Cooking in America has become somewhat of a forgotten craft. Sure, many Americans do prepare home-cooked meals on occasion, but the rise of fast food and ready-made meals is a convenience that has fueled our busy lives.
According to The Washington Post, the home-cooked meal is suffering a slow death. Americans are leaving behind their stoves, countertops, and cutting boards in favor of internet deliveries and the microwave oven.
But learning to cook is a feat that will impress your friends and family, and one of the easiest ways to reinvigorate your interest in cooking is to upgrade your kitchen. After all, if you’re going to be making your own meals, it makes sense to pretty up your workspace.
Redesign Your Kitchen Lights
A well-lit kitchen will drastically enhance its appeal. Most kitchen plans in America are open, meaning that anyone from the dining area will be able to take a peek and look at you while you cook. You don’t want them to see a dark and depressing scene while you juggle pots and pans, so why not brighten up the area and put on a good show for your guests?
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use kitchen lights that complement the rest of your home
- Combine lighting on multiple levels
- Use a dimmer to control each set of lights
- Don’t restrict yourself to just ceiling lights
There’s plenty of places online to gather inspiration and also order beautiful kitchen lights.
Install New Cabinets and Counters
Most of your time in the kitchen will be split between the cooker and your counters. Over time, the counters will wear down from frequent use, and they can look worn out and depressing. Take a look at these beautiful kitchen ideas and see for yourself how simply replacing your countertops can transform your kitchen into a vibrant and welcoming space.
Cabinet coordination is also very important. You’ll need to pick the correct materials and colors to fit your lighting. Would you prefer muted colors and a grey undertone to give a relaxed atmosphere, or a bright lacquered coating to give your kitchen a modern look? There’s plenty of inspiration on the internet to help get the creative juices flowing.
But not all of us are budding kitchen designers. Most of us probably wouldn’t know the difference between all the different materials and what kind of vibe they can add to the kitchen. Thankfully, there are plenty of online services that would be more than happy to schedule a free consultation, such as New Leaf Cabinets & Counters.
Completely Remodel the Layout
If your kitchen really hasn’t seen much use (or too much use!), then perhaps it’s time for a complete makeover. Remodeling isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, it can completely change your outlook on your cooking area, and with enough work, it’ll freshen up your home to make it feel new again.
If your current kitchen is closed off in its own room, then there’s the option of completely taking down a wall to convert it into an open-plan kitchen. It’s a very popular modern look that’s become increasingly common across America, and it’s the ultimate social atmosphere during a dinner party or when inviting friends over.