How to create a multifunctional, family-friendly kitchen
Kitchens are no longer just somewhere to cook meals. They have evolved into the hub of the home, a space that can multitask and provide the perfect spot for everything from dining and entertaining to socialising, relaxing and working.
In our latest blog, we look at how this evolution has shaped kitchen design and what it means for you.
When planning for a new kitchen, one of the most important things you can do is think about how you want to use your space and what activities need to take place there. What sort of meals do you enjoy cooking? How many people will be using the kitchen to cook and eat, and what other family tasks will you want it to accommodate? Here are the main functions you may need to plan your kitchen around…
Make it family-friendly
Dining together as a family is a great time to catch up on everyone’s news and spend quality time away from technology and gadgets. Think about your dining area — do you want a formal table and chairs or something more casual, such as a banquette, breakfast bar or table and bench set.
An island is a really multifunctional addition, which provides somewhere for children to sit and do their homework while you get on with prepping dinner, as well as a space for catching up with friends over coffee and chatting to guests when entertaining. It can also be the perfect spot for home working as well as creating extra storage.
Assess your layout
Look at your current kitchen layout and make a list of what does and doesn’t work. Does it have a good flow throughout? Do you need to move appliances to be out of children’s reach? Consider having a bank of built-in ovens, microwave, coffee machine and warming drawer at eye level behind an island and a wine cabinet at the end of the island for guests to help themselves.
It might flow better if you knock down a dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room or open up your space to create one large area for cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining.
Storage is key
Turning your kitchen into a multifunctional space means ensuring there is plenty of storage to reduce clutter and having everything in its place for quick and easy access when you need it. From cookware and crockery to store cupboard essentials, we offer a wide range of storage solutions to make the most of every inch. A well-organised kitchen makes everyday tasks much easier and more enjoyable, freeing up space for other activities.
Make life simpler
Having a kitchen that can accommodate all kinds of family activities makes life so much simpler as it’s all together in one space. In addition to considering layout and design, it’s also important to consider functionality. You may want cabinets with an anti-fingerprint finish, especially if they are high-gloss, as well as handleless doors, which are easier to clean and create a sleek and seamless look.
When it comes to appliances, a multifunctional space needs quiet extraction and dishwasher to reduce noise when dining, entertaining, relaxing or working. Consider a downdraft extractor that removes cooking odours and steam straight from the hob and if space allows, move the washing machine and tumble dryer into a utility room. You may also want to consider a Quooker tap if you’re kitchen is going to a busy hub for a larger family, the convenience of having hot water on tap will speed up your mornings and make cooking and brew making a breeze, these taps have a child safety function, so you don’t need to worry about children who might be helping themselves to normal or filtered water.
Take a look at some of our kitchen projects for further inspiration and give us a call to discuss what we can do for your space.
