For Busy SAH Parents: How to Make Your Kitchen More Functional But Still Stylish
Being a stay-at-home (SAH) parent is a rewarding role, but one that often means juggling a lot of different responsibilities at one time. This can mean that some things around the house have to be left at the bottom of the to-do list, even if they would be good things to get done. One of these things is updating your kitchen to make it more functional but still stylish. If this is something that you find you have done, it's time to get started on redesigning your kitchen; this is a place where memories can be made and where you can enjoy time with your family. It needs to be taken care of sooner rather than later. With that in mind, read on to find out how to ensure your kitchen is functional and stylish.
Choosing The Right Flooring
One crucial aspect of creating a functional and stylish kitchen is choosing the right flooring. With the daily hustle and bustle of family life, your kitchen floor needs to be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. However, it also needs to look great. When you think about it, the floor might be the biggest area of your kitchen that needs to be covered, and it's certainly something that can set the tone for the rest of the décor.
One great idea is porcelain floor tiles for kitchens. Porcelain tiles come in a wide range of different colors and styles, meaning that there is sure to be something that suits the space and your own design ideas. Even better, they are durable, water-resistant, and simple to maintain. Plus, if you opt for larger tiles, you will minimize grout lines, which can accumulate dirt and grime.
Vinyl is another affordable and practical choice for busy families. It comes in an array of designs, including options that look just like hardwood or stone. Vinyl is also highly durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchens.
If you want the warmth and elegance of hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring is a great choice. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture and less prone to warping. It offers the same lovely look while being longer-lasting.
Regardless of the flooring type you choose, you need to make sure it is slip-resistant to minimize the risk of accidents in the kitchen.
Optimizing Storage
With a busy household, clutter can quickly accumulate in the kitchen, and that means it's not only messy and unpleasant to look at, but that it isn't as functional as it could be either. To create a more organized and efficient space, focus on giving yourself more storage solutions. One way to do this is to consider installing cabinets with pull-out drawers and adjustable shelves to maximize storage space. You can use dividers and organizers to keep items like pots, pans, and utensils easily accessible.
You can also make the most of your kitchen's vertical space by installing wall-mounted shelves or hanging racks for storing frequently used items such as spices, cooking utensils, or pots and pans.
Make sure you have a rule about keeping countertops clutter-free, and invest in storage solutions like hanging hooks for mugs or a magnetic strip for knives. Store small appliances in dedicated cabinets or on a pull-out shelf to free up valuable counter space.
By decluttering and organizing your kitchen, you'll create a more functional and visually appealing space that helps when you are a SAH parent.
Creating A Multi-Functional Island
An island is a versatile addition to any kitchen, providing additional workspace, storage, and seating options. It also looks great, and it's what many house buyers are looking for, so if you ever sell your home, having an island in the kitchen could help you.
The island needs to be as functional as possible, so try to include a sink or hob in it if you can. You should also incorporate cabinets or drawers into your island to increase storage capacity. This extra space can house pots, pans, and even bulkier appliances, keeping your kitchen organized and clutter-free, which is important, as we mentioned above.
Including seating options such as bar stools or a built-in bench creates a space where family members can gather, enjoy casual meals, or do homework. It also means you'll have more interaction, making your kitchen a central hub for family activities. This is one of the best reasons for having a kitchen island, and it's something everyone can make use of.