15 Simple Things to Make You Cozier and Happier in Your Kitchen

Between stainless steel appliances and the never-ending quest for a clutter-free countertop, kitchens can sometimes lack warmth. Luckily, we’ve compiled 15 ways you can spruce up your kitchen that can make it cozier and more inviting to both guests and housemates alike.

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Appliances

Sometimes, giving your kitchen that special touch can make it all the more fun to be in. You can opt for a farmhouse kitchen sink or install a vintage gas range stove.

Image of a tile mosaic backsplash depicting a rose

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Backsplash

A tile backsplash doesn’t have to be a monochromatic affair; the right tile set behind your stove can almost serve as your very own indoor mural in your kitchen. You can try alternating patterns or use tiles that puzzle together to make a simple or meaningful image.

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Cookbook Library

If you’ve always loved your uncle’s take on blueberry pie or couldn’t get enough of your grandma’s lasagna, try asking them if they cooked these recipes with a little help from a cookbook. Some family members and friends are happy to pass on cookbooks or handwritten notes which you can use to build a substantial library of your favourite recipes and food memories, right in your own kitchen. You can even add to the collection by transcribing some of your own experiments in the kitchen.

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Curtains

You can add bright, delightful curtains if you have a kitchen window – or even replace certain cabinetry doors, like the ones underneath your sink, with a fabric skirt for a pop of colour in your kitchen.

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Kitchen Island

If your kitchen didn’t come with an island, you can definitely make or purchase your own – all you need is the space. A portable island is a fantastic opportunity to add more character to your kitchen; some come in playful colours or gorgeous, ornate woods.

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Artwork

The kitchen can definitely stand to benefit from an art piece or two: hang a painting or print that shows off your personality while complimenting and enhancing other aspects of your kitchen.

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Unique Furniture

A well-placed antique stool or wicker chair can really add some spunk and character in the kitchen – and can serve as the perfect spot to rest your feet while keeping an eye on a pot coming to boil or a fussy roast in the oven.

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Warm Lighting

Try your neighbourhood hardware store for high-efficiency lights in a warmer tone – sometimes adjusting our bulbs can go a long way in changing the mood in a room and the kitchen is no different.

Newly remodelled kitchen with new wood cabinets and stainless steel.

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Rugs

Kitchen tile can be very cold and hard on the feet. Consider breaking up plain kitchen flooring with a patterned rug: this adds an element of coziness while endowing the kitchen with a bit of character and colour.

Wall shelving with different kitchen dishes

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Open Shelving

You can take the idea of open concept to another level by removing cupboard and cabinet doors and exposing all of your dinnerware and glasses for a fun, modern look.

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Paint Job

A new coat of paint can imbue a room with a lot of personality and a kitchen is no exception. Whether you paint the walls or the cabinets (or both!) there are plenty of fun options to choose from.

Rosemary and cilantro herb growing in a pot.

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Plants and Fresh Herbs

Most tend towards the living room to try their hand with houseplants, but the kitchen is as good a host as any to your indoor garden, especially homegrown herbs and spices. Consider a cheerful plant or two on your countertop and kitchen island. Remember to keep your herb pots within arms reach of the stove for fresh ingredients for your favourite recipes.

Partial view of an elegant kitchen with open shelving and pot rack.

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Pot Rack

If you’re fed up of crouching and reaching for pots in inconvenient places or waiting for your oven to cool off before you can stow your pans on the baking rack, consider investing in a pot rack. Should your kitchen have the space, you can mount a rod with as many S hooks as needed to hang your cookware within arms reach.

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Food Storage

Cereal and other dry goods don’t have to stay in their packaging: you can try storing them in large glass mason jars or other fun, transparent storage options. Keeping these containers out on the counter add a playful and interesting feel to your kitchen while giving you an immediate sense if you’re running low on grains or your favourite breakfast cereal.

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Warm Wood

If a more comprehensive reno is in your budget, consider replacing kitchen mainstays like white Formica cupboards with woods of warmer tone, like cherry, mahogany and hickory.