The low rumble of a school bus, the congestion at the street corner and the distant voices from children at recess can only mean one thing – schools are back in session. For parents that means the return of chaotic mornings, making sure everyone is up and dressed and lunches packed. With after school activities and sports schedules comes later bath time rushes as everyone in the family competes for space. Suddenly you realize your kitchen or bathroom spaces are not keeping up with your family’s lifestyle. A well thought out renovation or remodel can be the solution, and a change every family member can enjoy.
No matter the size of the project the first priority is analyzing space allocation. While more square footage is awesome, it’s not in everyone’s budget and many houses don’t have room for the footprint to grow. A new layout should put emphasis on traffic flow for multiple users at the same time. New spaces should be outfitted with durable, easy to clean materials that stand up to kids and pets. The new space should adapt as children grow. Future proofing your home will add value for resale when the family friendly features are in high demand.
The existing layout of the house may limit the options for expanding a kitchen, but fear not – there are still some great options to consider. Pull out pantry shelves, deep drawers and dedicated snack or beverage zones are always smart storage solutions for kids. Lower counter sections for kid’s tasks and rounded countertop edges for safety are also quite prevalent. Multi-task zones include homework stations integrated into the kitchen island or breakfast bars for quick meals. Appliances also have adapted with the modern family, offering double ovens, larger refrigerators and microwaves with easy access for all members of the family.
Bathroom square footage is also in high demand. Often the only way to expand a bathroom is by borrowing space from a bedroom or closet. This doesn’t always make sense for a young family. Similar to the kitchen, there are a lot of ideas that can be implemented to make life easier. Double vanities, where space allows, cut down on morning traffic jams. Separate tubs and showers allow for simultaneous use. Built-in shelving options, hidden hampers and medicine cabinets also provide solutions for storage issues. I love introducing clients, especially with children, to The Onyx Collection to eliminate weekly grout cleaning in a heavily used bathroom. Slide arms in showers are also a very family friendly option to accommodate family members of all heights.
A family friendly remodel is going to provide efficiency to your family’s busy schedule. Reduced clutter, faster clean up and smoother morning and evening routines will be noticed almost immediately. Design choices with all of your family members in mind will help minimize accidents and stress, providing safety and comfort. Upgrade your quality of life now and enjoy a boost to your resale later. So many people do everything when the kids are gone and out of the house and don’t get to experience the benefits of a family friendly home – consider customizing to YOUR family’s unique needs.
As a parent to young children myself, a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation doesn’t sound fun right now to be honest. However, I also know what the light at the other end of the tunnel looks like. It makes a ton of sense to renovate a bathroom when your kids are young so that when they are teens they have their own space. Updating with durable, safe materials will provide you with peace of mind and allow you to enjoy these next several years with your family versus worrying about your home. If you think a renovation or remodeling may be a smart move for your busy household – we’d love to discuss it with you, and your family, of course.
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