How to Design a Family Friendly Kitchen?
The family kitchen, whatever its size, is the place where everyone gathers. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that go into creating the perfect space that brings families together.
A family kitchen is way more than just a room for preparing food in: it is the true beating heart of the home, a multifunctional family hub for work, play, laughter and relaxation, all while keeping an eye on young children. It must be able to meet everyone’s demands, whatever the time of day.
How Much Space Do I Need to Create a Family Kitchen?
To create the ideal family kitchen, you need space. There is no benefit in cramming too much into a small kitchen, so in order for the room to work, it must be big enough. One way to achieve this is to open your home up either by building and extention, or by removing walls to create an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area – both of which can open out to the garden through bi-fold or sliding doors to give that contemporary feel.
Projects such as these often don’t require planning permission, assuming they meet your local authority’s criteria, and can be completed under permitted development rights. Alternatively, you may be able to create a large open plan space by removing a wall between the kitchen and adjoining room however, you should always seek advice from a structural engineer as to whether structural support is required when removing an internal wall.
Designing The Perfect Family Kitchen.
There are a slightly different set of requirements when choosing appropriate kitchen units, worktop types, flooring and hardware in a kitchen that is going to be frequented by the whole family.
Firstly, opt for surfaces that are easy to clean and will not stain if you spill something. The same goes for cupboard doors and splashbacks – no one wants to see orange juice drip marks down to front of their new and expensive wooden doors.
Schüller’s wall panel system makes a stylish, practical and cost-effective option when it comes to your splashback. It wipes clean easily and look perfect in both traditional and modern kitchens.
An easy clean worktop is essential. You don’t want a material that will absorb any spillages, or be marked easily if someone drops something on it. Good quality laminate, quartz or acrylic surfaces are ideal, as well as stainless steel or even glass. Wood can be sanded down and refinished if it is damaged, but it is also the easiest material to mark.
With worktops especially, but also with any units or surfaces with an edge, it is worth considering rounding the corners slightly so that it reduces the chance of injury to any children that might be at risk of banging their head.
Finally, consider kitchen flooring. In a family kitchen, flooring should be practical, hardwearing and slip resistant. Ceramic or stone tiles are good options but if you would prefer a warmer, more cushioned surface, look at high quality vinyl flooring, which can beautifully mimic real wood and stone.
Including a Central Hub in Your Design
There are areas throughout the kitchen that can be utilised for more space to assist a busy family. Ceiling mounted shelving is an excellent way of making more use of a small space. Cookware, such as pots and pans, can take up loads of space, so having a ceiling rack to store them is incredibly useful for when you need your kitchen fully stocked.
Finding Space For a Dining Table in a Family Kitchen.
If space allows, a family-sized kitchen should include a good-sized dining table, preferably one which is extendable to accommodate gatherings.
A dining table can provide a good transition between the kitchen and a more informal sitting area, with one or two comfy sofas or armchairs.
Choosing Appliances For a Family Kitchen
If you’re designing a family kitchen now but only have a small baby, it pays to think ahead: that baby will quickly become a ravenously hungry teenager (believe me). So, go for a fridge/freezer with the largest capacity you can fit in, and do the same for the other appliances, from ovens to washing machines.
Finding Space For a Utility Room
If there is room, creating a separate utility room is a valuable addition in a family home.
This means certain appliances, washing machines, dishwashers or even the fridge/freezer can be housed in a separate, but close by room.
The latest Utility Room range from Schüller is a fantastic addition to any family kitchen with its ergonomic raised washing machine and dryer units, innovative laundry units and clever storage and recycling solutions. Find out more HERE=>>
Office / Work Space
In an ideal world, the perfect family kitchen would be a mobile device free zone where you get your family’s undivided attention. But, no matter what rules you lay down at the start, inevitably, they will work their way in eventually. If you’re planning on your traditional family kitchen being the homework zone for the kids, or if you might use it as an impromptu home office, then having ample plugs and charging stations in the kitchen is a good option.
Smart Sound System
One of the most popular trends in the smart home automation area are multi-room audio systems.
These are a must in the perfect family kitchen space, as you can listen to music whilst cooking, the kids can listen to their own music when they’re around, or you can easily play music when entertaining or having a family party.
Clearing Clutter With Clever Storage
The bigger your family, the more kitchen storage ideas you will need. Consider pan drawers and pull-out shelving. A large pantry or pantry storage ideas kept distinct from the prep area of the kitchen will allow for family members to help themselves to breakfast items and snacks without interrupting cooking.
Our talented designers are experts at creating the Perfect Family Kitchen. Why not let them design yours for you… Click HERE=>> to schedule an in-store design consultation today
