Select Elegant Fixtures And Hardware Options

Let's begin with arguably the most vital component of any kitchen: the fixtures. While it's nice to imagine the only use for your kitchen being a community space, the fact of the matter is that it is a highly utilitarian one that requires the need for various fittings to make it so. However, when searching for high-quality tapware and fitting components, there are a few things to keep in mind. These include:

‍

• Material choice: When it comes to material choice, the sky is really the limit. However, in terms of what we might consider to be "high-quality," there are a few options that stand out. These include stainless steel, which is generally thought to be the gold standard in terms of style and finish, or brass, which can be an excellent option for slightly more rustic, less contemporary kitchen aesthetics. 
• Functionality: think about what you need to get from your kitchen, and you'll be better positioned to choose fixtures based on your requirements. For instance, when it comes to your taps, will you need pull-out sprays or temperature-controlled water for various tasks? Or will you require a deep sink capable of holding lots of plates and cutlery that a larger family might produce? It's these sorts of questions that ought to form the basis of your research.
• Design: If you're aiming for a sleek and modern style, then your fixtures need to compliment this decision and blend in with the style you're aiming for. Conversely, if you are seeking something a little more rustic, then any fittings you invest in must fit with this choice. The point is that whatever direction you choose to go in terms of aesthetics, your fittings need to follow suit to avoid a jarring, out-of-place feel that can completely ruin the look and feel of the place.
• Finish and durability: This point is crucial to anyone who appreciates the value of longevity. When picking out these items, make sure they are well-made and utilize various processes and materials that are well-known to be long-lasting. Moreover, check what fittings are used to secure the products to the work surfaces. By checking how they are fixed to other things (e.g., how the taps are fixed to the sink, etc), you will get a good idea of how long they might last.
• Brand: Yes, brand shouldn't count for much, but the fact is that the more you are willing to spend on specific brands, the more likely it is you'll end up with a better finish. Well-known brands are also far more likely to honor warranties if something goes awry than lesser-known options that have been shipped in from Aliexpress and the like.
• Lifestyle: How you use your kitchen will have an outsized influence on what fittings you opt for. For instance, if you have young children, you'll probably look for those that are incredibly sturdy and can withstand repeated heavy use. If you also have a tiny home and need to make better use of your space, then investing in solutions that incorporate clever use of space will go a long way in ensuring you maximize what little space is available to you.

Add Greenery For A Fresh Touch

You might immediately associate plants with the kitchen, but adding in a few low-maintenance plants can go a long way in turning the space from a utilitarian but rather staid-looking space into something that appears to have a bit more life. The plants you choose are up to you, but in most cases, it's best to opt for those that are relatively easy to look after and won't cause too much of a mess. If you really want to up your kitchen game, you can also set up a dedicated space where you have fresh herbs growing that you can use in your recipes.

While you'll not want to use up too much space for larger plants, herbs work amazingly and kill two birds with one stone. In fact, really every kitchen, regardless of size, should include at least the essential herbs you use most often. Outside of herbs, if you have enough space, you can place options like spider plants, pothos, and possibly even aloe vera to add a touch of elegance and class while offering an airy feeling to the space. Just make sure that whatever plants you choose to add are placed near the natural light sources and have plenty of space to thrive. With a bit of care, you can create a vibrant and healthy indoor garden that will enhance your cooking experience.

‍

Utilize Open Shelving For Visual Appeal

Cupboards serve a specific purpose and shouldn't be entirely eschewed in favor of a fully open style, but if you really want a modern and spacious feeling kitchen, open shelving is really the way to go. Now, as with anything in life, there is a right way and wrong way to go about this (and not only depending on your personal preferences). For example, you will need to make sure that everything is placed neatly so that you avoid creating a cluttered feel throughout the kitchen. Moreover, it's prudent only to display your nicest stuff and hide away those things that you don't want to get rid of and still use, but that might also be a little worse for wear.

It's also preferable to only place similar things together to generate a feeling of coherence throughout. In practice, this means putting the plates and bowls in one area, the cups elsewhere, and perhaps placing all of your kitchen paraphernalia in one spot. The last thing you want is to remove all of your cupboard doors, only to throw everything inside in a haphazard manner. You will also gain bonus elegance points if you take the time to carefully consider how you use your kitchen and place things in such a way that maintains a flow around the kitchen. This not only creates a more pleasant atmosphere but can also make cooking far more efficient and help to produce less mess.

‍

Invest In Stylish Kitchen Accessories (And Display Them Proudly)

Kitchen accessories tend to vary from beneficial items to items that you buy on Amazon because Amazon recommends them to you based on your shopping habits, but you actually find out that they are a waste of money. When it comes to the former, you might consider displaying them in places where they are easy to access, and if they happen to be well-constructed using quality materials, they will be an incredible addition to the overall look of the space.

You could place them neatly together in the aforementioned open shelving and wait for the day you'll use them to be dotted around in strategic locations where you are most likely to use them. For example, if you frequently use a blender, you can place it near your sink so that once you're done, you can place it out of sight and ready to be washed. When it comes to more significant stuff like white goods, if they are a high-quality brand that makes prolific use of stainless steel, try to avoid hiding them away behind cabinet doors as they can also become centerpieces in their own right.

Keep Countertops Clutter-Free For Spaciousness

Nobody likes clutter, and while it can have a habit of forming over time but remains innocuous when it piles up in your kitchen, it quickly becomes an annoyance that hinders your cooking. Instead, keep your space clear of anything that looks like it will cause clutter. You can achieve this by triaging your kitchen equipment by ranking the things you are most likely to use on a consistent basis and keeping those readily at hand. The stuff that you use once in a blue moon can be stashed away.

‍

Incorporate Natural Light

Natural light has always been and will continue to be one of the key indicators of elegance. There is something utterly fantastic about bathing in natural light as opposed to artificial lighting, and it can only be ached from a well-thought-out plan. You can even increase the feeling of size if you live in a smaller house by opting to bring more in or utilizing clever tricks like mirrors, et al. If you have the chance, you should also think about installing a velux-style window that can illuminate entire spaces effortlessly.

‍

There is much you can do if you want to turn a humdrum kitchen into one that looks like it was lifted straight out of a stately home. From the fittings and fixtures you invest into the sort of light you choose to illuminate the escape, you have a lot of options to choose from to help you create a space you're proud to call your kitchen.