How to Love Your Kitchen More, Right Now
Daydreaming about how you would design your ideal kitchen can be
fun, but actually doing it is a pretty big splurge — meaning many of us
will have to stick with daydreaming for the time being. But even if you
can't remodel, spending your energy (and a smaller amount of money)
making doable changes that positively impact your quality of life is a
worthwhile goal.
By focusing on the feelings you want to enhance and the activities you want to enjoy in this space (rather than fancy appliances and finishes) you can create a space you love on any budget.
Read on for 12 ways to love the kitchen you have.
By focusing on the feelings you want to enhance and the activities you want to enjoy in this space (rather than fancy appliances and finishes) you can create a space you love on any budget.
Read on for 12 ways to love the kitchen you have.
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1. Make a fresh start. To
see your kitchen in its best light, begin by giving it a thorough
cleaning — but don't stop there. Grab this opportunity to get rid of
broken appliances, chipped dishes, unneeded duplicate items (do you
really need five ladles?) and anything that bugs you. Make a special
point to keep counters cleared of everything but the few items you use
daily.
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2. Assess your breakfast nook.
If you have a table in the kitchen, consider how it is working for you.
Do you have comfortable chairs? If not, could you pick up a few nice
cushions to improve them? If your table and chairs take up too much
space, consider swapping them out for something slimmer or even a
built-in piece.
See a bright kitchen nook makeover
See a bright kitchen nook makeover
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by Holly Marder
by Holly Marder
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3. Personalize your space. Who
says all kitchens must look alike? In this colorful kitchen, simple
wire wall-mounted racks display favorite cooking magazines with pretty
covers, and floral print wallpaper adds a feminine touch to an accent
wall. Think about what you would add to your kitchen if you weren't
worried about pleasing anyone else — then see if you can make it a
reality.
See more of this 19th-century Belgian house |
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4. Include something for the little ones.
If your household includes children, you know it can be a challenge
keeping small hands busy (and out of hot pans) in the kitchen. Add a
chalkboard wall, convert a low cupboard to a secret play area, or keep a
bin of Play-Doh and art supplies within reach.
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5. Make liberal use of fresh flowers and potted herbs.
There is no room I can think of that can't be improved by the addition
of freshly cut flowers and living plants. Make a weekly habit of picking
up a bouquet or going out to the garden to cut flowers. Keep costs down
by dividing a single market bouquet into one main arrangement plus a
number of smaller ones in bud vases.
A windowsill herb garden is a lovely thing to tend, but you can also keep freshly cut herbs on the counter in vases of water, just as you would flowers.
A windowsill herb garden is a lovely thing to tend, but you can also keep freshly cut herbs on the counter in vases of water, just as you would flowers.
6. Create a soft landing place.
Instead of letting an empty corner go to waste, fill it with low
seating and soft cushions to create an inviting nook for reading,
dreaming or napping.
10 Great Ways to Use Kitchen Corners
10 Great Ways to Use Kitchen Corners
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7. Use attractive baskets to store and organize.
Look around your kitchen and take stock of what is cluttering up your
counters and shelves. Giving everyday basics a home (for example,
storing napkins in a nice basket) can make using your kitchen a much
more pleasant experience.
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8. Replace standard overhead lights.
Proper lighting can completely change how a room feels. While good,
clear light is a must for cooking, it feels wonderful to be able to dim
the lights or augment the overheads with table lamps when you are dining
or just hanging out.
Try hanging a drum pendant for a softer look, tuck a table lamp onto the counter for extra illumination or install bent-arm sconces on your open shelving. |
9. Keep a well-stocked pantry.
From dried grains, pastas and beans to special condiments and
long-lasting root vegetables, a thoughtfully kept pantry is key to
pulling together delicious, healthy meals at a moment's notice.
10. Borrow (unexpected) furniture from another room.
Desks, dining tables and chests of drawers can all look amazing in the
kitchen and be surprisingly functional to boot. Upholstered furniture is
even less expected in the kitchen — and all the more wonderful because
of it.
11. Try a real rug. While
you wouldn't want to use a priceless antique directly in front of your
stove and sink, most other rugs will hold up surprisingly well in the
kitchen. A rug with deep colors and an intricate pattern will hide
stains, and the feeling of a wonderfully soft rug underfoot makes
cooking a joy.
by Maple & Gray
by Maple & Gray
12. Appreciate what you have.
We can all daydream about our ideal kitchens (mine would include a
fireplace and French doors to a private garden), but there is something
to be said for accepting and enjoying things as they are. If you find
yourself thinking negatively about your own kitchen, make a point of
stopping and naming three things about it that you love.
Tell us: What do you love about your kitchen? What small changes could you make to enjoy your kitchen more?
Visit the Houzz kitchen library: Guides to kitchen counters, cabinets, colors and more
Tell us: What do you love about your kitchen? What small changes could you make to enjoy your kitchen more?
Visit the Houzz kitchen library: Guides to kitchen counters, cabinets, colors and more