If you are planning your kitchen, you will no doubt have certain things on your wish list; layout, colours, style and appliances. However, if you have a family then you will want to ensure it is both practical and safe, especially if you have little ones running around. With this in mind we have put together some useful tips to help you create a family friendly kitchen without compromising on style.

Boost storage space
No doubt you will have an endless supply of tupperware as well as lunch boxes, kids cups or even a baby milk machine and bottle steriliser which can take up a lot of room. On top of that, the amount of snacks that can pile up means you will need plenty of storage space. Pantry cupboards, corner carousels, wider drawers, as well as full-size fridge freezers are some options you should consider. Another really useful storage idea is a tambour roller cupboard to conceal your baby milk machine and steriliser. When your baby grows up you can then use the cupboard for coffee or breakfast items, so it won’t ever go unused. In addition, charging drawers come in handy for families glued to their phones as they hide phones and cables away from worktops. This is ideal for mealtimes so that family conversations can flow without interruptions from smart devices.

Ditch the kettle
To free up worktop space and keep kettles out of reach of children the best thing you can do is ditch the kettle. The alternative is a hot water boiling tap such as the Quooker Flex Tap. As well as allowing speedy cooking and beverage preparation (ideal when you are a parent) it also has a child-proof handle making it the perfect addition to any modern family home.

Include sociable seating
A kitchen island will almost certainly be on your wish list if you have the space, however make sure it incorporates some seating to bring your family together. A breakfast bar is a great way to achieve this, allowing you to cook and interact with your family at the same time. For smaller children you might prefer a booth at one end of the kitchen with lower seating ideal for little legs (and a safer alternative to high stools).  You could also use this table for arts and crafts or a place for your kids to do their homework. Just make sure you choose the right table top to allow for mess.

Finally, if you are using your island for cooking also think about its position so that you can have your children in view.

Hardwearing worktops
Stone worktops are the best option in a busy household as they are less porous than wood and are scratch and stain resistant, making them hardwearing. Quartz in particular is a popular option for family kitchens – while this stone is hardwearing it is also easy to clean. Consider having curved worktops to avoid sharp corners and nasty bumps to the head if you have younger children.

Keep danger out of reach
While we have already mentioned ditching the kettle, dangerous items such as knife blocks should also be kept out of reach, so think about the storage you’ll need for this. Ovens should also be kept at (adult) eye level or higher to avoid any unnecessary opening while you bake.

Clever cabinets
When choosing the finish for your cabinets you’ll want an option that has lower maintenance. Gloss kitchens for instance shows up marks more obviously so will require frequent cleaning, whereas painted cabinets with a matt or semi-gloss finish are much more family friendly as imperfections are less likely to stand out. This is also the case if you opt for darker coloured cabinets to hide marks. Additionally, there is also the option of having handles or going handleless on your cabinets. The benefit of a handleless kitchen is that you can avoid sticky, dirty handles caused by messy hands (adults included).

Free up floor space
If you have a big family then make sure you leave enough space to move freely in the room. The last thing you want is to keep walking into one another. Pocket doors are a great way to maintain floor space as they slide neatly out of sight when cupboards are in regular use. And rather than have a standalone bin taking up room opt for an integrated waste bin to keep floor clutter down.

Add a safe haven
If you have a number of valuable items in your family, such as wallets, phones, car keys and important documents then a drawer safe is definitely worth considering, allowing you to safeguard belongings from intruders. A drawer safe has the appearance of the rest of your cabinets so no one will know that it is there (apart from you of course). If you own a keyless car its Faraday functionality will block signals emitted by futuristic devices criminals take advantage of, ensuring your vehicle can’t be stolen.

Fun for all the family
For many families the fridge and freezer is where their children’s artwork will often be displayed, however there are other alternatives that are fun and stylish. A corkboard that lines a door or cupboard is perfect for creating a dedicated spot for art and certificates or add a chalkboard to a wall area where your kids can get creative. You could also make use of it to note down reminders or write your shopping list.

For more design inspiration request a copy of our brochure here.

Also, make sure you follow us on social media for our latest updates. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz.