How to Design a Child-Friendly Kitchen

The kitchen is not the safest place for children, but given their inquisitive nature, they’ll find their way sooner or later. Whether drawn in by curiosity or the need for attention, they’re oblivious to the dangers present in the room. Designing a child-friendly kitchen is, therefore, the best way to prevent accidents. Besides, it’s a great opportunity to nurture independence and foster a love for the culinary arts at a young age.

Creating a kid-friendly kitchen goes beyond keeping sharp objects and utensils out of reach. You’ll need to incorporate elements that improve safety, like rounded corners for countertops or tables. Practical modifications like locks on drawers or relocating appliances to out-of-reach areas can’t be ignored. Additionally, you may need to redo the kitchen layout and organisation to create a much more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Having a safe kitchen for children is necessary if you have toddlers at home. By integrating safety features, any cooking space can transform into a hub for creativity and family bonding. It provides the perfect place to make memories while imparting valuable life skills.

This hybrid kitchen designed by KIND Chadstone is used for commercial and residential purposes. Outside business hours, the breakfast bar transforms into a cosy spot for family meals or casual gatherings, enhancing the kitchen's functionality and appeal. The seating for the young children outside the kitchen circulation area keeps them safe and visible so they can engage in conversations and activities.

Making Your Kitchen Kid-Friendly

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating, installing a child-oriented kitchen design requires extensive planning. It’s always a good idea to create a checklist of features you want to include. That way, nothing gets missed and the kids will be safe. So, here are a few ideas to consider when selecting child-proof solutions for your kitchen. Keep in mind that these ideas may not fit into your design philosophy as budget constraints, space, existing layout, etc., must be accounted for as well.

Avoid Sharp Corners

Sharp corners pose a real hazard to young children, irrespective of the environment. Kids are very energetic and constantly on the move. Chances are, they’ll injure themselves on the edge of countertops, tables, and even handles. This is why you want furniture and fittings with rounded corners as it allows them to navigate the space safely.

Handles with sharp angles pose a problem. They can catch on to clothing or cause serious wounds if kids run into them. Generally, you want all furnishings at or below a child’s height to have a rounded finish.

Remove Push-to-Open mechanisms

It’s a bad idea to have these shelf types in your kitchen. Children will be fascinated by the operating mechanism and will end up playing with them. This presents two problems. Firstly, the springs will wear out and cease to work smoothly. Secondly, stored items may fall out, or the opening edge may catch your kid unaware, causing injuries.

Get Soft-Close Cabinets

Another real danger with storage cabinets and drawers is the possibility of hand injuries. Children may accidentally close the doors with their fingers still inside, resulting in painful bruises or worse. Buying soft-close cabinets can prevent these nasty situations. As the springs slow the closing rate of the drawer or doors, there’s plenty of time to remove stuck appendages. There’s minimal to no damage at all, which brings us to the next point.

Install Child Locks

The easiest way to avoid accidents is to prevent them in the first place. Get child-proof locks for storage bins and shelves within your toddler’s reach. It’s not just the underlying danger of smashed fingers but the possibility of spilling harmful substances that are averted. You don’t want kids reaching into and dumping ingredients all over themselves. Besides, sharp utensils stored in unlocked cabinets can cause cuts and scratches.

Separate Storage Bins

In addition to locks, you can design separate storage areas for items like knives and cutlery. Ingredients and food unsafe for children should also be stored in places accessible only to adults. This also provides an opportunity to encourage a sense of autonomy in kids. Designate separate cabinets for their plates, spoons, cups and bowls. You can teach them how to open and close cabinets safely, inculcating good behaviour and discipline.

Use Durable Materials

As parents, you learn to appreciate the value of durable materials. Whether it’s furniture, clothing, or toys, products that can endure rough handling by children are priceless. The same applies to your fittings. For instance, quartz is a great choice for kitchen surfaces as it’s practically indestructible and easy to clean. In comparison, 2-pac products chip easily and should be avoided if possible. Tougher materials offer better value for money in the long run.

Incorporate Safety Steps

Installing steps or custom designs to help your child reach the sink or worktop is a good idea. It allows you to teach them the basics of cooking and cleaning workstations. There are nifty designs like the Blum Space Step which function as a two-in-one storage and step. Now, you can stand side-by-side as you enjoy meal preparation together like never before.

Enhance Your Cooking Space With KIND Kitchens

Kids bring joy and laughter almost everywhere they go, kitchens included. By making it safe for them, you no longer have to worry about accidents. Instead, you can focus on flaunting your skills and preparing a scrumptious meal for your family. At KIND Kitchens, we’ll help you design spaces that allow you to create memories with your loved ones and enjoy the cooking process. Every piece that goes into the layout undergoes precise engineering for a flush fit.

Only high-quality materials are used in our products and will last a lifetime. We have experts who listen to your ideas and turn them into reality. Rest assured, you’ll get the best possible value money can buy. With years of experience, our team knows what works and optimises your kitchen for an experience of a lifetime. But don’t just take our word for granted; we invite you to check out our gallery and decide for yourself.

So, if you’re ready to transform your home today, don’t hesitate to contact any one of our four showrooms in Bentleigh, Blackburn, Chadstone and Hawthorn. We look forward to bringing your vision to life.