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Tristan Elliott

How to Make Your Kitchen Feel More Social

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Your kitchen is supposed to be the hub of the household, but it can be difficult to make it actually feel that way if it’s cramped, inefficient, or even just a little ‘blah’. There are many things you can do to make your kitchen feel more social and encourage your family and friends to want to hang out there. Here are some tricks for your kitchen remodel in St. Louis.

Open things up.

The first and most obvious tip is to get rid of any unnecessary walls or counters that are blocking the flow of traffic in your space. When it’s easier for people to see each other, they will be more likely to want to chat and spend time together. Consider removing the wall between your kitchen and living room, or just move your island to another location to make it easier to talk to those sitting at the kitchen table. Not only will this make your kitchen feel social on a daily basis, but the more space you have in your kitchen, the easier it is to throw parties.

Set up a relaxed bar area.

When you’re just having a drink, sometimes sitting down at a table can feel a bit too formal. However, you don’t want to stand up the entire time either. Solve this problem by creating a bar area. If you have a counter already in place, install bar stools on one side, and a cabinet or bar cart for drinks on the other. If you’re putting in an island during your remodel, you can also install a bar there. This makes conversation feel very natural and accessible instead of too forced.

Add comfortable bench seating.

Another way to add relaxed seating options is to install a bench. If you have an unused wall or window, you can take that space and put in a small nook with comfortable cushioned seating. This allows even more people to sit in your kitchen, and makes it feel very comfortable and welcoming. It’s an ideal place to relax and chat while eating breakfast in the morning or winding down at the end of the night. Be sure to include nearby lighting so that the users can properly see each other.

Install open shelving.

When everyone in your kitchen has access to the glasses, silverware, and cooking tools they need, the kitchen immediately starts to feel a bit more welcoming. An easy way to make everything accessible is to install open shelving instead of bulky cabinets. Open shelves are very trendy right now, and if you enjoy collecting beautiful kitchenware, this is the perfect way to show it off. If you have kids, you also may want to consider installing shelving lower to the ground where they can access it, kitchens and bathrooms alike.

Connect to outdoor spaces.

If you can, connecting your kitchen to your back patio or deck is a very effective way to make it feel more social, because you can easily host meals outdoors when the weather is pleasant. Open up your walls and add windows to make everything feel brighter and happier, and use natural decor elements to bring in the pleasant feeling of the outdoors. Focusing on the flow of your home will make it all feel more sociable and welcoming.

Globally-Inspired Kitchen Trends

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If you’re remodeling your kitchen soon, you’ve likely been looking for a theme or style to base your decor around. One of the most popular themes for home decor right now is global-inspired touches. Designers are taking common kitchen decor elements from places around the world and incorporating them into their client’s kitchens. Here are some of the biggest trends that we’ve brought from around the world to kitchen remodeling in St. Louis.

Mediterranean-inspired Backsplashes

Unique tiling has been all the rage over the past few years, and many people are taking their inspiration from the brightly colored tiles that you might find in the homes of Mediterranean countries, such as Greece or Italy. In particular, deep indigo, pale yellow, and white or cream are popular color combinations. A bright backsplash is a great way to liven up a kitchen and make it look more exciting.

Refined French Baroque Elements

If you like a very luxe look in your home, then French baroque style will be perfect for you. The French are known for their elegance and style, and the baroque elements bring a bit of history and weight to otherwise girly elements. When combined with modern or traditional elements, French baroque results in a very chic and fashionable kitchen that is still versatile enough to last the test of time. Some of the specific elements of French baroque include gold hardware, opulent chandeliers and sconces, and elegant florals, all of which work well in many different types of kitchens.

Asian-inspired Plants

Asian design is very universally appealing, with clean lines, rich colors, and an emphasis on nature. This style works particularly well in kitchens, because it brings life into a room that is traditionally more functional than stylish. In particular, the influence of Asian plants such as bamboo is a popular trend at the moment. Bamboo is a popular material for wood flooring because it has a light finish and is very sustainable, but using plants as decor is also a great way to make your kitchen feel a bit more interesting.

Sleek Scandinavian

Scandinavian minimalism has been one of the most unique and exciting trends in home decor over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why so many people love it. It’s easy to execute, and has a look that’s clean and soothing without being boring. To achieve the Scandinavian look, opt for sleek surfaces in a neutral color palette, and then accessorize with a few high-quality artisan items in soothing colors such as deep blues, greens, or purples.

Ornate Middle Eastern Touches

Middle Eastern inspired kitchens are ideal for those who want some opulence and glamor in their space. Middle Eastern kitchens incorporate complex backsplashes similar to those used in Mediterranean design, as well as gold touches, high arches and columns, and skylights. If your kitchen already has high ceilings, installing arches adds detail and interest, and makes your kitchen feel very grounded. Materials in Middle Eastern design are generally on the heavier side, such as deep woods or marble. Handcrafted rugs are also commonly used as an accent.

Bringing global influence to your kitchen is a great way to personalize it and make it feel more vibrant, particularly if you are incorporating trends from your native culture. When using global design principles, you can get very creative and pick and choose the ones that make the most sense for your style.