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Are you looking to design a kitchen that caters to the needs of your busy family? As the heart of the home, the kitchen plays a critical role in daily routines, from meal preparation to family gatherings. In this blog post, we’ll share top tips and insights on creating a functional and organised family kitchen.
The first step in designing a functional family kitchen is to prioritise storage. By ensuring every kitchen item has a designated space, you can minimise clutter and make it easier to access items when you need them. One way to achieve this is with bespoke cabinetry that fits your specific storage needs and lifestyle.
Consider incorporating storage solutions such as pull-out drawers, beautifully crafted inserts, magic corners, and vertical door racks. These features can help you maximise every inch of space, even in compact kitchens.
When designing a functional kitchen, the layout plays a pivotal role. Try and view the space as a cohesive whole, incorporating multiple zones within. The “working triangle” stands out among the widely recognised layout principles. This triangle encompasses the cooking area, prep/storage zone, and wash area. Starting with the working triangle as a foundation, designers can create well-defined zones tailored to your lifestyle and your family’s unique needs
For multifunctional kitchens, it is essential to establish a clear narrative of their intended use. Defining these priorities is crucial, whether you focus on crafting a fun environment for entertaining, or a central hub where the family can gather to eat and unwind.
In a family kitchen, durability is a must. Choose materials that can withstand frequent use and wear and tear. For example, quartz is perfect for kitchen worktops because its non-porous texture prevents bacteria from growing. It’s easy to clean, making it less susceptible to staining. Many busy family homes now favour porcelain floor tiles, as they require very little maintenance. Technological strides in the last few years mean they are virtually indistinguishable from the natural tiles they mimic.
Consider adding functional features to your family kitchen, such as a sociable kitchen island or breakfast bar. Islands can serve as a central hub for meal preparation, homework, and family time. A breakfast pantry can also be incredibly valuable when designed and arranged to suit your routine. They can incorporate your entire morning, from a professional coffee machine, toaster and a whole host of cereal options for the kids. The best thing is that, once you’ve had enough, you can close the doors behind you, concealing all the mess and clutter until it’s time to tidy up.
A clean kitchen enhances the functionality and promotes a pleasant living environment. Establish a regular cleaning schedule for countertops, appliances, and storage areas. Encourage family members to clean up after themselves, put away dishes, wipe down surfaces, and sweep the floor to maintain order and cleanliness.
Lighting is a critical component of any functional family kitchen. In addition to overhead lighting, consider adding task lighting above work areas such as the sink, cooker, and work surfaces. This can improve visibility and safety when cooking and cleaning.
Maximising natural light in the home can have many benefits, from improving positive wellbeing and reducing energy consumption, to creating a bright and welcoming space that your family will love.
Explore more bespoke kitchen storage ideas in our latest brochure, or visit one of our showrooms to experience our exquisite features first-hand.