Family life often revolves around the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking or hanging out with the kids, having an inviting space is essential for everyone.
Consider a kitchen island with seating to create a multifunctional family area. You can also design a section of countertops at a lower height for children to do homework or other tasks.
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Kitchen Islands
When designing a family-friendly kitchen, it’s important to consider how kids will use the space. This includes establishing work zones to support their needs, such as the cleanup zone, cooking zone and food zone.
An island is ideal for a kid-friendly workspace. It provides more counter space, seating and storage solutions than a table and doesn’t interfere with the work triangle when positioned strategically.
Kids can easily reach shallow base cabinets to grab snacks, utensils and cups without having to climb on the countertop or interrupt dinner prep. For older kids, a microwave drawer in the island is convenient for reheating leftovers and preparing simple snacks.
Kids can also sit on the island to eat a healthy after-school snack and do homework while adults prepare dinner or work at the computer.
Kid-Friendly Appliances
One of the most important kitchen upgrades you can make for kids is a set of appliances that are easier for them to use. For example, an oven that lets you open both doors at once makes it less likely for kids to get burned while pulling food out of the oven.
Other kid-friendly appliances, like a toaster oven, aren’t as intimidating as a full stove and also shut off automatically. A spiralizer is another great addition to a kid-friendly kitchen and transforms cucumbers or carrots into spaghetti-like shapes. Many models of these are manual and also have guards for kid safety.
Teaching kids how to operate a variety of appliances helps prepare them for future household chores and ensures they’ll be able to do those chores safely. Integrating appliance safety education into daily routines is a fun way to help kids of all ages learn.
Kid-Friendly Lighting
Light plays a significant role in the way children feel about their surroundings. Natural lighting can elevate moods, enhance vitamin D absorption, and promote better sleep patterns, so incorporating large windows and skylights is an important design element to consider when creating kid-friendly spaces.
Complementing natural lighting with accent and task lamps offers a visually appealing combination of ambient and task illumination. When selecting these fixtures, opt for break-resistant, durable options that will hold up to the occasional knock from rambunctious kids.
For a night-time option, look no further than a soothing star projector or an ambient aurora light that creates a soft nebula display on walls and ceilings. These lights also come in a range of stylish finishes and fun designs that will match any kid-friendly decor theme.
Kid-Friendly Cabinetry
Your kitchen may be the heart of your home, but it can also be one of the most dangerous rooms for small children. With hot stoves, sharp knives, and breakable dishes, it’s important to keep kids away from these hazards during everyday activities.
Create a safe kitchen for your family by installing countertops and cabinets that are durable and easy to clean. Choose materials that can withstand daily use and the occasional splash of food, like quartz or concrete. Opt for dark grout rather than white, which will hide fingerprints in between cleanings.
Designate areas for kids to relax and play, and equip your remodel with kid-friendly cooking utensils, children’s recipe books, and chef’s hats. Kid-safe custom cabinetry can include features like rounded corners and safety mechanisms, reducing the risk of injury during play.