Must Have Kitchen Items For Busy Families

By Sharyn Kidd | Kitchen & Bathroom Designer | Kingscliff NSW

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So, you are renovating your kitchen? Excellent choice! But before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards overflowing with marble bench tops and pendant lights, let's talk practicalities. Especially if you are a busy family, function trumps everything. Forget the perfectly Instagrammable kitchen if it takes you an hour to find the saucepan lid. Here's what you really need to consider, with a focus on value, convenience, and maybe a little bit of sanity.

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The Essentials - Practical Time-savers

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Pull-out pantry shelves

• Pro's: No more digging to the back of the cupboard for that forgotten jar of artichoke hearts. Maximises vertical space and keeps everything visible.

• Con's: Can be a bit pricey, especially for custom-built units. Requires dedicated cupboard space.

Sensor Tap

• Pros: Hygienic (especially when handling raw meat), conserves water, and makes filling pots a breeze. Seriously, you'll wonder how you lived without it.

• Cons: Requires electricity (or batteries). Can be overly sensitive and activate unexpectedly (cue water fights!).

Induction Cooktop

• Pros: Heats up lightning-fast, offers precise temperature control, and is safer than gas or electric. Plus, spills don't bake onto the surface.

• Cons: Requires compatible cookware. Can be more expensive upfront.

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Space-saving Super Heroes

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Drawer Organisers

• Pros: Keeps utensils, cutlery, and even pots, pans and plates neatly separated and easily accessible. No more chaotic drawer dives!

• Cons: Can take up some drawer space. Need to be the correct size for your drawers.

Built-in Bins

• Pros: Keeps rubbish and recycling out of sight and prevents odours from escaping. More hygienic and streamlined.

• Cons: Requires dedicated cabinet space. Need to clean frequently.

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Worth the Splurge - Investing in Quality

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Some things are worth loosening the purse strings for. Remember, function first! Don't skimp on these:

• High-Quality Appliances: A reliable oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator are crucial for a busy family. Look for energy-efficient models with good warranties.

• Durable Bench Tops: Opt for materials like porcelain or granite that are resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. They'll stand up to daily use and abuse.

• Good Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for food preparation and creating a pleasant atmosphere. Combine task lighting (under-cabinet lights, spotlights) with ambient lighting (pendant lights, recessed lighting).

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Maximising Storage - Think Vertically

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• Cabinets that Reach the Ceiling: If possible, extend your upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling to maximise storage space. Use the top shelves for items you don't use frequently.

• Over-the-Sink Shelving: Add a shelf above the sink for storing dish soap, sponges, and other cleaning supplies. This keeps them off the countertop and within easy reach.

• Pot Racks: If you have the space, a pot rack can be a great way to store pots and pans. It frees up cabinet space and keeps them readily accessible.

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So, there you have it! A starting point to making your kitchen functional and fabulous. Prioritise what makes your life easier, and the rest will fall into place. Happy renovating!

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