5 Steps to Designing Kid-Friendly Kitchen Cabinets
A little bit of thought and creativity in designing your new kitchen cabinets can go a long way toward protecting your kids and your belongings. Plus, it can ease the stress of meal preparation and clean-up, and who couldn't use some of that?
Follow these 5 steps to making your new kitchen cabinets kid-friendly:
- Safety first. If you have young children, make sure that you select cabinet doors and drawers that can be easily outfitted with childproof latches. Some cabinet doors offer locking options as well. And consider cabinet corners and edges that are rounded to prevent injuries to little heads.
- Everything in its new place. Be willing to think outside the box. Why not put dishes and bowls in lower cabinets or drawers, and put pots and pans up above? Instead of neatly organized silverware drawers, why not use a bucket stored in a lower cabinet? These kinds of changes enable older kids to help put clean dishes away, or to help with entertaining or setting the table.
- Consider materials. Consult with professionals about the types of materials--wood, Thermofoil, MDF, or paint--that might be best for your family. Consider durability, safety, flexibility, and affordability in your decision.
- Explore storage cabinet options. Giving each family member his or her own storage cabinet, drawer, or shelf is an easy way to de-clutter your kitchen and keep important items (permission slips, report cards) from being lost in the shuffle.
- Use a tiered countertop or island. Kids can eat, do homework, or even help you prep dinner on a lower tier, while you work on the upper one. This also serves as a protective barrier from dangerous cook tops or knives.
If you're planning to remodel your kitchen, consult a professional who can talk to you about planning your kid-friendly kitchen.
About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer and editor with 11 years' experience in media, marketing, and publishing, and 8 years' experience as a college writing instructor.
