Restorative Styling for Your New Year Kitchen
Refresh your kitchen with nurturing ideas that'll up the style ante and encourage healthy living at the same time
So you’ve mapped out your new rejuvenating fitness plan for 2017, but how about revitalising the heart of your home this year as well? With some cleverly curated restyling, you can restore your kitchen’s mojo by injecting it with the latest must-have looks, creating a rejuvenating and calming space at the same time. The great news is that it’s not about spending big bucks or making enormous changes, it’s simply a case of choosing thoughtful features. So take some time to reset and recharge your kitchen for a brand new start to the year.
Clear the decks
As well as seeking a haven from external dramas, we will also pursue an escape from the never-ending barrage of technological advancements and social media obsessions. This year, simplicity and minimalism will take on a whole new meaning, while we try to escape the outside world in search of some calm and quiet. To achieve this pared-down, fuss-free look, clear the kitchen benches and display only a few choice pieces, like an aromatic herb pot or a smart oil bottle, that will add some character and interest.
As well as seeking a haven from external dramas, we will also pursue an escape from the never-ending barrage of technological advancements and social media obsessions. This year, simplicity and minimalism will take on a whole new meaning, while we try to escape the outside world in search of some calm and quiet. To achieve this pared-down, fuss-free look, clear the kitchen benches and display only a few choice pieces, like an aromatic herb pot or a smart oil bottle, that will add some character and interest.
If your kitchen shelving is also feeling messy and jumbled, take time this January to cleanse and declutter. Strip the shelves, give them a good clean and then restyle them with your favourite items only. If you don’t have any standout ceramics or handcrafted bowls, treat yourself to a few striking display pieces from the local op-shop or, if you’re feeling flush, a craft gallery. Either way, you’ll have a stunning display that will look calm, curated and totally unique.
Slow the pace down with some earthy tones
Cleansing organic tones such as blue-greys, earthy browns and botanic greens are making a comeback thanks to their restorative nature. Team with natural materials such as wooden farmhouse chairs or tactile linens for an instant relaxed feel. Extra points for upcycled items such as vintage apple crates.
Cleansing organic tones such as blue-greys, earthy browns and botanic greens are making a comeback thanks to their restorative nature. Team with natural materials such as wooden farmhouse chairs or tactile linens for an instant relaxed feel. Extra points for upcycled items such as vintage apple crates.
Don’t forget, this is your personal space, so ensure you fill it with treasures that make you smile. This collection of old bread boards was given a unique, contemporary twist with paint-dipped edges. Maybe you have a stash of inherited vintage linen, or Nanna’s old tea set sitting unused in a box? Now’s the time to make a feature of it.
Add greenery to your space
The quickest and easiest way to revitalise your kitchen is by adding some indoor plants, and with Pantone announcing that ‘Greenery’ is the colour of 2017, this is definitely the look of the moment. Add some trailing plants for interest and use rustic pots to continue the natural touches, while enjoying your plants’ oxygen-boosting benefits.
Meet ‘Greenery’, Pantone’s 2017 colour of the year
The quickest and easiest way to revitalise your kitchen is by adding some indoor plants, and with Pantone announcing that ‘Greenery’ is the colour of 2017, this is definitely the look of the moment. Add some trailing plants for interest and use rustic pots to continue the natural touches, while enjoying your plants’ oxygen-boosting benefits.
Meet ‘Greenery’, Pantone’s 2017 colour of the year
Create your own mini garden
Terrariums were big news last year, and they are definitely set to continue gracing our homes as the popularity of indoor greenery surges on. Create an instant talking point by placing your arrangement in a prominent position, such as on the island bench, and enjoy its mesmerising charm.
Terrariums were big news last year, and they are definitely set to continue gracing our homes as the popularity of indoor greenery surges on. Create an instant talking point by placing your arrangement in a prominent position, such as on the island bench, and enjoy its mesmerising charm.
To take your kitchen health kick one step further, find inspiration from this pick-as-you-go kitchen herb garden. Follow our guide to creating your own here.
Introduce some soft touches
Sleek, industrial style continues to make headlines this year, with striking, dark metal-framed doors and windows topping the trend charts. However, this year we will see the harshness of this raw style being toned down to create a more friendly feel – think soft textures and materials like see-through fabric pendants and cotton rugs. Mix the two looks and you are onto a winner.
Sleek, industrial style continues to make headlines this year, with striking, dark metal-framed doors and windows topping the trend charts. However, this year we will see the harshness of this raw style being toned down to create a more friendly feel – think soft textures and materials like see-through fabric pendants and cotton rugs. Mix the two looks and you are onto a winner.
Pick items that will age gracefully
With the demand for sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials, hand-crafted items that have a greater longevity than mass-produced pieces will grow in popularity. Marble will have it’s day as the go-to timeless material, with more humble textures, like terracotta and cork, being used to evoke a nurturing ambience.
With the demand for sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials, hand-crafted items that have a greater longevity than mass-produced pieces will grow in popularity. Marble will have it’s day as the go-to timeless material, with more humble textures, like terracotta and cork, being used to evoke a nurturing ambience.
Make your open-plan kitchen feel connected
With open-plan living continuing to be the favourite floor plan for our homes, this year will see even more reason for connecting the separate spaces as we strive to create homes with a united and harmonious atmosphere. Therefore, by introducing some personal, and not just practical, items to your kitchen’s open shelves, you will create a union between the living and the work spaces. Try adding a few vases, some picture frames and candles to foster a connection.
TELL US
We’d love to hear your plans for updating or renovating your kitchen this year. Share them with us in the Comments section below.
MORE
Read more kitchen stories for inspiration
With open-plan living continuing to be the favourite floor plan for our homes, this year will see even more reason for connecting the separate spaces as we strive to create homes with a united and harmonious atmosphere. Therefore, by introducing some personal, and not just practical, items to your kitchen’s open shelves, you will create a union between the living and the work spaces. Try adding a few vases, some picture frames and candles to foster a connection.
TELL US
We’d love to hear your plans for updating or renovating your kitchen this year. Share them with us in the Comments section below.
MORE
Read more kitchen stories for inspiration
With the uncertainty surrounding recent global events, our homes are becoming even more important as a place of retreat and safety. Sensing this need for a constant refuge, the interiors world is reflecting it by focusing on styles and looks that are warm, welcoming and embracing. So when it comes to the heart of the home – the kitchen – having an inviting haven becomes even more important. Think relaxed, laid-back living all the way.
Evoke a sense of romantic nostalgia with some vintage kitchenalia like old wooden spoons, rolling pins and enamel storage jars, but keep it feeling up to date with a few modern accessories mixed in too. Then throw in some hand-picked garden forage for the ultimate haven that will welcome family and friends with a big friendly hug.
More kitchen trends to look out for in 2017