The best kitchen ideas for growing families

The kitchen is perhaps the most important household space for families. Ideally, it should be versatile enough to include functional areas and a dining spot, as well as be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming. But when you have a family, that can seem like an impossible task. After all, it’s difficult to keep anything looking fresh and stay clean with children around. 

Yet, it isn’t impossible. If you have been wondering how to make this goal a reality, here are some things you should remember for your next remodelling project. 

Increasing Kitchen Storage 

A growing family automatically calls for the need for more storage space. Open-plan kitchens are a favourite among families. You should also consider installing built-in or banquette seating to relieve storage pressure. This is particularly helpful if the space you work with is limited. When you think about the available storage options, consider precisely what appliances you have and how often you use each of them. The ones that are used daily should be placed in the most easily accessible places. Many prefer drawer units, but lift-top storage benches remain popular as well. 

Cut costs 

When you have a family to care for, you know better than anyone that budgeting is essential. Being careful how you spend your money means you’ll have enough for everything you need, and you can also make room for savings. The furnishing you choose for your kitchen can cost quite a lot, particularly when swapping them for new ones that can accommodate your family’s needs. 

You might think that in order to get something of good quality that will also stand the test of time, you’ll have to spend quite a lot of money. That’s not necessarily the case. In fact, there are many cheap kitchens out there for those looking to revamp their interiors without breaking the bank. Avoiding food waste is another important habit you can achieve by buying only as much as you need. You can also try getting creative and developing recipes that use leftovers.  

Cooking at home and avoiding takeaway or eating at a restaurant can also help you save money, as well as develop your cooking skills. You can get your kids involved in the process as well. The entire process will be a fun way to spend the afternoon for the younger ones, while teenagers will feel seen and appreciated for being involved in the task. 

Grow your own 

Growing some of your own produce is the perfect way to ensure you’re bringing fresh, organic fruits and veggies to the dinner table while saving costs at the same time. Since you’ve grown them, you can be confident they are free from pesticides and additives. If you’re not used to it, you can try some of the sturdiest options first, which will most likely grow without much assistance. 

Lettuce, peas, carrots, radishes, kale, cucumbers and beets are some of the healthy vegetables you can grow yourself, and they won’t take much effort and energy from you. To develop your skills, you can do some online research or grab books on gardening. While it’s not difficult, you must be wary of overwatering and the direct sunlight your plants receive. Therefore, you might feel a little safer with written instructions when you’re new to it. After developing some experience and gaining confidence in your abilities, you’ll feel more comfortable going with your gut feeling. 

Growing your herbs is another great solution to cut back on expenses and guarantee your access to a limitless supply of fragrant spices at all times. Once you see how well fresh herbs lend themselves to home cooked dishes, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought versions. 

Family life 

Your kitchen should be designed with your family’s needs in mind. That means that it has to be multifunctional and take everyone’s needs into account. This is frequently where people gather to talk and relax after a long day. It’s also where you entertain guests and extended family members. But creating a multifunctional space can be more complicated than it seems at first. It’s all about efficiency and priorities. 

For example, if someone in your family works from home, you can arrange a special space for them in the kitchen. Children can also use it for homework, with some healthy snacks nearby. Make sure there’s sufficient lighting to make work comfortable. It’s also crucial during meal preparation since handling knives and heavy pots can be a safety hazard in a dim environment. 

Childproofing 

If you have young children, you already know that they’re always curious. They like to discover everything, which is expected as that’s how they discover the world. But it can also expose them to dangerous situations, particularly in the kitchen. That’s because while generally associated with a warm atmosphere, the kitchen is also where hot surfaces and sharp objects are located. And they could constitute a problem for children’s safety. 

The best thing you can do is childproof your kitchen since forbidding them from entering is more likely to cause kids to come up with plans to sneak in. The stovetop and oven are two of the main hazards. They have the highest potential for severe injuries. According to the NHS, the figures show scalds and burns are increasing. In extreme cases, the injuries can be fatal, and even when they’re not, many children still take a long time to recover. 

Therefore, you should be sure you never leave your stove unattended. Get an oven lock, and don’t leave hot contents, either food or beverages, on a surface where a toddler could reach them and have them drop on them. Kitchen cabinets must also be more secure, as they contain heavy pans and pots, cleaning liquids, graters and knives. Magnetic locks are one of the best options, being easy to install and too strong for babies to pull apart. 

Creating a kitchen that fits your whole family might seem complicated, but all you need to do is set a list of requirements and refurbish the place.