A kitchen remodel is not just an opportunity to improve the appearance of your space; it’s also a way to customize your home for the way your family uses it. If you have a large, active family, then you’ll need to know how to design a kitchen that can handle lots of traffic and some not-so-gentle use. Here are some helpful tips from our designers:
Include dining space in the kitchen floor plan.
Hungry kids may not think to head to the dining room when they’re going for a snack or quick breakfast. So, you should make sure there’s a place for them to eat right in the kitchen to avoid crowding cooking and prep stations in the space. A breakfast nook or counter seating with stools can fit into many different kitchen floor plans. Alternatively, you might use the kitchen island as a multi-purpose space with chairs placed around it for convenient dining.
Add plenty of reachable storage and multi-level workspaces.
Clutter in a busy kitchen can easily spell disaster. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that every tool in the kitchen has a dedicated storage space. You should also ensure that frequently used items are within reach for all members of the family—and that potentially dangerous items are well out of reach for younger family members. Similarly, you may want to plan your kitchen with countertops and work surfaces positioned at different heights. This way, multiple members of the family can work in the kitchen comfortably and without getting in each other’s way.
Choose easy-to-maintain materials.
When selecting countertops, flooring, and cabinetry, you should think about the durability and maintenance needs of the materials you choose. Matte surfaces tend to hide fingerprints better than glossy surfaces, and darker cabinet faces may be less prone to staining. For countertops, quartz and Corian are family-friendly choices that are non-porous, durable, stain-resistant, and antibacterial.
Southwest Kitchen & Bath can help you design a kitchen that meets your family’s needs and fulfills your aesthetic vision for the space. From cabinet refacing to full kitchen remodels, we do it all. Call (520) 531-9187 to get in touch with us.