Winterising Your Kitchen

As the nights draw in and the days get colder, we spend a lot more time in our homes, so we want them to feel snug and inviting. The kitchen the heart of the home and the place we all meet up to spend time together as a family, so how can we make our kitchens evolve with the seasons to feel cosier and warmer? 

In Denmark and Norway this is called Hygge (*hoo-gah), a word that means a cosy, a contented feeling of comfort and conviviality. The Danes and Norwegians are experts in creating cosiness and warmth as they spend so much time indoors in the colder months. 

Here at Gardiner Haskins Interiors, we are experts in creating custom kitchens that inspire. Here are our top tips on how to cosy up your kitchen this winter:

Warm Lighting

Lighting plays a significant role in creating a cosy atmosphere. You don’t have to fit new light fittings, try swapping harsh, bright bulbs for warm-toned ones that emit a soft, golden glow. Put a lamp in the dining area and add candles at dinner. Twinkling fairy lights can be a feature all year round but are especially festive in the winter months. 

Soft Furnishings

While kitchens are traditionally more functional than cosy, adding soft textures can really change the feel of the space. Incorporate cushions on dining chairs or stools, add a warm rug underfoot, or drape a throw or a sheepskin rug over the back of a bench. Not only do these textiles provide extra comfort, but they also introduce layers of warmth. You could even change your curtains and go for warmer tones like terracotta, burgundy or deep greens.

Natural Materials

Winter is the perfect time to introduce natural materials like wood and stone, which have a warmth and timelessness to them. If you're renovating your kitchen or simply updating, consider wooden worktops, a butchers block island or just accessorise with wooden chopping boards, stoneware dishes, or natural fibre baskets. You could add pampas grass in a vase which adds a soft texture, pine cones and winter gourds on display. It all adds to the seasonal look.

Plants

Bringing the outdoors in during the winter can add life and warmth to your kitchen. Consider low-maintenance plants like succulents or trailing ivy that will thrive indoors. Not only do they purify the air, but they also add a splash of green that contrasts beautifully with winter tones and creates a calming, serene atmosphere.

Your Table as a Feature

When you lay your table for dinner, even if it’s just the family, you could change up your tableware for the winter months, a new tablecloth in warm tones, napkins, mats or even the plates. It really depends on how far you want to go!

Scent and Sound

Don’t underestimate the power of scent and sound to make a kitchen feel more inviting. A simmering pot of coffee (or mulled cider) or a candle with a seasonal scent like cinnamon or pine can instantly create a comforting atmosphere. Music is another great way to set the tone. Radio at breakfast time and some chilled music while you cook and eat dinner, can create a lovely atmosphere. 

Kitchen Renovations

If you are renovating your home and able to make bigger changes to the actual design of your kitchen, you could try:

Mixed Toned Cupboards

Having more than one colour with your cabinets creates a warmer, less clinical feel to your kitchen. You could have lower cupboards in a dark green or blue, with the upper cabinets in a contrasting colour. It certainly breaks it up and creates a more feature style kitchen.

Open Shelves

Some open shelving not only creates more storage but also allows you to display warm, homely touches. Showcase your ceramic mugs, wooden bowls, or cookbooks for a lived-in, cosy feel. Adding personal touches like family photos, vintage finds, or potted herbs can also bring warmth and character to the room.

 A Statement Stove or Range Cooker

Nothing says cosy like a roaring fire, but in the kitchen, the next best thing is a classic range cooker or stove. If you're thinking of upgrading your appliances, a beautiful range cooker can serve as both a functional centrepiece and a warm addition to your kitchen. Modern models are efficient, and some even offer multi-fuel options for greater flexibility.

The winter months can make us feel like hibernating so it’s important to create a sanctuary in your home so you can enjoy the “indoor months” with your loved ones. The kitchen, being one of the most frequented rooms in the house, which also can be one of the colder rooms, can offer so much more if you just make a few little changes or additions to bring more warmth and cosiness. It could make all the difference and bring a little more ‘hygge’ to your home.