kitchen really matters.
White tile countertops, easy to maintain flooring as well as sturdy cabinets can save you a lot of stress. Go for those finishes that are going to hide as much as possible and never underestimate how important a large sink is for getting the washing up done quickly.
Family friendly kitchens are all about making life easier for the inhabitants of the house no matter how busy their schedules may be.
You may want to consider getting quartz countertops because they are very durable and resist grime quite well. Laminate countertops are a bit more budget-friendly and they come in a lot of family proof finishes.
When it comes to flooring consider vinyl and tile options. These are very easy to mop and they won’t scratch it very easily.
Add Space for Connection
The food that you eat is very important. However, the time you spend together preparing it is just as important.
Putting seating into your kitchen such as a cozy note or even a breakfast bar will encourage family bonding over time. Kids will be able to do their homework while you cook and chat with them. You can even have a cup of coffee with your partner in the kitchen making your home feel more connected.
Consider having a section of the kitchen that is designated as the family station. This could be a corner where you place a small desk so that the kids can work on their crafts and color at the same time. You may even have them do their school work there while you prepare meals.
Adding a pin board or a magnetic strip is also a good idea for our projects and to put up important reminders. This can become a shared family hub. If you have the space then you should place a large table in the center of the kitchen. This will be the best gathering place not only for eating but also for late night chats, baking sessions and board games.
A Kitchen that Grows With You
When you’re thinking about designing a family friendly kitchen you don’t have to sacrifice style or even your vision over the long term. Instead all you have to do is think about how your needs are going to change as your family begins to evolve. Having flexible storage, a timeless design and durable surfaces will ensure that your kitchen can adapt with you as your family dynamics change and your kids grow.
The bottom line is that your kitchen is not just about cooking meals. It’s a place where life unfolds in all its essence and glory. Making it comfy for everyone is the key to ensuring that it is used often and does indeed become the heart of the home.
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