It’s no wonder kitchens are considered the heart of the home — in addition to directly influencing the property’s resale value, they are also the most expensive rooms to renovate and the easiest to get messy. That’s why, when we have guests over, it’s common to feel a bit stressed: we want everything to be perfect and welcoming.
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According to Southern Living magazine, certain details in the kitchen make all the difference and are the first things to catch guests’ attention.
1. Smell
Smell is the first sense to be activated when entering a kitchen. Who hasn’t noticed a “strange smell,” whether at home or in someone else’s kitchen? This is normal, as leftover food or accumulated trash can cause unpleasant odors.
According to designer Lauren Sigmon of Lauren Sigmon Interiors, the tip is simple: take out the trash, thoroughly clean the sink, and use the disposal. To go a step further, opt for welcoming fragrances, like a scented candle, cookies baking in the oven, or spices simmering on the stove. In addition to masking possible odors, this creates a warm and pleasant atmosphere for guests.
2. Color and Pattern
Although classic white kitchens never go out of style, adding color and texture can completely transform the space. Color can be incorporated through subtle details, such as light fixtures, fabrics, or decorative elements.
Designers Ashley Potts and Emi Mason of Potts Mason Interiors emphasize that fabrics are great allies in the kitchen. Curtains, upholstered stools, or even dining chairs can feature patterns and textures, bringing cohesion to the space. According to them, repeating the same fabric in different areas creates a sophisticated visual impact. The only rule is to maintain harmony between colors and prints.
3. Open Shelving
Open shelving can be a great aesthetic asset — or a disaster. Lauren Sigmon warns that if you choose this style, it’s essential to carefully plan its composition. The idea is to mix functionality and aesthetics: organized plates and bowls alongside vases, books, or art pieces. When treated as regular cabinets, open shelves give a cluttered feel, undermining the kitchen’s beauty.
4. Organization
Disorganized spaces are quickly noticed by guests. Potts and Mason state that clean countertops make all the difference in conveying freshness and tranquility. Since it’s not always possible to keep them completely clear, the tip is to invest in coordinated accessories, such as jars, butter dishes, and salt shakers from the same collection. This brings visual consistency and reinforces the kitchen’s style.
Another important point is the inside of cabinets and drawers. Guests may need cutlery or glasses, and if they find everything organized, the experience becomes much more pleasant.
5. Lighting
Lighting is also a crucial factor. According to Southern Living, whenever possible, you should make the most of natural light and avoid heavy curtains that block sunlight.
In addition, experts recommend layered lighting, which combines different light sources. Pendant lights above the island, under-cabinet fixtures, and even small decorative lights on countertops or above artwork create a cozy, dynamic, and inviting environment.
Source: Southern Living. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
