By Laura Rancie.
The funny thing about Australian kitchens is that we have some of the most visually pleasing kitchens in the entire world, with stunning aesthetics, modern appliances, large open spaces, butler’s pantries and gorgeous tapware.
However, we also love eating out. A lot. So sometimes our kitchens get underutilised. However, for those who truly enjoy the art of cooking, you will understand that a well laid out kitchen, stocked pantry and cleaned-out fridge is one of the joys of being a home cook – I’m looking at you, all you Three Birds reno-ers.
Whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking up a feast for a dinner party you’re hosting, there’s no denying that a well-functioning kitchen increases happiness, creates a space to gather loved ones and oozes ‘I love my home’ satisfaction.
Let’s take a look at easy ways to boost your kitchen’s appeal so that you not only enjoy eating good food but enjoy spending time in your kitchen, making it.
1. Fresh Cut Flowers or Australian Natives:
Just glance at any kitchen advertisement and chances are you’ll see a barefoot beauty with flowing hair, a dog at her side and beautifully arranged flowers on her kitchen table. Fresh flowers may seem like a small thing, but flowers can brighten up a kitchen and make it look cheery.
2. A Set of Really Great Knives:
There’s something to be said about having the right tools for the job and the kitchen is just as crucial to stand by this - from a cheese knife to a butter knife to your everyday favourite set of knives you bring out at every meal time, to the bread knife.
Then there’s a whole array of knives such as French brand, Opinel, that are functional but also aesthetically pleasing with colourful or illustrated handles; to handles made from beautifully crafted woods like hard and durable beech in its variety of hues to soft-to-the-touch olive wood with stunning veining.
3. Pots and Pans:
Sure – they were born to be purely functional and serve a purpose, day in, day out, but there’s no reason you can’t glam up your kitchen by displaying your favourite pots and pans.
Many years ago, I saved all my pennies and bought myself a complete range of Mauviel French copper pots. They have been the pride of my kitchens ever since, moving from home to home. We always find a wall to hang a copper bar and display all my copper pots. Yes – I used to shine them every Sunday but these days, I love the weathered-in patina the copper shows off from years of pure cooking bliss, heat, smoke and fire. You don’t need copper pots, just find your favourite cookware and make it the heart of your kitchen, on display.
4. Tapware and Handles:
It’s not just about the plain silver came-with-my-house-when-we-bought-it, type of tap. These days you can switch an old tap for a glossy or mat, coloured or hued, vintage or modern, brassy or any other metal colour you desire – type of tap. Mixer taps, boiling water taps, faucets that twist, that turn, that switch on and off. We love the Australian brand, ABI Interiors.
5. Dedicated Stations:
If you love tea - create a tea station that’s permanently on display loaded with your favourite matcha, herbal teas and tisanes and your fave black tea. Consider a luxe tray to base everything on, some cute tea cups stacked on top of each other and a few fancy spoons.
If it’s coffee you’re hanging for, create a little hub around your coffee machine or a nook for your juices and smoothies, complete with a juice menu and smoothie cups on display.
