Maintaining a stylish kitchen always seems challenging, especially when living with a family. Stylish decorations, utensils, and furniture are rarely untouched by kids or pets. On the other hand, if you’ve got a plain kitchen that’s usually clean, it might be too bland, especially with no décor.
That’s why blending modern design with efficiency in the kitchen is best to create balance and be satisfied with how the room looks, especially since you spend so much time here. The kitchen is a hub of activities, so decorating it to your liking can make everyone more at home. For example, if you want to achieve a homey look, you could paint the walls in inviting tones of aubergine, terracotta, or dark green.
However, keeping a modern kitchen clean and organised requires time and patience, so here’s how to succeed at both.
Follow Specific Styles
Numerous kitchen styles have guidelines you can follow. For example, the base of shaker kitchens stands for functionality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. While the style has changed in recent years, it still implies that kitchens should be functional, clean, and sparsely decorated. These kitchens can look stylish with materials like cherry wood or pine that make cabinets stand out. Shaker kitchens can be modern, traditional, or Scandinavian-inspired.
Prioritise Recycling
A lot of trash is generated in the kitchen, whether it’s food or materials. That’s why it’s best to designate special and big containers for plastic, metal, and cardboard.
Composting scraps is resourceful and can become a great fertiliser option for your plants. Pull-out cabinet houses are the most preferred solutions for home recycling because they’re easy to reach and help sort out everything pretty easily.
Make Cleaning Easier
Keeping the kitchen clean at all times requires investing a few minutes every day in tidying up. This can help immensely when cleaning in-depth during the weekend, when you may need to clean the refrigerator. A daily cleaning checklist for the kitchen includes wiping the countertops, sweeping the floor, and doing the dishes. At the same time, putting away items and scrubbing the sink is important for a basic wrap-up.
Approach Layered Lighting
There’s an ongoing trend on TikTok about never using the “big light” because it makes the rooms look sterile. That’s why people approach layered lighting because it offers a welcoming look with little effort. The first layer is ambient lighting, which includes pendants and ceiling fixtures. Task lighting follows and implies using desk lamps and cabinet lights for efficiency. Finally, accent lighting has wall sconces and LED tape to highlight the wall art of decorative objects.
Consider Standout Pieces
While the kitchen should remain practical, some standout pieces are always welcomed because they add a bit of personality. At the same time, they’re great conversation starters, such as an integrated wine cooler. You might also want a warming drawer for when you decide to make bread at home. A Japanese barbecue can also be a great addition to family gatherings since it allows everyone to grill their meat to their liking.
Create A Focal Point
Regardless of how big or small the kitchen is, a focal point is always helpful for efficiency. Such a spot draws the eye, and it can be anything from brightly-colored backsplash tile to fancy flooring. You can choose that place only for a few decorations and allow the other parts of the kitchen to breathe, where appliances and utensils can be hidden through garage storage drawers. You can introduce the “garage” trend to hide a coffee station, microwave, or bigger appliances.
Choose The Right Colours
The colour of the kitchen walls is one of the most important, but you must pick it based on the size of the room. For smaller kitchens, light colours are best to make it look bigger, such as French Moire light blue, lilac or cream. On the other hand, darker tones are best for larger kitchens because they make a statement without the need for additional decorations. Consider rich brown, dark blue-black, and deep green.
Have A Pot Filler For Cooking
Every chef of a big family knows the struggle of carrying the heavy pot from the sink to the cooker. Let’s not even talk about the waiting time. That’s why a pot-filler, installed near the cooktop is necessary to save time and be more efficient while cooking. This swing-out tap is also stylish and modern, and it doesn’t take up any space on the counters. A pot filler also eliminates spills and other accidents.
Establish A Landing Space
Landing spaces are spots near cooking appliances where you can put the hot items as the food is ready.
These spaces can also be used to prepare meals in one place so you don’t make a mess in the kitchen. Make sure to establish these areas when planning the kitchen layout. The main rule is to allocate about 15 inches on each side of the appliance and use heat-resistant materials like granite, concrete, or metal countertops.
Add Some Luxurious Flooring
Flooring is also important in a kitchen because it offers an expensive look without having to invest in pricey materials. For example, engineered wood is durable and requires less maintenance than solid hardwood. On the other hand, Moroccan floor tiles make great pebble mosaics, and you can find many artist-commissioned products. Regardless of your choice, it’s best to choose durability over price and looks because replacing the floor frequently is inconvenient. Make sure to consider your family’s needs when purchasing flooring.
Were These Tips Helpful For You?
Anyone wants a luxurious but practical kitchen, but maintaining both features can be difficult. That’s why it’s best to find ways to achieve style and efficiency through actions like daily cleaning, painting the walls the right colour, or creating a focal point in the kitchen. Depending on your budget, you could design landing spaces near cooking appliances or prioritise recycling adequately to avoid clutter. Finally, layering the lighting adds the final touch of a modern and pleasant-looking kitchen.