Creating a family friendly kitchen

As the kitchen is known as the heart of the home, it is often a space where families gather to talk, share food and cook together. However, this combination of activities needs to be achieved with practicality, safety and comfort in mind. So what should you consider when creating a family friendly kitchen? And how can you be sure to achieve the right visual and practical design?

What are the important considerations when creating a family friendly kitchen?

There are a number of important considerations to take into account when creating a kitchen that will be used as a family hub. These considerations include: 

  • Creating zonal areas
  • Storage considerations 
  • Safety considerations 

Creating zonal areas for a family friendly kitchen 

Creating distinct zones in the kitchen helps streamline activities and ensures every family member can use the space comfortably. Some of the important zones to consider include:

  • Cooking zone- Position the cooker, oven, and microwave together, ideally near countertops for food preparation. Include easy access to pots, pans, and utensils.
  • Preparation zone- Dedicate a clutter-free surface for meal preparation. This area should be near the sink for easy access to water and food washing.
  • Dining zone- For family kitchens, incorporating a dedicated eating area can be a good option for eating together. There are a wide range of options for seating, which we will cover in a following section. 
  • Multi-use zone- If you have the space you can allocate an area for children to study or complete homework while being close. 

Effective storage options for family kitchens

Effective storage is essential for reducing clutter and keeping the kitchen organised. Family kitchens can benefit from a mix of accessible and secure storage options, depending on the age of the children in the household. Some effective storage options may include:

  • Pull-out drawers- Deep pull-out drawers with dividers are excellent for storing pots, pans, and pantry items, making them easy to access.
  • Cabinet organisation- Use high cabinets for items you don’t need daily, like special occasion dinnerware. Install shelves and racks to maximise space.
  • Child friendly access- For young children, you could consider assigning lower drawers or cabinets for child-safe items, such as plastic cups or small snacks, so children can help themselves safely.

Kitchen seating for family friendly kitchens

Seating in a family friendly kitchen will need to accommodate your needs and requirements, while also meeting the visual design standards and the practical needs of the space overall. Some effective options include:

  • Multifunctional furniture- You could opt for a dining table with extendable options, or a breakfast bar that doubles as a workspace, for a multifunctional option. Seating benches with hidden storage can also be a great option.  
  • Comfortable chairs- Children often find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time so it’s important to choose ergonomic seating to encourage longer mealtimes and family conversations. Cushioned or upholstered options can be perfect for this.

For effective and professional kitchen design, choose us here at Homematas. We are Preston’s leading kitchen design professionals and we have a variety of kitchen options to suit any home and property, including family friendly kitchen options. Why not take a look in store or online today?