The kitchen is the heart of a family home, a place of warmth, nourishment and togetherness. Here meals are prepared and eaten; messes and masterpieces are made, homework is done, and heartfelt conversations and memories leave their mark.
The family kitchen is as unique in its qualities and characteristics as the family that calls it home. Before beginning a family kitchen renovation or remodel, think about how the kitchen is most likely to be used and set realistic goals for refurbishing and redecorating based on these goals. There are certain key features that are integral to a family kitchen and most design elements are rooted in one of these three: durability, versatility, and convenience.
Durability
One of the primary qualities of a family-focused, child-friendly kitchen is its ability to hold up under the daily assault that is family life. The entire family is going to spend significant time here so having surfaces and accessories that are durable and easy to care for is important. Formica countertops can stain easily so natural surfaces, such as granite and quartz, are the best choice for countertops in a family kitchen. As for flooring, tiles are easy to clean and repairs are simple. Staining cabinets and cupboards is the better choice as opposed to painting them; paint has a tendency to chip and staining will resist this, making it longer lasting.
Window treatments are another place where durability is important. Fumes from cooking and childish hands mean that window treatments need to hold up to some punishment. Caf? style curtains, mini-blinds and shutters are all excellent choice for window coverage – read how to measure up here and get other suggestions for window treatments.
Versatility
The family kitchen is many things to each member of the family and the furniture and accessories chosen to decorate the room need to be versatile enough to fulfill those needs. A popular choice for kitchens in any design style is the island. Utilized as a work surface, serving area, snack bar and study spot, an island is one of the most flexible and useful spots in a kitchen. Many islands offer customized features ordered by the homeowner, including sinks; range tops, a variety of drawers, and even built in refrigeration units. Pull out counters at the perfect height for children are a popular custom request. Some islands are also mobile, offering families the flexibility to move the island out of the kitchen, opening the room up for dining or entertaining.
Family kitchens are also characterized by plenty of family seating. Sometimes this takes the form of a table and chairs, or booth-based units can be built directly into the kitchen if the room is available. Snack bars and counter space are also a good way to add seating for the whole family.
Convenience
Open floor plans and easy accessibility to food and cooking equipment should be the basis for any design of a family kitchen. Refrigerator drawers; easy-access pantries and cupboards, cupboard drawers and revolving shelf inserts are just some of the possibilities to explore when renovating a family kitchen.
This article was contributed by Dave Stephenson. Dave Stephenson is a dedicated internet blogger that loves to write about lifestyle and the world, covering topics including family, health, and pets, all the way through to technology, media and travel.
