6 Ways To Put Out The Welcome Mat For Kids In Your New Kitchen Design

Remodeling a kitchen to make it more user-friendly usually makes homeowners think of the adults in the home who cook. But, how can you remake your kitchen so that the kids can enjoy it as much as you do? Here are a few ideas to help do just that.

Easy Wipe Surfaces. Letting messy kids help in the kitchen -- and just play around -- means choosing design materials that are easily cleanable with as few swipes as possible. Many laminates or cultured stone countertops are often easier to clean and maintain than other, more expensive materials. In addition, simple cabinet doors with fewer unnecessary designs make surfaces easier to clean. Under-mount sinks also allow you to wipe messes straight into the sink without fuss.  

Accessible Microwave. Design a lower home for the microwave -- probably in the base cabinets or island -- so that smaller kids can use it more easily.

Add Workspace. Encourage little ones to congregate in the kitchen both with you and without you by adding a counter space where they can play and do homework. This workspace should have good lighting and comfortable stools sufficient to allow multiple people to gather at one time. If you have children at different ages, you may want to install workspaces at different heights to accommodate everyone. 

Remove Walls. Walls around the kitchen are barriers to entry, and they prevent adults from keeping an eye on kids while someone is cooking. Instead, opt for an open floor plan and few visual obstacles between the kitchen and adjoining rooms like the dining room, breakfast nook, or family room. 

Include Storage. Any good kitchen design comes with plenty of storage, but be sure you include lower storage for kid-friendly items like snacks, plastic ware, and towels. If you don't want kids getting into the main pantry, add some custom cabinets in the main kitchen area for them to use. 

Widen Out. Busy cooks appreciate having more space to allow kids to run through and around without interfering in the actual work. Walkways around the kitchen counters and appliances -- including islands -- should be 3 feet wide and easy to navigate in order to prevent mishaps. Wide, uninterrupted flooring will also be easier to keep clean. 

Thinking about your whole family when planning a new kitchen layout will help you and your contractor find ways to bring everyone together in this most important family space. For more information, visit a company like Pedini New York.