Giving a kitchen personality

Giving a Kitchen Personality

You are somewhat limited when it comes to furniture and decoration in kitchens, as most of the space is used by cabinetry. However, I would really recommend utilising any opportunity you do have to include freestanding furniture, as this is what softens a kitchen and gives it personality.

Furniture

Kitchen's can sometimes end up being quite cold spaces, but you can warm them up by including different types of furniture - just like you would in any other room in the house.

• Resist the temptation to extend your kitchen cabinetry around the entire room - instead, claim back some of the space for a free standing dresser or sideboard.
• I really like to have space for an armchair in a kitchen, and would typically recommend something a bit higher like a barrel back chair or a wing chair so that you can speak to people who are cooking while standing a bit more comfortably.
• Think about the areas where you can include fabrics and patterns, this could be upholstered dining chairs, a tablecloth or a window blind.

Accessories

Be considered when choosing the items that you will use in your kitchen, as these will ultimately form a large part of its decoration.

• The china and glassware you use will help to contribute to the personality of your kitchen, especially if you have open shelving or glazed cabinet doors. When collecting, sticking to a limited colour palette will help everything to feel cohesive and smart.
• Include plants to bring in some natural softness; geraniums always look pretty and are easy to look after, while herbs can be used in cooking.

Lighting

A kitchen should incorporate lots of different types of lighting - not only do you need different lights for practical reasons, but a mixture will also contribute to the space feeling layered and cosy.

• You can mix your pendant lights, opting for one design over the island, and something perhaps more decorative over the dining table.
• Try to avoid including too much recessed lighting in the ceiling, instead use it in the areas where you chop and prepare food.
• Table lamps are a wonderful addition to a kitchen, and can be placed on tables, dressers, mantle pieces or sideboards.

Enlisting the services of a lighting designer or consultant can be an extremely worthy use of your budget, especially if the room is a little tricky.

Artwork

As well as prints and paintings, think about how crockery can be displayed in a decorative way. This could be hanging plates on a wall, or even propping up larger platters on a shelf.