MAKE YOUR KITCHEN HOMELY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
OFTEN labelled “the hub of the home”, the family kitchen is a place for preparing meals, doing chores and entertaining friends, and where everyone at home can gather together and touch base.
As a multi-functional space for a variety of ages, the family kitchen needs careful planning.
A good starting point is to keep lines clean and spaces open.
Zone out
To do this, you separate the kitchen into various zones, each of which serves a specific purpose, as a whole, then making up a functional as well as relational environment. Zones could include cooking, preparation, storage, activity and social.
Home owners need to look at what the space is being used for, ensuring that each activity is catered for and won’t get in the way of other family members. For example, if homework is being done in the kitchen, a big table placed away from the food preparation zone may be necessary.
Be conscious of the ages of the family members using the area. Parents with younger children may want an open-plan space, so they can keep an eye on what’s going on in the room. Choosing an L or U-shaped space with a cooking area away from the wall allows for interaction; preferably on an island facing towards the dining or living area.
Include a low drawer or shelf with play items that small children can access, and keep a stool nearby, so they can be involved in the action.
Look at installing electrical outputs for technology, such as laptops and phones.
On the surface
Raised cabinetry is easy to clean in a high-traffic area, and should provide ample storage for every family member. Every drawer and cabinet should have the necessary internal inserts, dividers and storage solutions. This helps to achieve an organised and relational space.
You could also consider kitchen cabinets with pull-out drawer systems, as these are multi-functional, and can be adapted to specific requirements throughout the kitchen lifespan. Handle-free, softclose systems will prevent little fingers from being slammed, and vertical recess channels (for handle-free units) are very handy, as you can open a unit from any given height.
Surfaces should be made of hardy materials that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Engineered surfaces tend to be more durable than natural ones – such as wood, granite and marble. If using paint, ensure it’s long-lasting, resistant to bacteria and damp, and easy to clean.
For safety, be aware of sharp edges to counter tops, and slippery floors, and ensure that all cleaning supplies, knives and small appliances are out of reach of children. The kitchen is the area in the home in which every family member will spend a lot of time, so make it a room that’s beautiful, as well as fun. –