The Calm Kitchen

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Published Date 8/7/2024

Charming. Laid back. Cozy. These are all feelings that are not accidental when it comes to the heart of any home. So how do you achieve them without putting up a sappy sign that says “Welcome to our kitchen?”

Slow living is a decor style that’s far more about the lifestyle it exudes than any single look. Realtor’s Larissa Runkle says that while it’s not that hard to achieve that feeling in other parts of your home, it takes a bit of special finessing to get it going in the kitchen.

“A slow kitchen means more time with loved ones over meals, spending time trying out new recipes, or simply sitting in your cozy space alone—ahhh,” says Runkle. “All of these things encourage an easier, more nature-inspired pace of life.

Start with a cozy coffee corner. The ritual of intentional mornings begins with a decked-out home barista bar. “The coffee corner has become extremely popular because people are taking more time to enjoy the little moments in their day,” says designer Jodi Peterman. “This concept works because instead of hiding away all the odds and ends to make the perfect cup of coffee, people are making them enjoyable and aesthetic.”

Kitchen islands can be centerpieces for slow living, whether offering expansive counter space or a place to sip a glass of wine and host friends while you finish making dinner. “The kitchen island has quickly become an item on everyone’s kitchen must-have list,” says Peterman. “Not only does it add in opportunities for additional storage, but it has also become a main gathering space in the home.”

Lowlights instead of highlights? “We tend to associate bright lights with being busy and productive, which is why having a few low-light options around the kitchen is vital,” says Runkle. Add lighting that breathes simplicity, functionality, and brings natural elements into any space. Nordic designs have a way of looking modern without losing their warmth, so they create a serene atmosphere that invites you to take your time. Dimmable rope or strip lights placed strategically under bar tops or cabinets, and overhead pinlights that can dim all the way down offer a glow that calms you and feeds your inner cocktail bar-hugging fantasies.

Pastels are always relaxing. Rosy hues have been the rage for awhile now, but infusing it in kitchens feels a bit more trendy as people seek to add warmth and personality into this space, according to design experts. Toned down and faded pastels exude joy and liveliness without being in your face, so it’s a mix of feeling energized yet relaxed.

How charming is it to see a bookshelf in a kitchen? Another way to create a slow-living vibe in your kitchen incorporates elements that encourage you to wind down – like a little kitchen library set on a shelf or displayed in a glass-front cabinet. Art objects, small pottery, and small framed photos interspersed in these areas combine to make your kitchen a living as well as a cooking space.

Homeowners are using their creativity to create design moments that blend room vibes, says designer Julie Taylor. “Adding coffee-table books, a desk lamp, and a botanical print in the kitchen makes it feel more comfortable and not just a utilitarian space.”

Realtor, TBWS

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