We've heard countless times that the kitchen is the heart of the home. I don't completely disagree with this statement, but for those of us with small, outdated, and not exactly welcoming kitchens, I have to speak up.
We moved earlier this year and are loving our new space, except for our galley kitchen. The dated wood cabinets, wood flooring, and green countertops are, um… so-so. We're currently renting, and while there are plenty of DIY projects you can try in a rented home, most kitchen projects are a bit daunting and time-consuming. Plus, even if you own your own home, a full-on remodel can be expensive. My parents just remodeled their kitchen, and after hearing my mom talk about the cabinet backorders, delayed delivery times, and stress (not to mention the house temporarily becoming a construction site), I know that remodeling a kitchen can be a challenge.
After tackling my own less-than-perfect kitchen, I'm a firm believer that any space can be made to feel inviting, no matter the size or shape of the room. If you're not ready to commit to a renovation or take on a DIY kitchen project, read on for kitchen decorating tips that will make your space feel homey and inviting.
Keep it clean and tidy
If you want to keep your kitchen cozy and tidy, keeping it neat and tidy is more than half the battle. I'm not good at putting away dishes right away, I leave things on the counter, and sometimes I forget to close cabinet doors (my kitchen looks like a ghost is making sandwiches). But the magic of having a clear sink and no clutter on the counters is undeniable. Every night before I go to bed, I run the dishwasher, put everything away, wipe down the counters, and make sure my kitchen is clean and tidy in the morning. It makes my morning coffee that much more enjoyable!
Source: @reserve_home
Add cozy lighting
I hate overhead lights. They make me feel like I’m in a doctor’s office, and the bulbs are usually cool white (the opposite of cozy), which isn’t very nice for people or the room. I much prefer lamps. If you think it’s weird to have lamps in your kitchen, please politely disagree. Put a mini lamp on your countertop and your kitchen will instantly feel cozier. Target has a ton of them for only $12. Instead of bright overhead lights, lamps with warm white bulbs offer a softer, easier-on-the-eyes glow and a similar ambiance to candlelight. I keep a lamp right next to my coffee station. I have to turn on the overhead lights sometimes, but my little lamp is always on and always brings me joy.
Another cozy lighting option is to add puck lights under your cabinets. This kitchen decor hack will give you the illusion of under-cabinet lighting without an expensive remodel. Just purchase puck lights with a remote and adhesive and stick them to the back of your cabinets. They can be left on at any time of the day, but we think they look especially cozy at night. Depending on the type of puck light, you can adjust the brightness and set an auto-off timer so you don't have to worry about the batteries dying overnight.
Source: Amy Massenga for The Everygirl
Upgrade your kitchen decor
Decorating doesn't have to be limited to spaces like the living room or bedroom. Simple kitchen decor can be achieved by hanging framed art or photos on the walls or strategically placing them on the countertop. Another easy way is to arrange fresh or artificial flowers in a vase. Even kitchen essentials can be used as decor. Think colorful dish towels, a glass olive oil dispenser, or cute containers for wooden utensils. Here's my take on it: anything on display becomes decoration. If you already have cute utensils stored in your cabinets, why not keep them there? I love collecting coffee mugs, and if you have the counter space, a mug tree is a great way to display them.
Keep your essentials elevated with risers…
A wooden or ceramic pedestal instantly transforms your hand soap into a cute display by the sink. Elevating your kitchen essentials is a great way to organize and beautify your counter without spending a lot of money. Place soap dispensers, salt and pepper shakers, or decorative items like plants and candles on pedestals to add a little flair to your kitchen. For example, I display my Amazon Echo Show, which doubles as both a digital photo frame and Alexa, on a pedestal, and it looks much better propped up than just sitting on the counter. Who would have thought something so small could make such a difference?
Source: @sandramorganliving
…or on a tray
I never really understood the significance of decorative trays until I brought some into my home, but now I completely understand. Of course, trays are not absolutely necessary, but having your items and decorations together can help calm your mind and make everything look neat and organized. In the kitchen, try putting a tray next to the stove where you usually keep your utensils, oil, salt and pepper. Place all these items on a tray and add some plants to add some color and you will notice the difference. An island is a great place to display a tray filled with items such as flowers in a vase, candles and fruit bowls. Pro tip: Check your kitchen cabinets for any extra wooden cutting boards that you don't use often. They can become a tray in no time!
Hearth & Hand and Magnolia
Source: @goldalamode
Start an indoor herb garden
Plants and greenery (real or fake!) add vibrancy and comfort to any space, including the kitchen. Herb gardens, in particular, are not only beautiful, but also practical! I'm definitely the type of person who buys pre-packaged basil from the supermarket, uses just a little, watches the rest wilt, and is forced to throw it away. This is always a shame. Growing live basil seedlings is a much better choice. You can use one or two leaves at a time, and as long as you take care of the little seedlings, the rest of the basil will stay fresh. Plus, seeing it every day will make you want to have homemade pizza nights even more. It's a win-win!
Store baked goods in a cake dome
This isn't something I do every day in my kitchen, but displaying baked goods inside a cake dome always makes the kitchen look a little fancier. There's a reason bakeries and restaurants put their pastries and desserts inside glass domes: they're beautiful and practical. I received a glass cake stand as a wedding gift, and I love it for special occasions, but I also use it in the fall when I make blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, and pumpkin loaf. The cake dome makes store-bought treats like croissants and bagels feel a little more special, and I can rest assured that my baked goods will stay fresh for a few days. If you ask me, there's nothing more comforting than walking into your kitchen and being greeted by a pile of chocolate chip cookies under a beautiful glass dome.
Hearth & Hand and Magnolia
