Thinking of renovating your home to make better use of your space for you and your children?
While factors such as safety, functionality and durability are key considerations, parents should also think ahead; adaptability, multi-use options and ingenuity can improve your home’s usefulness now and in the future.
Here are some of the ideas offered by the renovation experts at the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show.
Kitchens are the hub of the home—the natural gathering place for busy families—and offer lots of ways to accommodate the needs and interests of children.
When thinking about cabinets, soft-close doors will protect little fingers from slams—and can also protect your ears from the noise! Dark-colored lower cabinets can camouflage sticky fingerprints until you’re able to clean them.
Install childproof latches on the lower cabinets or drawers with sharp tools, cleaning supplies or fragile items to keep them out of reach, or better yet, those lower cabinets are the perfect place for your children’s own dishes and utensils.
Speaking of spaces under the counter: under-counter refrigerators for drinks and snacks allow your little ones to help themselves (and if you stock them with healthy items, you’ll be encouraging smart choices!). To make it easy for children to reach the counter, built-in step stools that pull out under cabinets can be easily tucked away when not needed.
When planning your new kitchen counter, consider adding a section at a lower height that’s easy for your kids to reach so they can help with cooking or baking.
This dedicated kid zone encourages their involvement—or is perfect for crafts—while also keeping them out of your way when you’re busy preparing meals.
This area can also convert into desk space when they get older. Rounded counter edges will reduce injury for kids careening around corners.
Two more child-friendly kitchen ideas include touchless or single-lever faucets, which make it easy for small hands to operate, and temperature settings prevent accidental burns from too-hot water. An appliance garage for storing small countertop appliances is a neat way to reduce clutter and keep those items out of reach of inquisitive children.
Beyond the kitchen, other types of rooms are growing in popularity: library rooms and study areas. Whether it’s converting an underutilized space (such as a basement or an attic) or carving out a nook somewhere (even under the stairs or between closets), families are discovering the benefits of providing a quiet reading or getaway area.
A dedicated study area encourages children to focus on their schoolwork without the distractions from technology and toys. Add shelves to store favorite books, comfortable seating and some soft pillows.
Plan for family binge-watching! Movie rooms are also increasingly popular and a great place for family entertainment and togetherness. Include a combination of recliners and couches so everyone can find their favorite spot.
Today’s home theaters typically include professional sound systems combined with HD or 4K large-screen televisions or screens and, of course, high-speed internet access. Add a refrigerator, bar and cabinetry to keep snacks handy!
Updating a bathroom? Tub/shower combos provide flexibility, especially in smaller bathrooms. Wall niches at two levels offer handy and accessible storage for everyone in the family. (Adult-height shelves are great for soap, shampoo and razors, while a kid-height niche is a perfect spot to store their favorite bath-time toys.)
Child-friendly renovations aren’t limited to inside the home. Daniel Brougher, from Valley Deck and Patio in Halethorpe, says, “Plan an outdoor space that appeals to your children as they grow. Include things like outdoor speakers, fire features and color-changing LED lights. Your house will be the ‘cool’ hangout of choice.”
Inspired? Curious? Ready to tackle that child-friendly project? More than 450 home and outdoor experts at the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show are ready to help you get started.
Come with your ideas—and get theirs—March 1-2 and March 7-9 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Learn more at mdhomeandgarden.com.
