If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then it needs to reflect the people who live in that space. As a room that gets a solid workout on a daily basis, a family-friendly kitchen can make all of the difference when it comes to keeping up with the demands of a bustling Australian family.
Whether it’s whipping up breakfast before the school run, prepping for a BBQ with friends on the weekend, or simmering a lazy Sunday morning brunch, a kitchen that’s designed for family means it’s ready for any challenge thrown its way (even Christmas lunch!).
If you’re looking to build or redesign a kitchen that’s all about maximising the family flow, here are our tips on non-negotiables to keep on your list – including one thing that just might surprise you. Read on to see Dégabriele Kitchens and Interiors top picks for creating the kitchen of your family’s dreams.
#1. The butler’s pantry
The butler’s pantry is a term that originated between 1850-1900 when England and America embraced the concept. Originally, this was a small room located between the kitchen and dining room, used to store items like crockery and valuable silverware. Meals were often plated in the butler’s pantry before they were then served in the formal dining room. While butler’s pantries were first found in grander homes, they soon made their way into the home designs of the middle class, albeit without the accompanying butler.
As more easily accessible meals became available throughout the 20th Century, butler’s pantries largely went out of trend, replaced by simple floor-to-ceiling pantries. However, we’ve now come full circle, with butler’s pantries highly requested in new home builds for busy families.
Providing more storage space than a standard pantry, butler’s pantries also offer secondary preparation spaces, allowing for more cooking to take place without crowding up the kitchen.
#2. The island bench
Who knew a simple change in bench arrangement could add so much value to a family-friendly kitchen?
Island benches are perfect for homes with multiple inhabitants. Whether you’re cooking dinner with your kids or assigning them to wash-up duty, island benches make for smoother kitchen layouts that allow people to move in and out with ease. Reduce sibling spats and dramas; spread the family out along the vast bench space.
Island benches are also great for entertaining, creating a natural space for food to be served as guests access the spread from all directions.
#3. An incorporated workstation
By designing a kitchen that has a focus on multitasking, it’s never been simpler to keep an eye on your kids’ homework progress while making sure dinner gets to the table on time.
Dégabriele Kitchens and Interiors worked with one Sydney family to emphasise both togetherness and functionality, incorporating a work desk into their overall kitchen flow. This allowed the busy family of 5 to put the kitchen to work each and every day, as a place for practical and functional prep and also as a hub of the home. The results are beautiful, showcasing a space designed for daily use that’s paid attention to the little details.
#4. Family-friendly appliances
Does your family entertain regularly? Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a birthday event or have a gaggle of kids running around on a hot summer’s day, one small feature in your appliance line-up can make a world of difference. By incorporating easy access to ice, you can make sure you’re prepared for any kind of entertaining need that pops up, while conserving valuable freezer space (necessary for families who need to fill them!). Options include a free-standing appliance that can sit on the kitchen counter, or a fridge or freezer that has a built-in ice machine function. Skip out on the need to load up with bags of ice and make the most of having it on hand at the press of a button. Make your kitchen smarter with intuitive appliances that serve you and your family.
Build for the long run
Invest in a family-friendly kitchen design and make the most of every moment – these precious years fly by. Benefit from thoughtful and bespoke design that grows with your family, matching your needs in every life season.