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"Unkitchen" Your Kitchen: how to make your kitchen a warm, inviting space

June 21, 2023

A cosy character kitchen by Thomas Leonczik

Are you tired of your kitchen feeling cold and purely functional?

I'm currently in love with the delightful new micro trend sweeping the interior design world, and it's all about unkitchening your kitchen! Say goodbye to those upper cabinets, banish the cold white worktops and say hello to a warm and inviting culinary sanctuary.

For me, this is all about making your kitchen a space you want to spend time in, that's warm, inviting and reflects your interior aesthetic. And crucially for me, making your kitchen somewhere that reflects and invites in your everyday life, in all its joy and meaning. We have to credit Devol Kitchens as such a pioneer of this trend and I find their kitchens endlessly inspiring! Every time I spot a beautiful kitchen online or on social media, I can guarantee it's from Devol... It's also worth reading "Uncommon Kitchens" by Sophie Donelson which is full of beautiful images!

In this blog post, i'm diving into the world of unkitchening and I'll share some styling tips to transform your kitchen into a haven that oozes charm and personality. So, let's get started!

Add furniture instead of built-in cabinets: For me, my kitchen feels more authentic with vintage furniture instead of cold, sterile built-in cabinets. This could be an antique armoire repurposed as a cabinet for plates and cups, or a salvaged wood butcher's block island. Remove those upper cabinets that create a barrier between you and your cooking area. Embrace open shelving, which not only creates an airy feel but also allows you to showcase your most cherished vintage finds and unique pieces.

A green painted kitchen with open shelving

Image / design credit: Hollie Velten-Lattrell

Vintage Finds & Unique Treasures: Now comes the fun part—hunting for vintage and unique items to infuse your kitchen with character. Explore flea markets, car boot sales and online platforms for one-of-a-kind treasures that reflect your personal style. Look for old mason jars (I love using vintage French clear and green glass jars), antique plates, retro signage, or even quirky kitchen gadgets. These elements will instantly add warmth and nostalgia to your culinary haven. One of my very favourite pieces is an antique coffee grinder - used across France and the Netherlands for many years, these are usually wooden with a painted metal top. Simply pop your coffee beans in the drawer, close it up and spin the handle to grind away! Beautiful, practical and full of character.

Image credit: French Garden House

Embrace Natural Materials: Incorporating natural materials is key to creating a cosy atmosphere in your kitchen. Opt for wooden countertops or butcher block surfaces that bring a touch of rustic charm. Consider swapping out your ordinary kitchen chairs for vintage wooden ones or add a natural fibre rug to anchor the space. These small changes will make a big impact on the overall aesthetic. One of my very favourite styling pieces for a warm kitchen is an antique wooden bread board - originally used for dough kneading in the Mediterranean and full of grain and authenticity. I layer them up or prop them against the counter tops, and also use them as serving platters.

Antique wooden bread boards styled in a Devol kitchen

Image credit: Devol Kitchens

Let There Be Light: Good lighting can work wonders in transforming any space, and your kitchen is no exception. Replace harsh overhead lights (like those darned celing spotlights!) with softer options, such as pendant lights or vintage-inspired fixtures. To enhance the warm ambiance, consider installing dimmer switches, allowing you to create the perfect mood for any occasion. Don't forget task lighting for when you are hard at work cooking. This could be as simple as a vintage desk lamp fixed above your work space.

Antiques used in a kitchen vintage glass storage jars

Image credit: Devol Kitchens

Greenery Galore: Plants have a magical way of bringing life and vibrancy to any space. I love styling with fresh plants, foliage and flowers. For me, they add a freshness to my often very simple and considered interior pieces and furniture. Add a touch of nature to your kitchen by incorporating potted herbs, small succulents, or hanging planters. Not only will they purify the air and add a pop of colour, but they'll also infuse your kitchen with a refreshing and inviting atmosphere. I have a bonsai tree in my kitchen which brings me great joy when I am washing up! And I love to use antique pots and vases to hold fresh flowers in the summer (often picked from my allotment!)

Fresh flowers styled in a kitchen to add softness and greenery

Image credit: ourfoodstories.com

Use art in the kitchen: using art in your kitchen is unexpected, but it's actually a fantastic way to add colour, life and texture to your space. You can't be too precious about this, I prop vintage oil paintings up on the worktop (fine as long as they are away from water and cooking splashes!) and frame character prints for the walls. Again, think of your kitchen as a living space, where you deserve to be surrounded by furniture and accessories that bring you joy. Antique and vintage art is a great way to do this!

Image credit: thesavvyheart.com

Also think about colour! Saturated colours on the walls (vs sterile white) are a beautiful way to bring depth, interest and warmth to your kitchen. I'm redesigning our galley kitchen this year and already have my Farrow and Ball swatches out! Think forest green, mustard, deep pink, let yourself go!

Image credit: Sophie Donelson / Patric Biller

Unkitchening your kitchen is all about embracing a warmer and more personable space. By removing upper cabinets and incorporating vintage and unique pieces, you can transform your kitchen into an oasis of charm and personality. Remember to declutter, seek out vintage finds, use natural materials, play with lighting and add a touch of greenery.

Let your creativity soar, and enjoy the process of curating a kitchen that not only caters to your culinary needs but also reflects your individuality. Happy unkitchening!

Shopping the unkitchen look

Inspired to unkitchen your kitchen? Here are a few finds from my store that might fit the bill.