Are You Designing Spaces with Your Kids in Mind?

BOWA’s experts on designing spaces to accommodate your kids’ active lifestyle

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate kid-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if your child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes, or bedding, can help them feel part of the process. We can all hope that greater input in the planning stage will result in more pride in the space later and an unwavering desire to keep it tidy!  

Study Spaces

A well-designed study area can be invaluable when it comes to helping your child stay focused and motivated. Near the kitchen is a popular choice for such a designated area, as parents are readily available to answer questions, keep their young scholar on task, and supervise internet usage.

But consider other options as well. Have a wide hallway or nook elsewhere in the home that doesn’t receive a lot of traffic? Consider transforming this unused space by placing a desk against the wall, adding wall cabinets or shelving above it for holding supplies, and providing the area with adequate lighting. A project in Vienna features a whimsical study that was built in one of the turrets of the house. The study opens up from the bedroom into an octagonal room and includes a storage bench for additional seating, lots of natural light, and a high ceiling with three-dimensional hanging stars. In another recent project, a reading nook was carved out under the stairs. This little hideaway features a day bed with big, comfy pillows and built-in shelving for holding the kids’ favorite books.

Storage Spaces

Kids have stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Books, toys, clothing, sports, hobby, and school stuff. The question is: where do you put it all? Collecting it as soon as it comes through the door can help to keep belongings from being tossed about as kids come home in a whirlwind of excitement from school, games, and play dates. Individual cubbies for each child in a foyer or mudroom can help to keep family members organized and prevent any mix-ups of belongings. A closet that features built-ins with plenty of drawers, cubbies, hooks, and shelving will help encourage independence by giving children the ability to grab what they need and easily tidy up too. Some parents choose to remove the doors to make a closet even more inviting for their little ones to use.

Kitchen Design for Your Sous Chef

There are many things you can do to help your future chef feel at home in the kitchen. If it’s time for a kitchen renovation, consider creating a set of counters at a lower, kid-friendly height so they can help with the cooking. As the kids grow, this area will continue to come in handy when baking and doing other tasks. Does your heart skip a beat when you see your little one climbing on the countertop? Providing your child with their own set of dishes in a base cabinet will eliminate the need for them to reach those items on high shelves. In addition, consider installing a drawer-style microwave at a lower height for easy access and to help foster an earlier sense of autonomy for your loved one. Also, a designated “kid’s drawer” with healthy options in the refrigerator or under counter is a great way for them to conveniently grab snacks without risking spillage from a high shelf or pestering mom and dad. Don’t forget, soft-close drawers and door dampers will help avoid pinched fingers in the kitchen and throughout the home.

Designing spaces for kids requires creativity, innovation, and the input of an experienced remodeler, as the space should be fun and functional. Whatever the space is, and whether you’re remodeling existing space or creating an addition, your residential design build contractor can help you figure out the best options for your family’s needs, budget, and lifestyle.