When designers call a kitchen "warm," they're referring to more than the color palette. A warm kitchen feels homey and comfortable, and it's the sort of place you want to settle in for a cup of tea.
If that sounds exactly like the kind of kitchen you'd love to have, there are certain elements you should focus on. At Inspire Kitchen Design, we love a beautifully designed, warm kitchen. Here are some of our best tips about how to make a warm kitchen work and how you can get this look in your own home.
Can Any Type of Kitchen be Warm?
Some types of decor easily lend themselves to a warm feel, but any kitchen can be adjusted to be a little warmer. In general, an informal, relaxed style naturally has a certain warmth, while a very sleek, spare, modern design doesn't easily lend itself to a very warm feeling.
However, you can still have the design you prefer without sacrificing warmth. Any kitchen, any style, can become warmer with some changes to specific elements. It all depends on what you include in the design.
Natural Elements to Create a Cozy Ambiance
One way to create an inviting, relaxed feel is by using natural elements in the decor. Drawing from nature to enrich the look of your kitchen is a great way to soften the feel of the room. Wood is an obvious choice, especially when it's stained in warm tones to highlight the natural grain.
Stone and brick are also great choices for a warm kitchen. They contribute an earthy feel to the space, making it more relaxed and welcoming. The colors you use in a warm kitchen should stick to soft, muted tones to echo the palette of the natural world.
Relaxed, textural window treatments that let in plenty of light are also an excellent way to warm up a kitchen. This isn't the right place for heavy, formal curtains. You want to invite the sunlight into the space to highlight the natural elements and create that cozy feel.
The Vibe of a Warm Kitchen
The feel you're trying to evoke in a warm kitchen is relaxing and comforting. It doesn't have to feel cluttered, but you want enough items in the space to make it feel lived in and inviting. A bowl of fruit on the counter is an excellent example of warm, welcoming decor. The lighting sources should be layered for a glowing depth of illumination.
Another way to set the tone in a warm kitchen is to provide plenty of comfortable places to sit and relax. Soft chairs or a sunny breakfast nook make the room look like a space people want to settle in and visit. All together, these hospitable design elements come together to create a kitchen that feels like a place to relax and make memories.
Warm Kitchen Style at Inspire Kitchen Design
We would love to create the warm kitchen of your dreams at Inspire Kitchen Design. For more information about what we can do for you, contact us or stop by our storeroom in Denver today. We can't wait to show you our design for a warm kitchen you'll love.