Think about a space you love. A comfortable place that makes you feel relaxed and happy. Maybe it's your backyard or a reading nook in your home — it’s your sanctuary.
Connect with the energy you feel when you’re in this special space and create the same connection to your kitchen.
A kitchen you love isn’t all fancy gadgets or a high-tech stove — it’s about having a space that inspires you and makes you feel good! So, the moment you step in, you're home — no stress.
Your kitchen can be a haven for creativity and nourishment for yourself and those you love. Your kitchen connection will also ease the moments when you “don’t feel like cooking,” because it’s your delicious place — and a reminder of why cooking is so important.
If you already love your kitchen, is it time to freshen up something or rearrange a few things to make it even more organized or welcoming?
To check in with how you feel, step into your kitchen. If you want to spice it up a bit, here are some simple and practical ideas to inspire your kitchen refresh.
No paint, no fuss, just a few tasty tweaks …
Keeping a fresh herb plant — or several — in your kitchen adds beauty and reminds you that herbs are indispensable ingredients in home cooking. Fresh herbs are priceless for flavor and nutrients. Their calories hardly exist. Herbs easy to use, and the aromas are intoxicating. Regardless of the ones you choose, you’ll discover they’re linked to a long list of health benefits and naturally boost the flavor on your plate.
You can keep a fresh potted plant on your windowsill or nestled in a corner by a window.
If counter space is limited, could you hang one? Or keep your herbs on a nearby windowsill?
Even if these gems are a few steps away, a few fresh herbs will replace countless jars of condiments and preservatives and offer a fragrant greeting wherever they grow.
The amuse bouche — just a little nibble of something before a meal to “tease the mouth” and create anticipation for what's to come.
Keeping a few delicious ingredients visible will not only look lovely but will also remind you of the exciting flavors at your fingertips — ready to help you create the most deliciously fabulous meals.
I just love mason jars, so I keep my fresh dried herbs, and any other goodies I get my hands on, in jars on display. I always smile at the sight.
When you want a new “recipe” to season another chicken dinner, all you need is herbs, a good salt and some pepper — a little lemon, butter, or cream are also welcome (and easy).
What are your favorite ingredients? For me, two of the best are olive oil and vinegar. They’re the foundation of the most amazing easy sauces. I like to have a variety — like shoes— for different “occasions.”
Because I have only one cabinet for food storage, I added a baker’s rack to my kitchen — a brilliant solution. It gives me the space I need for my olive oils and vinegars and (slightly obsessive) whisk collection.
Plus easy access to other daily essentials — like onions, shallots, and potatoes.
We need our essentials, and we also need a little sprinkle of beauty! Tea towels can be a chic combination of practicality and style.
I use my dark ones while cooking, so they don’t show their taches. Then there are the pretty ones for drying and covering my pizza dough while it rises — I keep those on display.
The food colors alone bring tingles to the senses. So I find it just lovely to keep produce on display.
Oranges for morning juicing
Lemons are on display, because they’re always being used, and seeing them reminds me that this one ingredient is the secret to an amazing dish.
And the ingredients I’ll be using in the next day or two. Sometimes I’m sorry to see them go, other times I'm glad for the reminder to cook them!
Having the right tools makes cooking easier, but we don’t need much. Think about what’s important to you.
What do you use all the time, or what makes you happy?
We all need a few spatulas — big ones for bowls and small ones to effortlessly clean out the mini food processor, or swirl a sauce while it simmers.
Would a new-sized spatula be the perfect addition to your space, or a pretty new one?
Do you need a cheese grater that's more comfortable to use, or a peeler that makes prepping veggies faster? Or a garlic roller, so you don't dread getting garlic ready?
When you’re freshening up your kitchen, think about the little things that hold you back. One small detail can make a big difference in how you feel about cooking.
If you’re troubled by having limited space in your kitchen, what other solutions can you find?
I store items I don’t use every week in the basement, like baking tins, parchment paper, extra ball jars, and Souper Cubes. Sometimes I don’t want to take the walk to grab what I need, but it’s good exercise!
In the mudroom, along with baskets of mittens, umbrellas, and sunscreen, I keep small, occasional-use items like cookie cutters, molds, and pieces for entertaining.
With those items tucked away, the kitchen is simply organized and ready for daily dinners. When your kitchen feels good, you’ll feel good in it.
If you need more room, can you add a corner or wall shelf?
Or hanging hooks for pots, pans, and other utensils?
Did you notice the wine glasses hanging under the cabinet? A simple touch that frees up space with a bit of charm.
Cooking is about playing, creating, and joy — for everyone! Any kitchen will do.
If you don’t feel inspired and creative when you step into your kitchen, what would you like to change? Are there some small details that really bother you? For me, it was storing pasta and grains in plastic baggies in my pantry – it just didn’t look nice – and keeping my utensils in a messy pile in the drawers.
So, I found some storage containers and drawer organizers at a home goods store, and now my tiny pantry looks prettier. And I can quickly find what I need!
If there's any little thing that nags at you, there's probably an easy solution — like pouring olive oil. Discovering a refillable green glass olive oil bottle with the perfect pouring spout was a game changer for me! Now I can easily drizzle just the right amount!
Creating a kitchen you love is about functionality, beauty, and joy. (Add a candle for the mood too!)
And what would a happy place be without music to boost the mood and make it fun? Would you like to keep a small Bluetooth speaker on the corner counter or on top of the fridge?
Hit play, and you’re ready to get cooking!
Creating a kitchen you love can be as simple as adding some tunes, a rosemary plant, or a new tea towel, and moving a few things around to give it a fresh look. If it’s time to clean out your kitchen and freezer, this post has tips for organizing them in minutes.
Take this spirit with you — and design a kitchen you love anywhere!
Please write to me if you have any questions about these tips to design your delicious kitchen!
