Modern kitchens are often all stainless steel and white tiles, which may be practical when it comes to cleaning up those coking spills, but does not always make for the most warm and inviting space to eat or entertain guests, right? Well, don’t worry because there are tons of things you can do to soften up your modern kitchen space…
1. Upholstered Dining Chairs: Sit Soft
Let’s start with where you park your behind. Wooden chairs might fit the rustic aesthetic, but let’s be honest, they don’t do much for the behind. Enter upholstered dining chairs. Not only do they add a touch of elegance and comfort to your dining experience, but they also invite you to linger longer over your morning coffee. Choose fabrics in warm tones or with delightful textures to add visual warmth and a tactile dimension that wooden or metal chairs just can’t compete with.
2. Rugs: Warmth Underfoot
There’s nothing like stepping onto a cold, hard floor in the morning to wake you up – and not in a good way. A strategically placed rug can transform the feel of your kitchen from industrial cold to cosy chic. Opt for a flat-weave or a washable rug (because let’s face it, spaghetti sauce happens), which will not only warm your toes but also add a splash of colour and pattern.
3. Curtains: Dress Those Windows
Bare windows can make a space feel unfinished. Soften the sunlight and your decor by hanging some beautiful curtains or a roman blind in a soft fabric. Not only do they help with temperature control, but they also add a fluid, softening effect to the room’s aesthetics. Choose light, airy fabrics for a breezy feel or thicker, textured materials for a more luxurious touch.
4. Lighting: Set the Mood
Overhead fluorescent lighting has the charm of a dentist’s office. Instead, opt for softer, layered lighting solutions. Pendant lights over your dining area, under-cabinet lights for task areas, and even a small lamp on the countertop can create a warm, welcoming glow. Dimmer switches are your best friends here, allowing you to adjust the ambiance from bright and energetic morning vibes to a soft, romantic dinner setting.
5. Plants: Bring Life to Your Kitchen
Introduce some green friends into your kitchen. Not only do plants bring life to a room, but they also soften the edges both visually and literally. Whether it’s a hanging plant draping down from a shelf, a large potted herb on your windowsill, or a series of small succulents lining the counter, greenery is a surefire way to add softness to your kitchen.
6. Decorative Elements: The Soft Touches
It’s so often the little touches that make the most difference to how soft a room feels, so you are going to want to add lots of soft touches, whether they be silky soft flowers on the dining table, beautiful old cook books that add texture and cosiness, cushions that keep you comfy while adding subtle texture, or…well whatever you like really as long as it screams soft and warm.
If you can find the balance between function, warmth and personality, then you should have no trouble at all softening the edges of your kitchen, so it is an even more inviting space to spend your time.
