If your family is growing, you may notice your kitchen seems to be shrinking. With more people crowding in the kitchen, you need to utilize your space to its maximum potential. This means remodeling your kitchen to suit the needs of you and your family members.
The kitchen is the hub of the house and should not be a pain to use. Cabinet Discounters, with locations in Annapolis, Maryland and more, outlines things you should consider when remodeling kitchens for larger families.
Expand Your Kitchen with an Island
More people living in your home means that you need more seating options. A kitchen island can be an ideal solution for big families. An island creates more tabletop space where folks can sit comfortably with a plate and room to spare.
For busy families, it’s a place where kids can do homework while parents cook, or where friends can gather during parties. The extra surface space means no more bumping elbows while preparing meals, making cooking together much more enjoyable.
Storage Solutions
One of the biggest perks of adding an island is the extra storage it provides. You can include deep drawers for pots and pans, open shelves for cookbooks, or even a wine rack for entertaining. Customize it with features that fit your family’s needs, like a built-in trash bin or a charging station for devices. This keeps countertops clutter-free and makes everything easier to access while you’re cooking.
Multi-Purpose Functionality
Islands can serve multiple purposes. Add a sink or cooktop to create a second workspace. Perfect for meal prep or cleanup. Some homeowners even install dishwashers or microwaves to streamline their kitchen workflow. If you love hosting, include an overhang with barstools for casual dining or morning coffee.
Design Flexibility
Your island can match your kitchen’s style or stand out as a statement piece. Try a contrasting color or material, like a butcher-block top paired with painted cabinets. For a modern look, get sleek handle-free drawers and a waterfall-edge countertop. Lighting above the island, like pendant lights or recessed spots, adds both function and style.
Making It Work in Your Space
Even smaller kitchens can benefit from a compact island or a moveable cart on wheels. Just make sure there’s enough room to walk around it. If your kitchen is open-concept, the island can also help define the space while keeping it connected to the living or dining area.
An island transforms your kitchen into a more social, organized, and efficient space. Whether you’re baking with kids or hosting a dinner party, it’s a upgrade that pays off every day.
Considering an island? Visit our showroom to explore sizes, materials, and custom features tailored to your kitchen’s layout.
Smart Storage Solutions for Busy Family Kitchens
When your family grows, so does the need for smart storage. More people means more snacks, dishes, and kitchen gadgets. But that doesn’t mean your kitchen has to feel cramped. With the right remodeling choices, you can keep everything organized while maintaining a stylish, open feel.
Maximize Existing Cabinets
Before tearing out your current cabinets, consider how small upgrades can make them work harder for your family. A remodeling expert can help redesign the interior with pull-out shelves, deep drawers for pots and pans, or tiered organizers for spices and canned goods. Adding sliding trays to lower cabinets makes it easier for kids to access snacks without creating a mess. Even simple changes like adjustable shelving or door-mounted racks can double your storage space.
Add Functional Cabinetry Without Crowding the Room
If your kitchen still needs more storage, strategic additions can help. A floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet gives you extra space for dry goods and small appliances while keeping them out of sight. For smaller kitchens, shallow cabinets along empty walls or above doorways provide storage without taking valuable floor space.
Open shelving in moderation can also help. Display everyday dishes for easy access while keeping bulkier items behind closed doors.
Kid-Friendly & Safe Designs
Storage should work for every family member. Lower cabinets with soft-close hinges prevent little fingers from getting pinched, while rounded edges on countertops reduce bumps and bruises. Designate a bottom drawer for kids’ plates and cups so they can help set the table. For safety, store cleaning supplies and sharp objects in higher cabinets or locked compartments.
Style That Grows With Your Family
Practical doesn’t have to mean plain. Choose durable, scratch-resistant finishes in timeless colors so your kitchen stays looking fresh as your family’s needs change. Glass-front upper cabinets can make the room feel larger while hiding clutter behind frosted panels. Mix open and closed storage to balance convenience with a clean, uncluttered look.
With thoughtful planning, your remodeled kitchen can handle the chaos of family life while still being a place you love. The key is customizing storage to fit how your household really works. Ready to transform your kitchen? Our design team specializes in family-friendly remodels that combine smart storage with great style.
Remodeling kitchens in Annapolis, MD
Cabinet Discounters is a family-operated kitchen and bathroom manufacturer with locations across Maryland, including Annapolis, Columbia, Gaithersburg, Mt. Airy, and Olney. We also serve Virginia from our Chantilly and Springfield locations. To schedule a consultation with us regarding your project, contact us online or reach us by phone at 1-800-843-3732.