DesignLifestyleMoreRecipes Where Holiday Memories Flourish: Crafting a Joyful Kitchen by Lucas Garcia November 24, 2023 written by Lucas Garcia November 24, 2023 6 comments Bookmark 72 As we draw closer to the festive season, the kitchen emerges as the epicenter of warmth and joy in any home. It’s here where the alluring scents of delectable dishes mingle with the lively hum of family and friends, creating an atmosphere like no other. Kitchens are more than just places for food preparation; they are the soul of the house. They witness the organized chaos of cooking together, late-night snacks, and are a breeding ground for cherished holiday recollections. The epitome of kitchen design has been achieved, blending high-end appliances with a highly functional layout, and a palette of neutral tones and sleek lines, as Sophie Donelson illustrates in her recent publication, “Uncommon Kitchens” (Abrams, 2023). Donelson reminisces about the nostalgic appeal of family kitchens, not necessarily perfect or opulent, but places rich in conversation, culinary creation, and life’s unfolding. ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY INSIGHTS Crafting a Thanksgiving meal that caters to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. The risks of washing Thanksgiving turkey and how to avoid spreading germs. Infusing traditional Thanksgiving dishes like squash, kale, and mashed potatoes with unconventional flavors. Donelson, along with other design gurus, suggests that incorporating color, pattern, and décor can transform any kitchen into a hub of happiness. Here are some tips to ponder: MULTIFACETED SPACES The perfect kitchen could be equipped akin to Martha Stewart’s, or it might be a modest space with basic appliances and an array of mugs. Kitchens serve various purposes and evoke different emotions. Donelson emphasizes the importance of lighting and how it aligns with kitchen activities. The lighting suitable for morning coffee preparation differs from what’s ideal for late-night snacking or a leisurely Sunday dinner. A diversity in lighting options, like overhead lights and warm under-counter LEDs, is crucial. Adding a small, characterful table lamp to the kitchen counter, as Donelson does, adds charm and warmth to the space. During her research, Donelson found a growing trend of incorporating or restoring windows in kitchens instead of traditional tile backsplashes, enhancing natural light. FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY Kitchens are not just for cooking; they’re spaces for dancing and joy, as many have discovered. The flexibility to move furniture, such as tables or islands, creates a dance floor within the kitchen, along with a quality wireless sound system. A kitchen doesn’t always need a large island. Sometimes, a simple table with chairs can be more inviting and equally functional. COLORFUL EXPRESSIONS Designer Lucy Penfield from Minneapolis has experimented with playful colors in kitchens, like frosting-pink doors, snappy orange stools, and a sunshine-yellow retro fridge. Color, as Penfield notes, sets the mood and fosters conversation. Similarly, Cortney Bishop of Charleston uses lively hues to add personality to kitchens, with seafoam-blue appliances and countertops reminiscent of sea glass. She also contrasts deep, dark colors with brighter accents to create a vibrant, welcoming space. John Cialone, from Tom Stringer Design Partners, opted for a bold Benjamin Moore’s Kiwi paint color in a Palm Springs villa, complementing it with artworks and accessories in the kitchen. Cialone himself prefers bright countertops that reflect light and contrast with food, suggesting orange as a color choice for its sunny and citrusy vibes. PERSONALIZED LAYOUTS Cialone, an avid cook, prefers a well-organized, compact kitchen, emphasizing the importance of efficient layout and fitted drawer inserts for frequently used items. Considerations for families include easily accessible snack storage for kids, visible cookbooks for a homey touch, and dedicated task stations for entertaining, like a coffee-making zone or a prepping area for baking. Ultimately, the kitchen should be tailored to individual needs, not bound by conventional designs. CULTURAL CONNECTIONS After a life-changing trip to Marrakesh, Penfield incorporated elements of Moroccan cuisine into her kitchen, including tagines and terracotta tiles, reminiscent of her travels. Her kitchen also features vibrant art and sculptures, reflecting her love for the arts. THE KITCHEN AS A ROOM Donelson advises treating the kitchen as any other room in the house, decorating it with art, plants, and rugs. This approach transforms the kitchen into the true ‘living room’ of the home. Kim Cook, a New York-based writer, specializes in design and decor topics for The Big Big News. Follow her on Instagram @kimcookhome. For more lifestyle stories, visit https://bigbignews.net/lifestyle. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kitchen Design TipsWhat are the key elements of creating a joyful kitchen for the holidays?How can color enhance a kitchen’s atmosphere?What are some tips for lighting in the kitchen?How can the kitchen layout promote social and fun activities?What are some personalized layout ideas for the kitchen?How can one incorporate cultural elements into kitchen design?Why is it important to treat the kitchen as a room?More about Kitchen Design Tips Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kitchen Design Tips What are the key elements of creating a joyful kitchen for the holidays? Incorporating pro-level equipment, a functional layout, neutral colors, and clean lines are key. Adding personal touches with color, pattern, and décor elements transforms the kitchen into a hub of happiness. Consider lighting, room layout, and personalized design elements that reflect individual cooking styles and family needs. How can color enhance a kitchen’s atmosphere? Color creates mood and invites conversation. Designers like Lucy Penfield and Cortney Bishop use playful hues like frosting-pink, snappy orange, and sunshine yellow to add personality and vibrancy to the space, making it more welcoming and lively. What are some tips for lighting in the kitchen? Diverse lighting options are important. Overhead lights, warm-toned, under-the-counter LED task strips, and a small table lamp on the counter can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lighting should match the different activities and times of the day in the kitchen. How can the kitchen layout promote social and fun activities? Shifting tables or islands to create space for movement, like dancing, and adding a great wireless sound system can make the kitchen a more social and fun space. A table with chairs can offer a more convivial arrangement than a full-service island. What are some personalized layout ideas for the kitchen? John Cialone suggests an organized galley kitchen with fitted drawer inserts for frequently used items. For families, having low bins in pantries for snacks, visible cookbooks, and dedicated task stations like a coffee-making zone or a baking prep area can personalize the kitchen space. How can one incorporate cultural elements into kitchen design? Lucy Penfield incorporated Moroccan elements like tagines and terracotta tiles after her trip to Marrakesh. Displaying vibrant art and sculptures that reflect personal travels or cultural interests can add a unique touch to the kitchen. Why is it important to treat the kitchen as a room? Treating the kitchen as a room means decorating it with art, plants, and rugs, similar to other living spaces in the home. This approach makes the kitchen more than just a cooking space, turning it into the true ‘living room’ of the house. More about Kitchen Design Tips Uncommon Kitchens – Sophie Donelson Martha Stewart Lucy Penfield – Designer Cortney Bishop Design Tom Stringer Design Partners Benjamin Moore’s Kiwi Paint Color The Big Big News – Kim Cook You Might Be Interested In Seeking Autumn Comfort Foods? 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December 26, 2023 6 comments John Cialone November 24, 2023 - 4:26 am organized kitchen = happy kitchen. drawers are gr8 for stuff. dont need big island, small table is fine. orange is a sunny color, luv it! Reply Sophie Donelson November 24, 2023 - 4:40 am lighting matters at diff times. cozy lamps in the morn, bright lights for late snacks. kitchens are special, where memories happen. Reply Lucy Penfield November 24, 2023 - 9:43 am luv the mention of color in kitchens. its true, color sets the mood & invites conversation. go bold with colors, make it lively! Reply Kim Cook November 24, 2023 - 4:11 pm great article! love the ideas for kitchens. colorful kitchens are so much fun. lights r imporant too. kitchens are the heart of the home, make it cozy! Reply Commenter123 November 24, 2023 - 6:05 pm i wish i had a kitchen like that. dont have much space. but maybe i can add some color & plants. kitchens can b cozy too! Reply Cortney Bishop November 24, 2023 - 8:59 pm seafoam-blue appliances sound fun. contrast dark colors with citrusy accents. make kitchen stylish & personal. sea glass vibes! Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ