Warm and Cozy Kitchen

There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your kitchen, or the eager anticipation of that stuffed turkey that’s been roasting all day. But having time to bake cookies or cook that perfect meal is often not an option. However, there are other ways to create a warm and inviting kitchen space that combines function with style.

color your world
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to brighten up your kitchen is to repaint the walls the right color. Consider the style of your home, including the exterior. Find a color pattern that matches the exterior materials with the interior colors of the walls and cabinets. Colors like silver, gray, black, and brown often give off a “cold feel,” while softer, less dramatic shades of yellows, whites, and other neutrals create a warm, cozy feeling.

let the sun pass
Even if you have decided to go with a darker shade for your new kitchen design, the effective use of natural sunlight will instantly brighten any kitchen design. Remove curtains from existing windows and consider installing new windows and skylights to maximize daylight sunlight.

Give the cabinets a face lift
Sometimes simply replacing cabinet handles can help create a cozier feeling in a kitchen. Consider existing hardware, doorknobs, and cabinet finishes. The once-in-fashion metallic sheen of chrome can evoke the feeling of a cold, sterile environment. If that’s not the look you’re looking to achieve, replace these accessories with warmer, more elegant oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware pieces that match almost any cabinet finish.

keep it consistent
Although each room in your home is designed for a specific function, be sure to include an element that repeats throughout your home. If you’ve replaced your cabinet hardware with darker oil-rubbed bronze cabinet pulls, repeat the style or color scheme in other rooms of your home. An easy way to do this is to replace your current front door lockset with newer lockets in a matching hue. Also, instead of simply repeating the exact finish in other rooms, consider adding the same piece of furniture, such as a side table or chair.

Maintain order
We’ve all been to dinner parties gone wrong, especially since the kitchen serves as both a cooking area and a gathering place. Avoid awkward or chaotic events in your kitchen by separating work and play areas. For chefs who like to socialize, reinstall or rearrange appliances and stoves so you can cook simultaneously while watching your guests (or so you can monitor the kids). This way, you won’t have to prepare everything in advance and you won’t come off as rude to your guests.

Less is more
Every kitchen owner wishes they had a double oven and other unnecessary but useful appliances to help get food to the table faster. But often too many appliances, shelves, or general clutter can make a kitchen feel cluttered and uninviting. keep it simple If there are appliances, pans, or appliances that you only use once a year, consider storing them in the garage, attic, closet, or pantry. This will not only eliminate the need to constantly rearrange dishes and counter space, but storing items will also create more “white,” giving the impression of a larger, more spacious area.

Add finishing keys
Every cozy and well-lived-in kitchen has some unique accent pieces. For the active family with kids, hanging artwork will not only make your kids proud, but it will also help brighten up the walls and appliances (like the fridge or stove). Adding a vase of colorful flowers to your kitchen counter or table will instantly brighten up any kitchen; If allergies are a problem consider buying silk flowers, they are maintenance free and last forever. Other accessories that make a kitchen welcoming include themed cookie, flower and sugar jars or unique ceramic bowls to hold fruit or snacks.