As the chilly weather kicks in, we’re thinking of ways to cozy up the home. We’ll light the fire, layer snuggly blankets, and add plush rugs in the living and bedrooms, but the kitchen requires a different approach.
Luckily, there’s a stack of cozy kitchens in our Pinterest and Instagram feeds to draw inspiration from. These rooms aren’t necessarily small in size, either. Instead of streamlined stark kitchens, we’re seeing warm and inviting spaces full of character. The shift makes perfect sense: more than just places to cook, kitchens are the heart of family life, where we share home-cooked meals, do school work, and connect with one another. These need to be cozy spaces that we actually enjoy hanging out in!
You can make a kitchen instantly cozier with some quick updates, but there’s more to creating that intimate, welcoming vibe than meets the eye. Elements like furniture, materials, and lighting are key players in giving your kitchen that comfy touch.
1 / Warm Colours
This is the common thread among cozy kitchens. They rely on warm hues like soft neutrals, warm whites, or earthy tones. These colors create a comfortable and cozy ambiance, making a rustic kitchen more homely and a minimalist one less cold. All shades of brown from mushroom to chocolate are also finding favour in the kitchen. These soothing earthy hues have an innate warmth that make any space more inviting.
2 / Antiques and Freestanding Furniture
Mixing antiques and freestanding furniture into a kitchen is a beautiful way to not only create a relaxed and cozy feel, but also to incorporate character. We love the look of freestanding wood kitchen islands that we’re seeing in some kitchens right now—these centerpieces set the tone for the room. If a new piece of furniture isn’t in the budget, add touches of vintage with smaller items such as a lamp, artwork, or a reclaimed wood shelf.
3 / Always Wood
When is wood ever not a good idea? Wood instantly warms and adds depth with elements like hardwood floors, furniture, and cabinetry. In the kitchen, accents like floating shelves, bowls, and cutting boards are easy ways to incorporate this natural material. We also love the look of rustic wood accents (cue the hood trim above) and ceiling beams.
4 / Be Sociable
Add spots for intimate seating, such as at the island or a small nook. These are places to chat with friends or for kids to do homework while still being a part of the scene. Choose comfortable seating options like cushioned chairs or bar stools to encourage family and guests to linger in the kitchen, making it a social and inviting space.
5 / Warm Metals
Integrate unlacquered brass finishes and fixtures for a living finish that will patina over time. Brass or copper accents as faucets, cabinet pulls/knobs, door handles, and lighting fixtures are popular spots for warm metals. Copper curtain rods, hanging pots, and utensil holders are other ways to bring this material into the kitchen.
6 / Soft, Layered Lighting
Beyond functional ambient lighting, include task and accent lighting as part of a layered scheme—for different needs and times of day. Stick to soft and warm lighting fixtures with dimmer switches to create a relaxed atmosphere. In particular, under-cabinet lighting and wall sconces create atmospheric lighting with a comfortable glow. And don’t forget to use warm light bulbs instead of cool.
7 / Tactile Textiles
Add softness and personality with textiles (in warm colours, of course). Use runners, curtains, chair cushions, and light shades for texture and warmth. Consider the texture of the fabric too, especially natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool. In Scandinavian homes, you’ll see sheepskin thrown over a wood bench or chairs which is a similar way of adding coziness to a room.
8 / The Right Decorative Accents
These pieces add character, making the kitchen feel more comforting. Too many decorative touches can look cluttered, so focus on what you love to look at, or use, in the kitchen. Your most cherished dishes, cutting boards, and art should all be on display. If it’s hard to decide, pick out natural materials like wood, stone, and pottery. Add some greenery and you’ve instantly made the kitchen more cozy.
Contact our interior design team if you’d like help creating a cozier kitchen in your home.
Feature image source: Jessica Helgerson Design