How to Create a Cozy and Welcoming Kitchen

Today's modern kitchens are very different from kitchens of long ago. Not just a place for mother to prepare supper anymore, kitchens have become a gathering place for family members to come together and visit, hang out, or do chores and homework. Use the ideas in the article below to make your kitchen a cozy, welcoming place for your family to enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Paint and painting tools
• Decorative accessories of your choice
• Comfortable seating

Instructions

1. Choose the right colors. Cold colors such as silvers and grays can create a cold feeling, something you want to avoid. Instead, choose soft, warm colors such as pale yellow or warm neutrals. Consider the colors of your cabinets also. Warm colored woods create a cozier feeling than bright white laminate. A creamier shade of white on wood cabinets is also welcoming.

2. Consider changing your kitchen hardware and fixtures. Again, metallic or modern hardware can evoke a cold, institutional feeling. Instead, consider round wooden knobs, a graceful aged burnished bronze faucet or wrought iron fixtures.

3. 

   Dim the lighting. Although you want good light in a kitchen, you also don't want overpowering or florescent lighting. Instead, choose soft pendant lights and install under cabinet lights to use while preparing and cooking meals. Consider placing small candles as a centerpiece on your kitchen table.

4. Accessorize. Flowers are calming and welcoming. A pot of potpourri simmering on the stove creates a pleasant atmosphere, and comforting artwork such as landscapes create a feeling of a welcome retreat. Bowls of fruit, cheery curtains and whimsical cookie jars all work together to welcome guests to your kitchen.

5. 

   Invite people to stay a while. Set up comfortable seating in your kitchen. If you have the space, install benches covered with soft cushions around a long table-the perfect place for friends and family to gather and enjoy good food and better company. Consider discretely placing a CD player somewhere and having it play some soothing soft music.

Tips & Warnings

• Installing new hardware can be tricky. It's best to leave it to a professional!

Resources

• More kitchen decorating ideas