The kitchen has always been one of the most important rooms in the home, but it seems to have grown even more important in recent times. Perhaps it’s because we’re all cooking more than in the past, or because we now use the space as a place to cook and to socialise. Whatever the reason, we’re there more than in years gone by. As such, it’s worthwhile spending a little extra effort to get your kitchen in tip-top condition. Below, we take a look at ways you can add some personality and character to your humble kitchen, in the process turning it into a place that you love to be.
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Change the Lighting
If you’ve ever put together a room and wondered why it wasn’t quite working, it was probably the lighting. It’s important in all rooms, but especially so in the kitchen, when it can dramatically change the look. You’re trying to achieve a cosy feel in there, but of course, you also need to see, so perhaps take a look at adding “spotlight” lighting for your illumination. A dimmer would also add another level, if possible. Alternatively, you can go for some low hanging ceiling lights.
Showcase Tools
There’s something to be said for adopting a minimalist approach to your kitchen, but really, when a place is meant to be used as much as the kitchen, then it might not be the best approach. Save it for your living room and bedroom! In your cooking space, you can add some interest by hanging your pots and pans from the wall. This is supposed to be a place of leisure cooking, after all, so don’t keep them tucked away. You’ll get bonus points if they’re made of copper and have that vintage look.
Different Textures
Playing with different textures will always add some visual appeal to a room. In your kitchen, you can incorporate this by adding coloured timber to your walls. This works especially well if you choose a chestnut colour, as you’ll be able to effortlessly achieve that rustic, natural look. And while we’re talking about different textures, don’t forget the food! Keeping your vegetables and fruits in a wicker basket on the side will help give it that colourful look, and also make the kitchen smell extra nice.
Add Some Greenery
And your fruits and vegetables don’t have to be the only “living things” in your kitchen. Your kitchen should feed into the outdoors and be as natural as possible, so why not add some indoor plants to your kitchen? They’ll brighten up the place, especially in the dark winter months, when you can’t get outdoors as much as you’d like to. There are some that especially suited to the kitchen, including winter jasmine and calamondin orange (and the latter will also give you some sweet, delicious smelling fruit each year too).
Mix the Colour
It’s always good practice to load up your plate with as many different colours as possible when it comes to dinner time. Why not extend that philosophy to your kitchen? There’s something too clinical about a kitchen that’s uniform in colour, and let’s remember that cooking is an art, not a methodical process. It’s easy enough to alternate the colours between your cupboards and work surfaces, for instance, even if they’re already installed – just grab a paintbrush and get to work, it’ll only take one afternoon.
Works of Art
There’s space for art in all areas of your home, and that includes the kitchen! And while there’s nothing wrong with having a standard “fruit bowl painting” on the wall, that’s not your only option. You can hang vintage food signs, the kinds that you’d see in old American diners, for instance. A new trend is to install a chalkboard wall, which will allow you to show off your own artistic side (or maybe not, but they’re fun at least).
Storage Options
Some people are intent on hiding everything away in a cupboard, but you don’t have to. And for things like your tea bags, coffee, sugar, and spices, you like to have them easily grabbable. Don’t just keep your coffee in the standard Nescafe jar, though – put it in a mason jar. For your spices, you can pick up a vintage spice rack, or even make one yourself, if you think you have the joinery tools you need. There’s nothing better than adding a touch of your own personality to bring some life to your kitchen!
