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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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