How to Create the Perfect Family Kitchen

If the kitchen is the hub of your household, you’re not alone. Research suggests that most families tend to use their kitchen more than any other room in the house. The arrival of spring is an ideal excuse to think about some home improvements and where better to start that the kitchen. If you dream of a spacious, bright and versatile space, here are some ideas to help you create the perfect family kitchen.

Screen Shot 2016-03-01 at 7.23.22 AMMaximize the space

Novice interior designers and builders may be a little apprehensive about getting their hands dirty. However, opening up your rooms to create a larger space is a sure-fire way of getting a better kitchen. Today’s houses tend to favour open plan kitchens, but in years gone by, separate kitchens and dining rooms were more popular. Knocking down walls can turn a small, uninspiring kitchen into a bright, open kitchen-diner with room to work and socialise.  

Sadly, it’s not as simple as taking a hammer to the wall. You will need to do some research and get the opinion of professionals tradesmen. It’s always best to get a few different quotes and to meet with builders and contractors to go through ideas and discuss possibilities. It’s not always viable to knock walls down, but there may be other avenues to explore. One popular way of increasing the size of the kitchen is to extend into the back garden. If you have excess space outdoors, you can produce a lovely large kitchen, which has direct access to your decking. Another option, if you’re pushed for space on the ground floor is to convert a cellar. Basement kitchens are often spacious and they give you scope to expand your living space. You can also design the kitchen from scratch and put your individual stamp on it.

Screen Shot 2016-03-01 at 7.23.50 AMPrioritize style

There are hundreds of different styles of kitchen on offer and you should try and choose one, which suits the period and interior design of your home. A futuristic kitchen may look a little out of place in a thatched cottage decked out with classic furniture and cosy soft furnishings.

With so much choice on offer, it can be tricky to know where to begin. A good place to start planning and looking for ideas is the Internet. Pinterest and Instagram are an excellent source of visual inspiration. Once you have ideas, you can begin to research products and prices If the kitchen is the hub of your household, you’re not alone. Research suggests that most families tend to use their kitchen more than any other room in the house. The arrival of spring is an ideal excuse to think about some home improvements and where better to start that the kitchen. If you dream of a spacious, bright and versatile space, here are some ideas to help you create the perfect family kitchen.

Maximize the space

Novice interior designers and builders may be a little apprehensive about getting their hands dirty. However, opening up your rooms to create a larger space is a sure-fire way of getting a better kitchen. Today’s houses tend to favour open plan kitchens, but in years gone by, separate kitchens and dining rooms were more popular. Knocking down walls can turn a small, uninspiring kitchen into a bright, open kitchen-diner with room to work and socialise.  

Sadly, it’s not as simple as taking a hammer to the wall. You will need to do some research and get the opinion of professionals tradesmen. It’s always best to get a few different quotes and to meet with builders and contractors to go through ideas and discuss possibilities. It’s not always viable to knock walls down, but there may be other avenues to explore. One popular way of increasing the size of the kitchen is to extend into the back garden. If you have excess space outdoors, you can produce a lovely large kitchen, which has direct access to your decking. Another option, if you’re pushed for space on the ground floor is to convert a cellar. Basement kitchens are often spacious and they give you scope to expand your living space. You can also design the kitchen from scratch from retailers such as Tile Markets and put your individual stamp on it. Interior magazines and brochures can also help you to narrow down styles and give you innovative ideas about how to use the new space.

Screen Shot 2016-03-01 at 7.26.13 AMPay attention to detail

Designing a beautiful kitchen is not just about making the big calls. As well as selecting high-spec gadgets, a stunning floor and some attractive units, the simple touches can make a major difference. Add coloured accents to liven up plain walls and give your kitchen a touch of personality. You can do this by adding some canvas prints and photographs to the walls and personalised cushions to the sofa. Candles, low-lighting and lamps can create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere for the evening. High-pile throws and blankets add warmth and cosiness.

Invest in storage saviours

The kitchen can be a busy place and with lots of people doing different things at the same time, it can get messy. At the end of a busy day when you want to sit down and unwind, cunning storage solutions will come in handy. With the right drawers, boxes and hideaway shelving units, a 10-minute tidy will take just a few minutes. A quick spruce will convert your kitchen from a pig sty to a pristine yet welcoming space. Look for ideas online, visit showrooms and flick through some design magazines.

Designing a kitchen may seem like a daunting prospect, but it’s also very exciting. In a short period of time, you can achieve a lot and you’ll soon have the kitchen of your dreams. Search for ideas, get some professional advice and look forward to enjoying the results.

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