by Blake Herzog
Lots of people want their home bathroom to have the natural, relaxing ambiance you’re likely to find in a high-end spa. Why stop there?
The kitchen is placed at the heart of most homes and is the hub for the often pleasant, sometimes stressful activities of cooking and socializing with family and friends. Some have an easier time at cooking and multitasking than others and need all the help they can get at chilling out while they’re heating everything up.
Between major renovations and subtle design tweaks there are many ways to infuse these vibes into your kitchen:
- Natural ingredients — Authentic stone and wood on the counters, floors, shelves and cabinets impart a grounding tie to the power and strength of nature we can draw from as we prepare healthful meals for our families.
Everything from cutting boards to utensils to storage containers (in the form of baskets and canisters) can be made of these spiritually rewarding materials to lend a soothing hand, and if you’re up for a major makeover consider marble, quartzite or more affordable limestone or slate countertops.
- Neutral hues — Tastes can differ greatly between people, but when it comes to relaxation most agree that paler versions of the family of neutral colors — white, beige, taupe, cream, gray and the occasional black accent — are the most soothing.
They’re easier on the eyes and make it easier to see natural grain, veins and imperfections, which make its origin easier to see.
- Hints of green — Quite a few spas incorporate plants into their décor, and they can work even better in a kitchen, where fresh herbs are a godsend to anyone preparing fresh, invigorating cuisine.
Many other plants like pothos, spider and snake plants are very low-maintenance and provide refreshing reminders of nature and growth, while aloe vera also provides a natural remedy to any minor burns sustained while cooking. Live plants are best, but if none will work faux or dried ones can also add charm.
- Soothing scents — Baking, roasting, simmering and sauteing your food will of course generate some strong aromas, almost all of them enticing but not all of them calming. And you won’t necessarily get that pleasure out of just putting together a sandwich or salad.
Growing herbs is a great way to incorporate aromatherapy into the kitchen mix and diffusers emanating the smell of food-related essential oils including basil, chamomile, citrus, carrot seed, garlic, spearmint or sage will keep your chill without affecting your appetite.
- Clutter-free space — We know this can be difficult to achieve but once you have, you’ll never go back because it makes you feel so much better.
Find places to stow away as many countertop appliances as possible, no matter how often you use them. Keep all the dishes, pots, pans and utensils in cabinets and drawers instead of trying to pass them off as décor.
Don’t let mail, keys and other debris of everyday life collect on the counter.
