Creating an inviting kitchen for the cook and their guests is one of the primary goals for every homeowner. While the cook spends countless hours in the kitchen, they also would like their family and guests to feel at home and welcomed every day.

While it seems creating an inviting kitchen could be a challenge, designer Marc Thee, in conjunction with Altogether Home, gives some great ideas that are simple to execute and even easier to enjoy!

• Illuminate with natural light: Nobody enjoys feeling like they are in an institutional setting in their kitchen. Marc Thee suggests, “Replace all fluorescent lighting with incandescent or halogen fixtures. Ideally, all kitchens should have three levels of lighting: Overhead task lighting (recessed cans), under-counter task lighting, and decorative lighting such as pendants or island lighting.” Assess your current kitchen lighting. If you have a large fluorescent fixture, consider replacing with Thee’s suggestions and bring in natural light during the day when possible.

• Decorate your cold countertops with warmth: While you don’t want an overcrowded countertop with lots of small appliances and gadgets, it is a welcoming idea to house decorative kitchen spices, foods and other multifunction objects on your counter. Thee recommends, “…add useful accessories that feel a little time-worn or antique. Display in the kitchen an assortment of olive oil, vinegars, and salt and pepper grinders on a big tray. The tall bottles serve to disguise the electrical outlets, so buy some larger bottles to anchor the back of the grouping.”  Take into consideration how much space you have and ensure there is plenty of room for food preparation and task oriented activities on your counters while still keeping a beautiful backdrop at the backsplash of your countertop.

Creating an inviting kitchen is made simpler with these helpful tips from Marc Thee.  Consider using these tips in your kitchen as well as decorating with the wide range of home decor products from Altogether Home.

Regardless of the size of your kitchen, the ability to make it feel warm and welcoming can be achieved easily and beautifully.

All photo credits: Marc-Michaels in collaboration with Altogether Home

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