HOW TO DESIGN A KID-FRIENDLY KITCHEN

   When designing a kitchen with children in mind, a family should consider a few things at the beginning of the process. Independent Kitchen and Bath, a Staten Island-based company with 35 years experience in kitchen and bath design, suggests asking the following questions before starting the design process, to help consumers construct the kitchen that best fits their family.

• How big should your table be? Will your family be using it regularly for meals for yourselves andor extended family members?

• If you have young children, are there items in the kitchen you don't want them to access? This may drive the type of cabinet you choose and the placement of certain cabinets.

• What are my locking options for the types of cabinetry available - for the cabinets that are in reach of young children?

• What types of seats are the most durable and easiest for children to climb in and out of? Which ones are safer than others?

• What type of cabinets are the most durable for families with young children? Wood, Thermofoil, MDF, or painted cabinets?

• Will I constantly be cleaning fingerprints off of my stainless steel appliances?

• What type of floor tile will not get slippery when there is spillage?

For more information on Independent Kitchen and Bath, visit www.IKANDB.com.