Ask an expert

Each issue, we’ll find stylish solutions to all your decorating and design dilemmas from those in the know

Lisa Koehler is the stylist and interior decorator on our expert Panel (for more on the Panel, turn to page 104). Here, she explains how to future-proof a family kitchen.

QWe have three children under five and want our new kitchen to work into the future. What do we need to consider? Josh, via email “Storage is a key consideration in a family kitchen. Not only for food and kitchen equipment – you need to plan for a place for homework, books, pens, general office needs and school notes. If space permits, I love to allocate a cupboard to each child with a personal drawer or shelf for homework and books. Consider the shape of the kitchen; a U-shaped layout and galley have plenty of space and also allow two people to work together without getting in each other’s way. Everyone loves to gather around the kitchen bench, so it’s important to try keep it free of clutter to maximise the surface area. Design a zone within the kitchen where older children can prepare their own food – a snack centre close to the fridge, cup and dish storage, microwave and toaster. When it comes to the finishes, select easy cleaning surfaces for benchtops and splashback, and ensure you have soft-close door mechanisms. Remember drawers are generally more practical than cupboards when it comes to storage.”