3 Ways To Create A Family Friendly Kitchen Design

Kitchens are the heart of homes. Modern kitchens aren't simply places to cook and eat in, they're also the centre for many family activities, especially in open plan living design. If you have children and want to create a family friendly and functional kitchen that still looks amazing, then here are three design elements that you might like to include in your kitchen plan.

1. An over-sized island work bench

Island work benches are a popular choice in modern kitchen design. They combine the functionality of a galley style kitchen with the practicality of a breakfast bar. They increase not only the work surface of a kitchen but also the storage space by providing extra room for cupboards beneath them.

Increasing the size of your island work bench is a great idea if you have children. This means that the island can be used as a space to do homework, crafts, and eat while you're using the kitchen without intruding on your work space.

2. Soft close drawers and cupboards

Kids are notoriously rough when it comes to closing kitchen drawers and cupboards. Not only is this noisy, it can also increase wear and tear and decrease the lifespan of your cabinetry. The solution to this is to install soft close drawers and cupboards.

Soft close drawers and cupboards use devices which mean that it's impossible to slam your cabinetry closed. There are a number of different companies that make this style of fitting for cabinetry, and most of them use simple hydraulic technology to create an air cushion as the drawers and cupboards are closed.

Soft close fittings in your kitchen will cost you slightly more than standard cabinetry. However, the noise reduction qualities and the element of class they bring to a kitchen make them a worthwhile investment.

3. Low maintenance work surfaces

A big trend in kitchen design is using high gloss materials in shades of white or very light hues. These materials look stunning and bring light and brightness into the space. However, if you have children, you may find that these surfaces are impractical and require constant cleaning to keep the looking their best. Every finger print and grease mark will stand out like a sore thumb.

A better option is to choose a work top surface with a naturally marled appearance. Natural stone such as granite, composite stone amalgams, and good quality stone-style laminates are perfect. These naturally disguise small marks and dirty spots on the work surfaces. The slightly matte finish also means that the surface will require less attention while still looking beautiful.

Creating a beautiful kitchen and a family friendly kitchen don't have to be mutually exclusive design ideas. By using the above tips, you should be able to combine both concepts to create a functional and striking kitchen.