6 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Rock

Cooking, chatting, creating – your kitchen is the heart of a home. It can be practical and functional too, and the great thing about it is that it can also serve as a space where everyone congregates. If you find yourself quickly preparing meals or struggling to find enough space, getting creative with kitchen design ideas can help transform your kitchen into an inviting space filled with lively conversation. Some new decor and a few fresh accessories can create an ideal area for relaxing with your morning coffee or socializing over a delicious home-cooked meal.

1. A Clean, Fresh Start

You don't need to spend a fortune to create a relaxing kitchen space that's perfect for the whole family to hang out in. So before you go out and splurge on all-new everything, take a minute to assess if the things you have are really creating the kind of space you want. Sort through your drawers and cabinets, clear off all the counter tops and take time to really think about whether or not you need everything you're hanging on to.

Once you've completed the first sweep, give it a good scrub down – it's amazing what a little elbow grease can do to brighten up a space. Then use organizers, canisters and racks to maximize storage space and keep things tidy so it's easier to find things when you need them.

2. Tasty Treats

Is there anything better than lingering over small bites with friends? Make your kitchen feel extra inviting by keeping handful of snackable treats on hand. A festive bowl of fruit, a jar of candies or a tin of homemade crackers make for great eye candy and even better snacking. Show them off and keep them on hand in stylish serving pieces.

3. Light Up Your Life

Bright spaces feel so open and relaxing! Even if you're not blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows, you can make any room feel  airy and light by choosing breezy drapes for your windows to let more natural light in. Use light colors to boost the effects of natural light and add extra lighting fixtures to open up the space. Add an extra pendant light above your table or kitchen island to create a cozy atmosphere any time.

4. Create Cozy Seating Areas

Channel a little of that living room feeling in your kitchen with a cozy seating area where you can kick back and relax. If you've got the space, add a pair of armchairs in a corner to create an instant reading nook. If not, you can boost the cozy feeling by adding a couple of throw pillows to your existing seating. Look for upholstered chairs or add lots of cushions to wooden chairs and benches.

5. Vibrant & Bright

Plants help you feel calm and relaxed, and they liven up your kitchen space. Add potted plants or a small herb garden to windowsills and countertops to brighten your space. Add vases filled with fresh or faux flowers on your tabletop, counters or shelves. Decorate your tabletop with garlands and wreaths – even after the holidays – to add a festive touch at any time of the year.

6. Turn on Some Tunes

A little bit of music can make any kitchen feel like the perfect place to hang out. Whether you're blasting your favorite hits from high-tech electronics or just unwinding with a podcast straight off of your phone, it's so nice to have some music as you cook up delicious dishes or catch up with loved ones.