Top tips on planning a family kitchen
12 May 2010
The kitchen is fast becoming the most important room in the home. Instead of being just the room in which to cook and wash up, the kitchen is now the hub of the home, where the family congregates, where dinner parties take place and even where the children do their homework!
If you are planning on a new kitchen that needs to suit the whole family, the following tips from the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) should help you make the most of your space, whatever size or shape it may be:
- One-wall galley kitchen – single galleys only offer sufficient space for one family member to work in the kitchen at one time. A microwave and fridge placed at the end of the run will allow children to fetch snacks and drinks without obstructing the chef! Also, make use of the limited space by installing floor to ceiling cabinets and by choosing compact appliances.
- Two-wall galley kitchen – if the two-wall galley kitchen can be accessed by both ends, consider blocking up one end to stop the children using the kitchen as a corridor and racing through it.
- L-shape kitchen – if this sits in a large room, consider planning a separate island for food preparation and casual meals. This then means that older children can prepare and eat snacks at the island without creating too much fuss!
- U-shape – place frequently used food away from the deep corners in storage cabinets so that access is easy. Also, where a U-shaped kitchen extends to form a peninsula, utilise the extra worktop space to create a breakfast bar.
- Island – consider using part of the island as a breakfast bar where your children can sit and eat their snacks, do their homework or even watch and learn while you cook! Ensure the stools are the correct height and that they have a backrest, especially for younger children.
With the above tips you should now be ready to plan your family-focussed kitchen!
