CHEERFUL KITCHENS

Culinary zone

Driven partly by the clean eating movement and in part by unprecedented restrictions due to COVID19, cooking at home has suddenly taken centre stage. In fact, research shows that when we have extra hours at home, we’re most likely to spend them in the kitchen.

These days, almost everyone – millennials who live on their own, working mums and dads, and even entire families – is enjoying cooking food over the weekend.

Whether you’re making hipster classics such as avocado on toast and sourdough bread or whipping up traditional recipes, a bright and inviting kitchen will not only lift your spirits but give your food that extra zing too.

VIBRANT SPLASH Liven up your kitchen with a riot of colour – a tradition in many cultures of Central and South America. Use your choice of paint to brighten the cabinet doors and walls or opt for glazed tiles to introduce vibrancy.

Sunshiny yellows, cheerful reds, merry blues and leafy greens are primary colours that work beautifully. If you have ample counter space, you could also colourise with storage jars and trays.

PRETTY PATTERNS Solid colours are a safe choice but patterns can bring that wow factor to your culinary zone. Find ways to work pretty patterns into the decor – from humidity resistant wallpaper and cool kitchen towels to intricate ceiling runners.

The idea is to add elements that will transform your kitchen from drab to fab – and your cooking from being a dull chore to an inspiring activity.

FRAGRANT SPACE Try substituting chemical infused cleaning products with natural and fragrant cleansers. For instance, the acid in lemon juice works wonders on grease. It’s good for countertops and the stove, and also as a natural freshening agent. Best of all, it has a wonderful aroma.

Essential oils (such as citrus oils) are generally effective for degreasing while tea tree oil is a great all-purpose cleaner. SPRING-CLEANING Besides design and decor, the most effective way to brighten up your kitchen is to give it a thorough cleaning and decluttering.

Wipe down the windows till they’re absolutely clear and let in natural light. Scrub the stove, backwash and tiling till they gleam, and clear your counters of all unnecessary items. Get rid of cookware or ingredients that have been sitting around unused for years.

Let’s face it, if you didn’t use them in 2020, you probably never will!