Four tips for creating a serene kitchen
When you ask most people how they are, the answer will be “busy” – or more often – “SO busy”. This feeling of busy-ness extends not just to our working days, but to home life as well as we rush around getting ready for the next school pick up/ play date/ work event.
We could all do with a space that invites us to take a moment and breathe. Possibly even enjoy what we’re doing!
Can we suggest bringing a little serenity into your kitchen?
As one of the rooms in your home with the highest footfall and where you no doubt spend plenty of time cooking, socialising and hosting, you'll feel the benefits very quickly.
Calming colours
The first and most important step is choosing a colour scheme that makes you feel at home as soon as you step into the room.
If making the kitchen feel like a bit of a haven is your priority, then lighter neutral colours are the way forward. They’re easy on the eye and feel like a breath of fresh air as you walk in.
To add a gentle splash of colour then pastels are a great choice, as their faded undertones add interest to your walls without becoming overbearing. You could use a muted colour all over, or choose one that complements your main neutral colour and use it as an accent note on a single wall or recess.
Select simple and clean cabinet designs
Simplicity is key for achieving a serene feeling kitchen, as cluttered spaces are shown to increase stress levels, making you feel uncomfortable and edgy.
Choosing the right cabinets and kitchen units means not only addressing the storage and surfaces for your needs – but the cabinet colours, door frames, hinges and handles.
But simple doesn't mean boring. Focus on the little details that'll pack a punch. Think about pairing clean-looking cabinetry with a really interesting handle or keeping the design super stripped back but in a gorgeous calming colour. You might want to juxtapose sage walls with dark green accents with some gold accents for a touch of luxury, or keep everything a deep cream with a pop of colour from some well-chosen tiles – or even some cheerful display mugs.
Invite nature in
Green spaces have been consistently found to improve both people’s mood and their overall health, so it makes sense that bringing a little nature into the kitchen will perk you up.
We’ve been talking about biophilic (nature-based) design for a while now and there are so many different ways to make your space feel like you’re outside.
Finding beautiful plants to decorate your kitchen literally brings the outside in. That can be anything from big leafy greens that remind you of hot days away, lovely pots like lavender or geraniums that small like a fresh flower garden, or a simple cactus that is happy left to its own devices.
We’d be remiss not to mention a tile or two at this stage. Whether it’s a Cornish Meadow splashback or Glasshouse feature alcove, there are so many ways to include natural motifs to where you cook and spend time.
Incorporate natural materials and fibres
Once you have the room, colours and décor just so, give some thought to your soft furnishings and kitchenware. These are just as important.
Natural materials continue a serene, biophilic theme. A jute rug underfoot is a cosy way to add texture whilst bamboo placemats and linen napkins not only look great and but are hardwearing too.
Stoneware crockery makes for the final touch. Here you can choose for a more rustic “earthy” finish or go for a glazed colourful finish if you want your table setting to pop a little.
This all might take a bit of thought, but we hope that with a little effort the result will be a space that means you can relax as soon as you walk in. After a day being busy - come home, shut the door and spend a serene few minutes in the kitchen.
