Kitchens are often described as the heart of the home, but adding coziness to rooms that are functional and utilitarian in nature is not always easy. So to help you get the most out of your own kitchen, I’ve teamed up with high-quality small appliance manufacturer Kenwood to share some helpful tips. I’m not talking about complete makeovers or major remodeling jobs, but simple changes that will help you create an inviting space you want to linger in—whether you have a huge state-of-the-art kitchen or a compact kitchen style. as my.
Kitchens must have strong ambient lighting, as well as task lighting over food preparation areas, stoves and sinks. But softer mood lighting is also important – especially if you want people to be able to relax and chat over a glass of wine or a cuppa. In our kitchen, we have carefully placed overhead spotlights, along with a trio of pendant lights that dangle low over a worktop. They are on separate circuits so we can turn them on or off as needed and everything is dimmable, which allows us to change the atmosphere in an instant. I also like how the pendants create a focal point along what would otherwise be a blank wall.
Making major changes to wiring or installing new lighting may not be possible right now, but you can always bring in a recessed light as a temporary solution. You can also buy stick-on battery-powered LED lights that attach directly to the bottom of wall-mounted cabinets or shelves.
Small appliances like toasters and kettles are so often an afterthought – something we choose based on functionality alone, with little regard for aesthetics. But it is possible to find designs that are as beautiful as they are practical, and that actually enhance the look and feel of our kitchens rather than detract from them.
I have a toaster and kettle from Kenwood’s amazing ‘Mesmerine’ breakfast collection, which was recently awarded ‘Which? ‘Best Buy’ accreditation, as well as receiving a Red Dot Design Award 2019. It has an eye-catching diamond pattern surface which looks 3D but yet is smooth to the touch, making it very easy to keep clean, and it comes in six different colours. Being me, I went for understated white, but there are more vibrant options like ‘Burnt Orange’ and ‘Marine Blue’ too .Also, both the toaster and kettle are brilliant to use – read my full review here.
Cluttered spaces are rarely inviting – in fact, they tend to have the opposite effect. So try to keep your countertops clean and tidy. You don’t want them to be completely empty, but limiting the items to a few frequently used items plus some pretty cutting boards and pots can make a big difference to the way your kitchen feels.
I understand this is easier said than done in very small spaces, but a quick review to find out what you haven’t used in years – and therefore can probably get rid of – can pay dividends. There are also plenty of clever tricks to help you get every square inch of storage out of your cupboards, including shelving and pull-out shelves.