The Family Home: A Kitchen the Entire Clan Will Love
Think storage, multitasking, and the hidden power of the window seat
Designing a lovely life with five children in tow. http://www.dandee-designs.com
Designing a lovely life with five children in tow. http://www.dandee-designs.com... More »
Families everywhere know that the best stories are shared around a table. Creating a kitchen that is functional and comfortable for everyone brings with it exciting design opportunities. Have you ever considered storage for toys built into your kitchen island? Or perhaps wondered about the best seating strategy to fit more around your dining table? This week in The Family Home, we'll be discussing these scenarios and more.
Adding comfortable seating in your kitchen, like this lovely window seat, will entice the entire family to congregate while meals are being prepared. Window seats are also great for storing large kitchen items that are rarely used or even toys for the little ones.
I'm really drawn to the narrowness of this kitchen island. It serves as an additional work surface but is small enough to allow for larger traffic areas — a huge bonus for chefs working with children underfoot.
Easily accessible storage, like this bookcase at the end of the island, has endless uses: It can hold baskets of markers, coloring books, small toys and more. Designating a spot for these items in the kitchen will keep children entertained as meals are being prepared or cleaned up. As children grow older and these items are no longer necessary, you have the perfect spot for all those cookbooks.
A command center is vital to keeping families scheduled and in the know. The magnetic chalkboard on the side of this double oven is the perfect spot for a calendar and some letters for the little ones.
Adding hooks or cubbies in the kitchen for lunch boxes and other school essentials is a great way to save time in the morning. This piece of furniture almost looks like it was retrofitted to work for the family living here.
If space in your kitchen is limited, consider using a bench as part of your table seating. You can generally get more people around the table with bench seating, and children love them.
This kitchen is sleek but family friendly. I like that there are different zones for different activities. For example, the office chair means there is probably a space for homework. There's also a large table for dining, game playing or doing projects, and then of course there's the prep area. This family knows that kitchens aren't just for cooking.
by Cardel Designs
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When considering finishes for your kitchen floor, why not choose one that already looks worn? You won't cringe every time your children or the dog comes barreling through the room, and a dropped plate won't leave noticeable damage.
More: The Family Home: Living Rooms You Can Live In
Houzz Tour: A Kitchen for Family and the Joy of Cooking
23 Inspiring Real-Life Kitchens
More: The Family Home: Living Rooms You Can Live In
Houzz Tour: A Kitchen for Family and the Joy of Cooking
23 Inspiring Real-Life Kitchens
Comments
mmsalg There are a ton of great design ideas here. The best thing is you can a little or a lot depending on your space and budget. It's up to you. Check out more kitchen ideas here and find a ton of makers who would love to help you get your multi-tasking kitchen exactly the way you want it. http://www.custommade.com/search?mode=projects&q=kitchens
16 months ago · Like
cute_margie SOREÑO NICE!!!AND I LOVE THE DESIGNS
16 months ago · Like
Amy's Affordable Interiors Here's our award-winning remodel :-). The cabinet layout changed from an "L" shape, to a straight line to make room for the new island. Existing cabinets were detailed, and a black island was added. Exotic Delicatus granite replaced easily-scratched corian. The new granite counter tops were extended 10" on two sides to make room for a bar that seats three (see bar stools). Cabinet with hood fan was replaced with chimney hood. New travertine backsplash, with glass and metal tile accents to showcase the pot filler. Another cabinet under the ceramic cooktop was removed to make room for an additional, convection oven. A wall oven and microwave were installed. Two new granite/quartz composite sinks, one a small prep sink, were installed. New pendant lighting. We entertain a lot, and the 6' island is marvelous for serving meals buffet style. The two sinks and two ovens makes it easy for my husband and I to cook meals for large groups. The seating here is sufficient for 9, with the dining room on the other side of the kitchen, we can easily feed and seat 15. The new floor looks like travertine, but is actually three different porcelain tiles cut in random sizes. The floor may be my favorite! And we did it all for less than $20K! 
16 months ago · Like
mmaddox1 @Amy Steenson Your kitchen remodel looks amazing! Can you tell me the name of the wall color you chose. We have a similar backsplash and are trying to find a paint color that goes with it. Thanks for your response, -Melissa K
16 months ago · Like
carojohnmc Beautifully done! Love it!
10 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 19, 2012.
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