Kitchens today are quite a contrast to those of they were five years ago. They've become softer, cozier, and more lived-in and loved than ever before. But above all, they have become social rooms, used for more than just cooking.
And it's for that very reason that many homeowners are re-evaluating their kitchen ideas, and realizing that there may be a few things making their scheme feel a touch unwelcoming, rather than the comfortable, warm haven they crave.
But what exactly is the cause of a kitchen that feels uninviting? Interior designers say these three things are almost always the culprits of a kitchen no one wants to spend time in, and they are much easier to fix than you might think.
It's no secret that we all want our kitchens to feel warmer, more welcoming, and showcase personality – just take a look at the biggest kitchen trends this year, focusing on characterful design and playful details.
Soft kitchens are perhaps the most coveted approach, and sociable kitchens are still sought after, transforming our cooking spaces into hosting hot spots. But if you want to achieve any of these things, you need to make sure you have none of these unwelcoming features to contend with.
1. Stark, Cold Kitchen Lighting
If there's one kitchen feature we really have to stop overlooking as a purely functional feature, it's lighting. Not only is it far more multifaceted, but it's usually the cause of a kitchen that feels cold and uninviting – the total opposite of what you want to feel when you step into the heart of your home.
‘The number one thing that will chase anyone out of a kitchen is bright, cold overhead lighting,’ says Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, who notes that it's usually the color and brightness of the bulbs that cause the problem.
‘Replace recessed can lights or overhead fixtures with warmer light LED light bulbs with a 2,700K color temperature. If you have pendant lights over an island, consider adding a dimmer switch to enjoy cozier low light while encouraging lingering,' she suggests.
However, there is more to kitchen lighting than the temperature of your bulbs. It's also about layering – the kitchen lighting rule of three comes in really handy here to ensure you have a mix of task and accent lighting, balancing the practical and cozier uses of the space.
'Lighting plays a critical role in shaping how the room feels and functions. Thoughtful, multi-layered lighting adds warmth, dimension, and versatility, allowing the kitchen to transition seamlessly from everyday use to entertaining,' says Kayli Rowsell, design manager at Arteriors.
'Adding softer touches, like ceramic highlights, beautifully glazed fittings, or even a reading light beside an upholstered chair, makes the kitchen feel as cozy and welcoming as the rest of the house. Lighting is no longer just about seeing clearly; it’s about how the space makes you feel,' agrees Jo Plant, chief creative officer at Pooky.
A small lamp makes such a difference to the warmth and coziness of your kitchen. This charming design, featuring a round base and pleated shade, is a timeless choice.
This classic cone sconce comes in a range of finishes, from brass and bronze to cooler metal tones. Choose between a milk or a clear shade to suit your kitchen scheme.
A pendant light with texture adds so much more interest to a kitchen. This design is made from recycled glass, and comes in three different glass colors.
2. Cluttered Surfaces – Especially Kitchen Countertops
No one wants to spend time in a messy kitchen, and if we're honest, the last place we want to bring guests is a room that exposes our less-than-organized state. The problem doubles in a kitchen, where cluttered surfaces can quite literally make the space unusable.
‘Clutter can make for an unwelcoming kitchen – whether it’s dishes in the sink or an overcluttered countertop. Everything should have a place,' says interior designer Kara Adam, who recommends 'integrating an appliance garage or a coffee bar to keep clutter off the counters.'
And it's organizing your hidden storage that enables the visual areas to feel tidier, and in turn, creates a kitchen that feels more welcoming. 'Creative custom storage within a kitchen is key to the overall functionality of the space, not only in ensuring it works effectively, but also helping to keep work surfaces clutter-free,' says Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune.
'From deep pan drawers to zig-zag shelf fittings, shelf risers to raise items in the back of the cupboard, or drawer inserts for cutlery or spice jars, there are so many options to ensure your kitchen works beautifully and efficiently for you,' he adds.
Even if you are not in a position to go fully custom with your storage, Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors, assures it can be as simple as rethinking the most used areas of your kitchen to make them more organized and easy to stay on top of.
'Adding practical elements such as spice racks, utensil dividers, and built-in waste management systems helps you make the best use of every inch of space. These details ensure that your kitchen remains organized and clutter-free while enhancing its usability.'
There are so many kitchen drawer organizers out there, but this one stands out as it is extendable. Simply pull out the right-hand side to create an extra storage section.
These pegboard drawer organizers don't look like much, but they are endlessly useful for storing plates, baking trays, and even pots and pans in large drawers.
These shelf risers are so useful for maximizing cabinet storage. They are perfect for mugs and dishes, but they also work a treat in a pantry so you can see everything.
3. Lack of Personalization and Comfort
No one wants to spend time in a room that's stark and void of any interest or personalization. And the latter is usually what the most unwelcoming kitchens lack. But decor and meaningful pieces collected or inherited over time are the simplest way to bring your cooking space to life, and make it a room you actually enjoy using.
'I see clients sometimes skip on personal touches in a kitchen, choosing functionality over everything. Things like art, a small lamp, a plant, or a decorative fruit bowl can make your kitchen feel soulful and cozy,' says interior designer Hattie Sparks Collins.
Kitchen shelving is the perfect place to introduce a more personal touch, as Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture, explains. 'We believe that our shelves should be a reflection of our personalities and exhibit the objects that we have collected throughout our lives.'
Bo continues: 'When it comes to styling my own shelves, I have found that selecting just a few beautiful pieces to display can make the most decorative impact and be the most sentimental. Many forget that storage can be part of the interior design scheme, and by displaying and styling our objects, we can merge function with decoration.'
If you have a small kitchen with no space to fill with decor, there are other ways to bring in a sense of warmth and personalization through the bones of your design. 'Clients are looking for kitchens that feel personal, timeless, and connected to the broader interior of the home,' agrees Catherine of Gruver Cooley.
'Warm metals and tactile finishes introduce softness and approachability, balancing the clean lines and advanced technology found in today’s kitchens. Sculptural and thoughtfully chosen hardware allows designers to add personality and craftsmanship without relying on overly trendy elements.'
If you don't have pendant lights, or if you are renting and can't change your fixtures, this cordless rattan lamp is a chic way to bring in warmer, more natural finishes.
Elevating essential kitchen items is a great way to make your scheme feel more personalized. This marble fruit bowl is a perfect example, adding a luxe detail.
Swapping out your kitchen hardware for something more fun and decorative instantly makes your kitchen more unique. These leaf-themed knobs are a chic example.
Making your kitchen feel more welcoming really doesn't require a whole new space; it's simply a case of spotting the details that feel uninviting and finding quick and easy swaps to fix them.
These are the three designers always notice, and they've proved just how simple it is to fix them, but it's also worth looking out for features that make a kitchen look dated, as these can also have an impact on how welcoming your scheme feels.
