The kitchen is the heart of a home, where the most delicious meals are prepared and the whole family gathers a few times a day. Therefore, there’s no reason not to design it in a pleasant, aesthetic, yet practical way so that everyone enjoys their time in the kitchen.
Unfortunately, budget constraints are often the main obstacle to having the kitchen of your dreams. Indeed, remodelling can be a tad expensive, and high-quality materials are pricey, so this home design project might not be on everyone’s to-do list at the moment.
On the other hand, cheap fixtures and DIY renovations can lead to further problems and even more expensive repairs in the future. Therefore, investing in longevity and visually appealing elements for the kitchen is efficient, so let’s see how it’s done.
The key to a long-standing kitchen is in its materials. Low-quality ones can be affected by humidity, overuse, or poor finishes, which is why sturdier materials are usually best. For example, the cabinets are essential in maintaining the kitchen’s look and organisation, but some materials are sensitive to humidity, which is why natural wood is ideal. Luckily, there are options for more affordable materials, such as solid oak kitchens, chestnut cabinets, or cherry that’s not even subject to painted finishes.
Other necessities in the kitchen that are superior with high-end materials include the following:
Flooring made of natural stone, such as marble and granite;
Kitchen sinks made of copper, which is antimicrobial and completely recyclable;
Furniture made of bamboo;
These high-quality materials not only enhance the durability and longevity of your kitchen but also contribute to its natural, aesthetic design.
Explore diverse lighting fixtures
Diversifying lighting fixtures is an underrated yet efficient way to improve a room's look. It can determine the difference between a cold-feeling kitchen and a warm one, where you can feel more comfortable. In addition, proper lighting can also make a smaller kitchen feel much bigger than it actually is. Some of the best tips for kitchen lighting are:
Using more light sources that spread the focus across the entire room;
Enhancing corners with wall lights to emphasise art or decorations;
Installing long pendants to make the kitchen seem higher;
Choose neutral lampshades to make any interior design feel cosy;
You can also adopt the light layering strategy, in which you build one layer of lighting on top of another. There are three main types of lighting: ambient (for general room visibility), task (for practical activities), and accent (to highlight certain items or spaces in the room).
Replace regular finishes with pristine alternatives
The hardware that comes with cabinets or units might not seem important, but it can have a significant impact on kitchen design. Elevating its look can transform the kitchen into a luxurious one, and the financial effort is minimal, similar to replacing old hardware fixtures.
That’s why swapping the handles of doors and other furniture items around the kitchen makes a big difference when it comes to brushed nickel, brass, and leather-wrapped options. These products don’t have to be expensive, since you can find such refined handles at antique stores, and they are usually of high quality.
These fixtures are great in any interior design, whether minimalism, where they become the centrepiece of the furniture, or maximalism, where they beautifully blend in. However, it’s worth noting that some of these materials may require regular maintenance and, in some cases, polishing creams for a gleaming look.
Choose elevated items for basic necessities
Sometimes, expensive products are nothing more than repurposed items in the right place. For example, instead of using a mat in the kitchen, try a rug with more intricate details and a stronger structure. Vintage Persian rugs are among the most beloved options right now, as their worn-in look helps hide stains and withstand general wear and tear.
Or, instead of getting a regular fruit bowl, a footed bowl will immediately elevate its purpose. The more interesting the bowl's shape, the greater its impact in a seemingly simple kitchen. Choosing something made of wood with a unique texture will offer more warmth and cohesion with the entire design.
Another way to elevate kitchen design is to use trays for everyday cooking items to corral them in an aesthetic way. Wooden trays are amazing, but stainless-steel ones are also perfect for the industrial look. These trays help you organise kitchen items in a pleasant way while also serving as decoration.
Opt for plants whenever you find a place
Plants are amazing additions to a kitchen, especially since they help manage moisture. That’s because they enhance air purification by filtering airborne pollutants and contribute to cooling. Some of the best plants for this purpose include:
Peperomia prefers wet ecosystems and are not difficult to take care of;
Golden Pothos is a climbing plant that requires little maintenance;
Boston Fern tolerates any level of moisture and prefers medium light spaces;
Bamboo Palm requires regular watering but offers a unique tropical flair to the kitchen;
Luckily, there’s no such thing as too many plants in the kitchen. Their greenery contributes to a sophisticated design in the kitchen and makes it livelier, so placing them in any available space across the kitchen is a good idea. Climbing plants can sit in the places that you can’t reach on a daily basis, and also don’t need much maintenance.
Conclusion
Making your kitchen the room of your dreams doesn’t mean spending a lot of money; rather, it means curating certain tastes and introducing high-quality materials. While such a kitchen should start with a base of high-quality materials, such as solid wood, replacing regular items with fancier ones is within reach for anyone. The fruit bowl can be footed and made of bamboo, while the regular hardware can be replaced with brass options from antique stores. The purpose is to give the kitchen a bit of personality with unique products, while also ensuring efficiency and a way to organise the space.
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