What Are the Best Kid-Friendly Kitchen Remodel Ideas?
The kitchen island
A kitchen island with a sink can improve your space’s functionality for all stages of family life. In the early years, your little one can sit nearby in a high chair while you move around the kitchen, using the sink to clean up as needed. As they grow, the island can become the perfect spot for quick breakfasts before school or a space to do homework while dinner is being prepared. Bar-stool seating also makes it easy for kids to grab a snack or chat while you cook.
To make sure your kitchen can be used effectively as your family changes over time, you might want to look into adjustable stools. There are plenty of options out there that let you change the height, so you won’t have to buy new stools every few years. Some versions use a hydraulic lift with a handle much like a barber’s chair. Others, called “screw lift stools" feature a threaded mechanism. To adjust the height, you rotate the seat either clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower.
Durable countertops
When choosing countertops for your family kitchen, quartz is probably your best bet. Unlike natural stones such as marble and granite, which can be prone to staining and cracking, quartz countertops are highly durable and resistant to damage. This is largely because quartz is engineered from a blend of stone and resin, making it tougher and easier to maintain. Beyond the material itself, opting for rounded edges on your countertops can add an extra layer of safety, helping to prevent injuries if your kids bump into them.
Safety for younger kids
When your children are young, safety will be your top priority. Kid-friendly locking mechanisms, such as magnet locks, are a smart way to keep little hands out of cabinets. These locks require you to wave a magnet in front of the cabinet to open it, ensuring that dangerous items like cleaning supplies, knives, or fragile dishes are securely stored away. The best part is that you can easily disable the locks when they’re no longer needed.
Another safety measure to consider is tamper-proof outlets, also called tamper-resistant receptacles. With built-in safety shutters, tamper-proof outlets will only open when a proper two-prong plug is inserted. This design prevents your child from sticking something like a knife or another metal object into just one side of the outlet.
For stove safety, knob stoppers secure the knobs in the off position to prevent children from accidentally turning on the stove. Another option is stove knob covers, which enclose the knobs in a clear, child-resistant cover that makes it harder to push or turn the controls. If you are remodeling and planning to purchase a new stove, you may want to consider a stove with push-and-turn knobs that must be simultaneously pressed before they can turn. Any of these features can potentially reduce the risk of your toddler or child unknowingly igniting a fire or leaking gas.
To make your own life easier, you might also want to consider a self-opening trash can. These are motion-activated, making it easier for you to throw trash away if your hands are full. These types of trash cans are also great for locking out odors. On top of that, it can even make clean-up a little more fun for kids by lowering the barrier of effort needed to toss things out.
Adapting the Kitchen for Growing Kids
As your kids grow, the wear and tear on your kitchen will increase. Soft-close hinges and drawers are a great way to prevent damage, as they stop kids from slamming cabinets and drawers, which can lead to chipped paint or loosened screws over time.
A helping stool can also be a cool addition to a family kitchen. These lightweight stools often have two or three steps and handrails, allowing your child to safely reach the sink or counter to learn basic cooking skills.
You’ll also want to think about storing potentially dangerous items in high shelves. While it’s helpful to keep everyday dishes within reach, it may be wise to store fragile dishes or hazardous chemicals out of the way. High cupboards are a smart choice for keeping those things out of reach, even if your kids stand on a chair or footstool.
When it comes to your cabinet materials, wood finishes are the best option for a family-friendly kitchen. While stainless steel and glass might seem sleek and modern, they’re not the most practical for a home with kids. Children love to explore, and that means fingerprints everywhere. Wood finishes don’t show smudges as easily and can be cleaned with soapy water when needed.
Choosing the right contractor
Your family is your most important asset, so you want a contractor you can trust. If you have young children while remodeling your kitchen, it’s crucial to choose a reputable company for the job. Selecting a licensed and insured contractor who respects your space will make the entire process smoother, especially if your family is still living in the home during construction.
A good contractor will adhere to your schedule, which is vital when coordinating family activities and childcare during the remodel. Workers who clean up after themselves at the end of each day will help keep your family safe from stray tools or materials.
At West End Kitchen Company, we carefully vet every tradesman who enters your home to be sure everything is done by professionals. You want to avoid contractors who promise low prices but deliver subpar work. It’s important to know exactly who you’re working with and what insurance they carry, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you have.