Kid Proofing the Kitchen: Remodeling Tips

Nate Logan here. When it comes to safe kitchen design, most people know the basics, such as: don't install a stove below curtained windows, make sure the space has good ventilation near appliances, and don't put cleaning and cooking workspaces side by side. The layout is one thing, but what design materials are best for improving kitchen safety for our families?

As the most high-traffic zone in the house, the kitchen should be comfortable, accessible, and safe above all, from the setup down to the hardware. Achieving these factors in your kitchen design is especially important when you have little ones in the picture.

How to keep the little tykes from getting into mischief I couldn't tell you, but I can give you some kitchen design tips that will discourage accidents from befalling kids with Magellan-like curiosity:

• Make sure flooring is slip-resistant by using textured vinyl, laminate, or wood with matte-finish
• All countertops and islands should have rounded or clipped edges and corners - for tables with sharper edges you can purchase corner guards
• Use faucets with temperature regulators to eliminate scalding water temps
• Pull-out drawers or cabinets should be installed for concealing trash receptacles
• Upgrade electrical appliances to those with automatic shut-off features
• Opt for no tablecloths or draped fabrics that can be pulled on or off
• Ensure that the entire space is well-lit
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's) on all electrical appliances

And of course, for the really young whippersnappers: install child safety locks on cabinets with cleaning solutions and sharp utensils, insert outlet plugs into low, unused outlets, and possibly install a child safety gate to separate them from cooking areas.

These are just a few of the safety adjustments you might consider making to your kitchen; some you can do on your own, and some require the help of a professional contractor. But you can't be too careful when it comes to home safety, so go on and assess the risk-factor of your kitchen, and someday your kids will thank you. Or even if they don't, you'll feel better knowing you were looking out for them.