Setting Up A Great Kitchen as a Foodie!

If you enjoy cooking, baking and generally preparing food and feeding people then you’ll know how important a good kitchen is. The right space and materials mean that your meals will be easy to put together and you’ll get the best results every time- here are a few ways to go about it.

Get the layout right

A full kitchen renovation is incredibly expensive and of course not something that many people can do at the drop of a hat. So if your current kitchen doesn't have the best layout, there might not be a whole lot you can do about it.

But, if you are in a position where you’re having a new kitchen designed then work carefully with the designer. They will make sure that your sink, fridge, and cooker are close together, forming a ‘working triangle’ for easy movement and the most efficient cooking. Keep plenty of counter space so you can prep your ingredients and put together your dishes with ease.

Get the best tools

Invest in the best quality tools to get the best results when you’re cooking- again these can be expensive so you might need to build up over time.

From a good quality oven that gives you precise control to sharp knives, useful gadgets, and various pots and pans depending on what you like to cook, these things can all improve your cooking and make it more enjoyable too.

Get your pantry in order

Keep your pantry organised and well-stocked. Get enough storage space for all your ingredients and spices- deep drawers are perfect for your pots, pans, and utensils. Use clear jars and containers to see what's inside as well as keep pests out, and label your shelves so you can quickly find what you need.

Let the light in

Natural light can make any room in your home look better, and can definitely make your kitchen feel cheerful and inviting.

Using good quality blinds that can easily block out the light when you need to and let it in when it’s bright outside is the first port of call. If you’re considering any kind of renovations then adding a skylight is a great way to flood the room with daylight.

Painting the room in a light colour can really help to open it up too, and have spotlights installed in the ceiling to give an even light source and avoid shadowy corners.

Create a drinks station

If you're a coffee or tea enthusiast, consider dedicating a corner of your kitchen to a beverage station. Add a coffee maker alongside your electric kettle and a selection of gourmet teas or coffee beans.

Add a small shelf for mugs, and a tiered stand for things like coffee syrups and other extras.

You could make a hot chocolate station for the winter/ Christmas period there are lots of inspiration pictures online for this, or if you enjoy an alcoholic beverage you could set up a bar cart with lots of pretty glassware and your collection on display.

Stay organised

A tidy kitchen makes cooking a breeze. Keep your countertops free of clutter and mess and put away stuff you don't need.

This helps to keep your kitchen hygienic and prevent pests and also makes it easier to find what you need when you’re cooking and have enough space to do what you need. Use shelves and hooks to hang your kitchen tools, and don't forget to clear out items you rarely use.

Make it social

As someone that likes to cook, chances are you love sharing your passion and having friends and family over.

So make sure you have enough seating for everyone- a nice breakfast nook, a big dining table, and barstools around a kitchen island if you have one will do the trick.

Create ambiance

Your kitchen should be a practical space, but it doesn't need to look like a stark, sterile environment like a restaurant kitchen.

Colours and textures can set the mood in your kitchen- warm tones like olive green or wood accents make it cosy, while cool colours like sky blue or mint green along with a neutral like grey or white give it a modern touch. Use kitchen textiles and decorations to add some texture and character- check out home magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram for decor ideas.

Consider the environment

We all know that we should be doing more to help the environment, and making changes at home is the best way to go about this. The kitchen in particular is a great place to start as it’s a room where we tend to make and dispose of a lot of waste.

Get yourself a countertop compost bin and empty things like eggshells, food scraps, and teabags into a larger compost heap in your garden to cut down waste.

Shop smart to avoid single-use plastics by choosing refillable options where you can, and go for things like eco-friendly utensils and brands that you know are environmentally friendly. There are lots of small things you can do in the kitchen to make a difference!

Display your favourite beautiful items

Your culinary journey is worth showing off so display your cookbooks, any fancy kitchenware, and things like special ingredients on open shelves. Hang up food-themed artwork or photos on the walls, sites like Desennio have tons to choose from. Use a chalkboard or corkboard to jot down recipes or meal plans for extra inspiration, and grow herbs in planters on your windowsill.

There are lots of food-themed types of decor you can add to inspire yourself and show others that this is a cooking-orientated kitchen.

Statement: Collaboration