When you have a family and children, you’re bound to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner for your loved ones shouldn’t be a burden and you should try to turn those chores into quality time with your children or your partner. So, what you really need is a kitchen that’s fit for children and adults, and here’s how you can create just that.
Make your kitchen safe for your children
Yes, your children have their own rooms, but they’d usually rather be exactly where you are. And if they’re in the kitchen with you, the best thing you can do is let them help you. It will make them feel useful and it’s a great opportunity to bond with them. However, in order for your kids to use your kitchen, you need to make it children-friendly above all.
When picking kitchen furniture, decide on a few lower cabinets or at least a table that they can easily use. Don’t let them climb chairs to reach a kitchen counter that’s too high for them, but explain to them that you’ve designed a special place for them in the kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, you might want to look into maximizing small spaces with the appropriate storage and minimal construction, so that it is not too cluttered for them to be in there with you, but they still have access to the things they need. Place dishes and appliances they can use in the bottom cabinets, where they can reach them and do at least some chores along with you. They won’t really consider it working, but rather playing and it will boost their confidence if they know they are able to help you with grown-up things, such as cooking. If you put your microwave where they can reach it and use it, they will be able to make simple meals or snacks themselves. Popcorn will taste like heaven to them if they are the ones who prepared them. Keep knives and anything that can hurt them on higher shelves and cabinets, and always keep an eye on what they’re doing.
Turn a corner of your kitchen into a playroom
Ok, it doesn’t have to be a corner. It can be the very center of your kitchen, especially if you have a kitchen island. Have a drawer or a cabinet filled with crayons and paper for them to draw, or their favorite board game to play. Put slipcovers on your chairs to protect them from any stains or damage and use paper or plastic covers for your countertops when you let them paint or draw on them. If your children are very small, get them some plastic dishes to mimic what you do in the kitchen. And again, make sure that the table or the counter they use is of the adequate height.
It’s gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny kitchen!
What this actually means is that you shouldn’t be too shy with colors. If your kitchen cabinets are in neutral tones and look serious, you can always paint the walls in bright colors or pick brighter tiles. Play with your yellows, greens and reds, combine your colors boldly and let your kids be involved when making your hue choices. Buy cheerful-looking appliances, glassware or several colorful Bodum coffee cups to make your kitchen a happier place. Keep fresh fruit where you and your little ones can see and smell it. It will look homelier and your children will more likely choose an orange over a candy bar if it’s within their reach at all times.
A kitchen window would bring natural light into your kitchen, but you can also install ceiling lights, wall lights with a switch, or under-cupboard lighting if your window isn’t big enough. When you are cooking, you will need some sort of lighting so you can see what you’re doing, especially when using knives and other dangerous items. If you still aren’t sure how to cheer your kitchen up, click here for more ideas.
Merge your kitchen with your living or dining room
If you are planning to merge your kitchen with your living or dining room, this might involve tearing down walls or renovating your whole house. And if you have a large kitchen, you can even install a bar and create a lovely open space kitchen and living room. This will allow you to cook, bake, and do everything else in the kitchen while communicating with your family.
Alternatively, you could transform a section of your kitchen into a dining area, allowing your family to enjoy meals right where you cook. Picture making pancakes and flipping them directly onto your kids’ plates as they sit beside you. After all, they are often the main reason behind your culinary creations. Whatever your dream kitchen looks like, there are companies, similar to The Buildwell Group (thebuildwellgroup.com), who might be ready to help you bring it to life.
Your kitchen is more than just a space for cooking! It’s the heart of your home, where family members come together to share meals and connect on a deeper level. It’s where conversations flow effortlessly, laughter echoes, and cherished memories are made. Recognizing its importance in family life, it’s necessary to not only ensure your kitchen is functional but also enjoyable and inviting for everyone.
By following the above suggestions and transforming your kitchen into a fun place for your family, each day will become joyful. With a more interesting and pleasant kitchen, you will find yourself drawn to spend even more time there, and your children will undoubtedly love these moments just as much as you do.