You know what they say, that home is where the heart is? Well, let’s get more specific; the beating atrium of any home, where nourishment is prepared, stories shared, and the lifeblood of the family lives, is of course the kitchen. But where once this was a largely functional space, with the emphasis on performance and purpose, now kitchens are seen as the hub of socialising, relaxing, working, and everything in between.
Because the demands on the space are so varied and heavy, the kitchen needs to be flexible and accommodating. If you’ve recently found yourself looking around that room thinking it needs a makeover, then fear not; it needn’t take heaps of time and money to bring a freshness and new sense of life. Instead, follow these; our 5 IDEAL ways to update your kitchen without renovating.
INTRODUCE OPEN PLAN SHELVING
Creating more space, or the illusion of it, is perhaps the greatest way to freshen up your kitchen, or any room in your house for that matter. So, if you want to make your kitchen appear larger than it is, whilst in the process adding a little visual intrigue, then you should introduce open plan shelving.
This works in two ways. Firstly, it provides you with an opportunity to show off any fancy plates, bowls or crockery you might have (as well as those beginner’s pickles and lacto ferments you’re experimenting with). Secondly, the functionality of your kitchen is improved, with items easier to reach. No more fumbling at the back of a cupboard or standing on tiptoes while you try to reach (and often drop) your favourite cup. The overall effect is of a room refurbished and updated.
H2OVERHAUL
Visualise the word ‘fresh’ and tell us what you see. Go on, it was something related to water, right? Indeed, the ol’ Adam’s Ale is synonymous with a sense of the new, clean and pristine, so channel this energy by giving your water supply an overhaul. We’re particularly fond of the addition of a water cooler dispenser, as this generates a sense of the modern, aesthetically. Read this page for a rundown of the best currently on the market.
Or, if your kitchen doesn’t quite have the room to accommodate such an addition, but you still want the filtered stuff, then an under the sink – out of the way but very much in control – filter is a good shout. Again, it’s prudent to do a little online comparison first; visit kitchenfaucets.reviews today for a look at 2019’s best options. Should this all be a tad too literal, then you could convey the energy of water via art instead.
ACCESSORISE IN COLOUR
A lick of paint will bring that ‘updated’ feel to any room, make no mistake, but if you aren’t confident about painting the walls and are fearful of the amount of overhaul it requires, then bringing colour via kitchen accessories is a simple way to add vibrancy. These hint at individualism and self expression without going the whole hog and ruining the kitchen’s colourscape.
What accessories, we hear you ask. Well, start with something inexpensive but always on show, such as colourful tea towels, oven gloves and a few pots to keep your utensils in. This can really brighten up your space without being too overbearing. You could even recover or replace the cushions on your dining room chairs to bring that feel of the fresh in permanently.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
See your kitchen in a new light – literally – by bidding adieu to stark, overhead lighting in favour of something more nuanced and varied. Recent interior design trends dictate that multiple fixtures scattered in strategic positions is in, replacing just one overbearing light. This helps you draw focus on different areas, such as by angling lights towards the cupboards and walls of the kitchen, reflecting light back into the room and giving the illusion of more space.
Equally effective is ensuring your bulbs have a colour rendition index of over 90, culminating in a warm and cosy light. Even consider dimmers, which can set a romantic ambiance off in the evening but help you wake up with a brighter shade at breakfast time.
GO GREEN
You could, and should, take this tip two ways. Firstly, adding plants and cut flowers to your kitchen is a great way to liven up the space and emphasise that fresh, natural feel synonymous with great food as well as ambience. The best bit? It won’t cost much. Go one step further and place them in bright pots and vases for extra style points (though don’t overdo it or you’ll be advising guests to bring sunglasses on their next visit). And remember that open plan shelving we mentioned all that time ago at the top? Placing plants amongst your other crockery here will banish any sense of staleness from proceedings.
More importantly, ‘going green’ in the sense of keeping your waste disposal down, adding recycling bins, banishing plastic in favour of beeswax and brown paper and growing your own herbs in the kitchen, is another way to bring a fresh frame of mind and mentality to your kitchen. The fact you’re helping the environment is more than just an added bonus.