The Family Style Kitchen

You probably want a family lifestyle kitchen if you want a gathering space that your family can be comfortable in, one fit for the kids to play in and you to be in, as well as for cooking and eating. When choosing products for your kitchen, look for functional materials that can stand up to a little wear and tear: easy-to-grasp pulls; durable quartz or solid surfacing; vinyl or laminate flooring; darker wood cabinets that help to hide smudges. 

When it comes to design, consider incorporating a lowered countertop surface that puts dinner preparation and cookie making within the reach of the little ones. Include a base cabinet earmarked for coloring and play materials. If you're including an island, make sure extra-high bar stools aren't part of the equation—they're easy to topple off of. Placing your cooktop there also deserves special consideration—you need to make sure it's well out of reach. Lastly, have a little fun: bright colors and plenty of windows ensure that the room will be a place the family will want to gather in.