Ahh! It’s week two ladies! Time to tackle curating your kitchen for both functionality and beauty to inspire your culinary creations.
As a homemaker, the kitchen is truly at the center of your day more often than not. It’s a space where functionality meets creativity. It can either be a major pain point or your happy place. Curating your design style in your kitchen along with keeping a decluttered space can provide so much clarity and calm in your day.
Below are a few action items for you to style and declutter your kitchen space with ease.
1. Define Your Design Vision
Start by defining your design vision, in this case, specifically for the kitchen. Consider the style that resonates with you – whether it’s modern, rustic, minimalist, or eclectic. Check those Pinterest design boards that you’ve created to keep a fresh vision in your mind. Be sure the direction that you’re going in compliments the work you’ve already done in your living room! Establishing a clear vision before you begin will guide your choices and create a cohesive look in your home.
2. Assess and Sort
Begin the decluttering process by assessing every item in your kitchen. Sort items into categories – keep, donate, and discard. You know the drill! Be honest about what you use regularly and what has been lingering untouched. If you have a potato masher in one of your drawers for example that keeps said drawer stuck more often than is used; perhaps its time to remove this particular pain point from your kitchen. If there is a sugar jar on your counter that used to be for your morning coffee but you’ve cut out caffeine – tuck the jar away in the pantry or cabinet.
3. Streamline the Essentials
Less is more DEFINITELY applies in the kitchen! Only keep out the items that you will actually be using on a regular basis – everything else tuck away nearby but out of site. A clutter-free workspace enhances both functionality and aesthetics. Invest in organizers, such as utensil holders and spice racks, to keep essentials within easy reach and well organized.
4. Organize Storage Spaces
Optimize storage spaces by organizing your cabinets and drawers. Make a plan. The book The Home Edit is a great resource for finding creative ways to use and organize your spaces. Use dividers or clear stacking organizers to separate items and maximize space efficiency. Arrange pots, pans, and dishes by frequency of use for easy access.
5. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
Create visual harmony by choosing a cohesive color palette for your kitchen. Whether you prefer calming neutrals, vibrant hues, or a combination of both, a consistent color scheme ties the design elements together.
6. Invest in Quality Storage Containers
Say goodbye to mismatched containers and invest in high-quality, uniform storage containers. This not only declutters your pantry but also adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen shelves.
7. Display Thoughtful Decor
Infuse personality into your kitchen by displaying thoughtful decor. Consider open shelving for showcasing stylish dishes, glassware, or decorative pieces that complement your chosen design style. Don’t be afraid to add an ornate and classic piece of fine art in the kitchen – it could make for a great conversation piece!
Tip: Skip the “directional” signage in here. I.e. wall art that simply states “EAT” or “GATHER”. Yes, we know what to do in the kitchen, no need for the aggressive instruction. Signage like this will date your space very quickly!
8. Upgrade Kitchen Linens
Refresh your kitchen linens to complement your design vision. Coordinated towels, oven mitts, and tablecloths add a touch of elegance while maintaining practicality. Plus, if you’re anything like me this is probably one of the last things on your mind in a typical day and your linens have likely long lost their aesthetic appeal.
Head to the nearest Homegoods and grab some fresh linens to give your kitchen an instant facelift! The old ones needn’t be thrown away – they can still be used as cleaning rags or car wash towels.
9. Add Indoor Plants
Bring nature into your kitchen with indoor plants. Not only do they add a refreshing element, but they also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Bonus: grow some fresh herbs in your windowsill to be used in everyday cooking. Herbs are such a practical addition to any kitchen for their usefulness, beauty, and scent! It’s a win all around if you’ve got the green thumb for it!
For those who do not possess this green thumb, fresh flowers from the grocery store or your back garden work just as well. I like to keep a mix of both in my kitchen if I can!
10. Personalize Your Space
Personalize your kitchen with items that hold sentimental value. Display family photos, heirloom dishes, or handmade crafts to add a personal touch to your curated design. For us, our dining table serves as the personalized element – it’s a vintage hand me down that belonged to my great grandmother in the 50’s!
11. Create Functional Zones
Organize your kitchen into focused areas based around function. Designate a zone for meal prep, cooking, and cleaning. This organization streamlines your daily tasks and contributes to an efficient workflow. Keep cutting boards near the prep area. Spices above the stove or in a drawer near the oven. Silverware can be stored in the island where you’re likely to be plating food, etc.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
Curating your kitchen style and decluttering go hand in hand to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By defining your design vision, streamlining essentials, and incorporating thoughtful elements, you’ll transform your kitchen into a haven where style and functionality coexist in perfect harmony. And maybe you’ll even start enjoying the 18+ meals a day that it feels like you’re constantly cooking for these feral children. Or perhaps you actually enjoy cooking in the first place in which case, rock on! In your fresh organized kitchen!
If you missed the week for living room decluttering and styling, go check that post out here!
See you soon friends 🙂
